Exodus 22:2
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת
breaking up
H4290
בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת
breaking up
Strong's:
H4290
Word #:
2 of 9
a burglary; figuratively, unexpected examination
יִמָּצֵ֥א
be found
H4672
יִמָּצֵ֥א
be found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וְהֻכָּ֣ה
and be smitten
H5221
וְהֻכָּ֣ה
and be smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
5 of 9
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 24:43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.Numbers 35:27And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern theft penalties varied widely—some death, some forced labor, some restitution. Israel's approach balanced deterrence with restoration, protecting both victim and perpetrator.
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
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Theft laws emphasize restitution over retribution—restoring victims exceeds merely punishing thieves. The graduated penalties (200-500% depending on circumstances) deter theft while providing for victim's losses. This restorative justice model contrasts with purely punitive systems. The principle: sin has consequences requiring repayment. Gospel application: Christ paid infinitely more than our debt, providing ultimate restitution for sin's theft of God's glory.