Exodus 22:15
But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּעָלָ֥יו
But if the owner
H1167
בְּעָלָ֥יו
But if the owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
2 of 10
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
עִמּ֖וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 10
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
thereof be with it he shall not make it good
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
thereof be with it he shall not make it good
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
5 of 10
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
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
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Analysis & Commentary
But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
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.