Exodus 22:14
And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִשְׁאַ֥ל
borrow
H7592
יִשְׁאַ֥ל
borrow
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
2 of 13
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 13
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)
עִמּ֖וֹ
thereof being not with it
H5973
עִמּ֖וֹ
thereof being not with it
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אוֹ
H176
אוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
7 of 13
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
מֵ֑ת
or die
H4191
מֵ֑ת
or die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בְּעָלָ֥יו
the owner
H1167
בְּעָלָ֥יו
the owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
9 of 13
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
עִמּ֖וֹ
thereof being not with it
H5973
עִמּ֖וֹ
thereof being not with it
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Exodus 21:34The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.Deuteronomy 15:2And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release.Leviticus 24:18And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.Exodus 22:11Then 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.Luke 6:35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
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
And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely 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.