Exodus 22:3
If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
זָֽרְחָ֥ה
be risen
H2224
זָֽרְחָ֥ה
be risen
Strong's:
H2224
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
If the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
If the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
3 of 13
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דָּמִ֣ים
upon him there shall be blood
H1818
דָּמִ֣ים
upon him there shall be blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
5 of 13
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
restitution
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
restitution
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
7 of 13
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
restitution
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
restitution
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
8 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
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
If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
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.