Exodus 22:5

Authorized King James Version

If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
וּבִעֵ֖ר
and shall feed
to be(-come) brutish
#3
אִישׁ֙
If a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
שָׂדֵ֛הוּ
field
a field (as flat)
#5
אוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#6
כַּרְמ֖וֹ
of his own vineyard
a garden or vineyard
#7
וְשִׁלַּח֙
and shall put
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בְּעִירֹ֔ה
in his beast
cattle
#10
וּבִעֵ֖ר
and shall feed
to be(-come) brutish
#11
שָׂדֵ֛הוּ
field
a field (as flat)
#12
אַחֵ֑ר
in another man's
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#13
וּמֵיטַ֥ב
and of the best
the best part
#14
שָׂדֵ֛הוּ
field
a field (as flat)
#15
וּמֵיטַ֥ב
and of the best
the best part
#16
כַּרְמ֖וֹ
of his own vineyard
a garden or vineyard
#17
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
shall he make restitution
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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