Exodus 22:27
For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִ֤וא
H1931
הִ֤וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 17
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
כְסוּתֹה֙
For that is his covering
H3682
כְסוּתֹה֙
For that is his covering
Strong's:
H3682
Word #:
3 of 17
a cover (garment); figuratively, a veiling
לְבַדָּ֔הּ
H905
לְבַדָּ֔הּ
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
הִ֥וא
H1931
הִ֥וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 17
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
לְעֹר֑וֹ
for his skin
H5785
לְעֹר֑וֹ
for his skin
Strong's:
H5785
Word #:
7 of 17
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
בַּמֶּ֣ה
H4100
בַּמֶּ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יִשְׁכָּ֔ב
wherein shall he sleep
H7901
יִשְׁכָּ֔ב
wherein shall he sleep
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
9 of 17
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִצְעַ֣ק
and it shall come to pass when he crieth
H6817
יִצְעַ֣ק
and it shall come to pass when he crieth
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
12 of 17
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
וְשָֽׁמַעְתִּ֖י
unto me that I will hear
H8085
וְשָֽׁמַעְתִּ֖י
unto me that I will hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
14 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Exodus 34:6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,2 Chronicles 30:9For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Psalms 34:6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.Psalms 72:12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.Exodus 22:23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
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
For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
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.