Exodus 22:1
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִגְנֹֽב
shall steal
H1589
יִגְנֹֽב
shall steal
Strong's:
H1589
Word #:
2 of 18
to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
אִישׁ֙
If a man
H376
אִישׁ֙
If a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אוֹ
H176
אוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 18
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
8 of 18
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
מְכָר֑וֹ
it or sell
H4376
מְכָר֑וֹ
it or sell
Strong's:
H4376
Word #:
9 of 18
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
בָקָ֗ר
oxen
H1241
בָקָ֗ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
11 of 18
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
יְשַׁלֵּם֙
it he shall restore
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּם֙
it he shall restore
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
12 of 18
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
13 of 18
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
צֹ֖אן
sheep
H6629
צֹ֖אן
sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
16 of 18
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Cross References
Luke 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.2 Samuel 12:6And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.Proverbs 6:31But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.Numbers 5:7Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes varied on theft penalties. Hammurabi required 30-fold for temple theft, 10-fold for palace theft, or death if unable to pay. Israel's graduated restitution (4-5x) was humane while deterring theft.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does restitution exceed the theft (400-500%)—what principles of justice does this teach?
- How does Christ's payment for sin exemplify ultimate restitution—paying infinitely more than we owe?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Restitution exceeds theft—'five oxen for an ox' (חֲמִשָּׁה בָקָר, chamishah vaqar) means 500% repayment for oxen, 400% for sheep. Why the difference? Oxen are working animals; stealing one damages victim's livelihood more. The restitution is restorative justice—victim is made whole plus penalty discourages theft. This contrasts with retributive systems (punishment without restitution). Zacchaeus offers fourfold restitution (Luke 19:8), applying this principle. The gospel is ultimate restitution—Christ pays infinitely more than we stole (His life for our sin). Where sin increased, grace abounded more (Romans 5:20).