Exodus 22:11
Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁבֻעַ֣ת
Then shall an oath
H7621
שְׁבֻעַ֣ת
Then shall an oath
Strong's:
H7621
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
תִּֽהְיֶה֙
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֵּ֣ין
H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 15
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁלַ֛ח
that he hath not put
H7971
שָׁלַ֛ח
that he hath not put
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶת
goods
H4399
בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶת
goods
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
וְלָקַ֥ח
of it shall accept
H3947
וְלָקַ֥ח
of it shall accept
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
12 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְּעָלָ֖יו
and the owner
H1167
בְּעָלָ֖יו
and the owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
13 of 15
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
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.