Exodus Chapter 22 · Verse 10
If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִתֵּן֩
deliver
H5414
יִתֵּן֩
deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אִ֨ישׁ
If a man
H376
אִ֨ישׁ
If a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 20
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 #:
7 of 20
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אוֹ
H176
אוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
9 of 20
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
or any beast
H929
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
or any beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
לִשְׁמֹ֑ר
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֑ר
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וּמֵ֛ת
and it die
H4191
וּמֵ֛ת
and it die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
14 of 20
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
15 of 20
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
17 of 20
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
Historical Context
These civil regulations distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, creating a society reflecting God's justice. The laws balance individual rights with community welfare, property rights with compassion for the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Analysis & Commentary
If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
This ordinance reveals God's comprehensive justice—regulating economic transactions, property rights, and social relationships. The mishpatim create framework for covenant community to flourish. Each law applies broader principles: love God supremely, love neighbor practically. Modern believers aren't bound by ceremonial laws but should pursue their spirit—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). God's character revealed in law guides Christian ethics.