Exodus 22:14

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִשְׁאַ֥ל
borrow
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#3
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
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)
#4
עִמּ֖וֹ
thereof being not with it
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#5
רֵעֵ֖הוּ
ought of his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#6
וְנִשְׁבַּ֣ר
and it be hurt
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#7
אוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#8
מֵ֑ת
or die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#9
בְּעָלָ֥יו
the owner
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#10
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#11
עִמּ֖וֹ
thereof being not with it
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
he shall surely
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#13
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
he shall surely
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 salvation 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

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