Exodus Chapter 22 · Verse 27

Authorized King James Version

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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
שִׂמְלָת֖וֹ only it is his raiment H8071
שִׂמְלָת֖וֹ only it is his raiment
Strong's: H8071
Word #: 6 of 17
a dress, especially a mantle
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)
אֵלַ֔י H413
אֵלַ֔י
Strong's: H413
Word #: 13 of 17
near, with or among; often in general, to
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
חַנּ֥וּן for I am gracious H2587
חַנּ֥וּן for I am gracious
Strong's: H2587
Word #: 16 of 17
gracious
אָֽנִי׃ H589
אָֽנִי׃
Strong's: H589
Word #: 17 of 17
i

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.

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