Exodus Chapter 22 · Verse 4
If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
Original Language Analysis
אִֽם
H518
אִֽם
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
תִמָּצֵ֨א
be certainly
H4672
תִמָּצֵ֨א
be certainly
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
2 of 13
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
תִמָּצֵ֨א
be certainly
H4672
תִמָּצֵ֨א
be certainly
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 13
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
בְיָד֜וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְיָד֜וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַגְּנֵבָ֗ה
If the theft
H1591
הַגְּנֵבָ֗ה
If the theft
Strong's:
H1591
Word #:
5 of 13
stealing, i.e., (concretely) something stolen
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
חַיִּ֑ים
alive
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
alive
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
11 of 13
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Exodus 22:1If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.Exodus 22:9For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.Exodus 22:7If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.Revelation 18:6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.Exodus 21:16And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
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.