Exodus 22:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שְׁבֻעַ֣ת

H7621

Then shall an oath

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תִּֽהְיֶה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בֵּ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם

H8147

be between them both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁלַ֛ח

H7971

that he hath not put

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָד֖וֹ

H3027

his hand

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

#10

בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶת

H4399

goods

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#11

רֵעֵ֑הוּ

H7453

unto his neighbour's

an associate (more or less close)

#12

וְלָקַ֥ח

H3947

of it shall accept

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#13

בְּעָלָ֖יו

H1167

and the owner

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃

H7999

thereof and he shall not make it good

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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