Exodus 22:6
If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תֵצֵ֨א
break out
H3318
תֵצֵ֨א
break out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וּמָֽצְאָ֤ה
and catch
H4672
וּמָֽצְאָ֤ה
and catch
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 16
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
גָּדִ֔ישׁ
so that the stacks of corn
H1430
גָּדִ֔ישׁ
so that the stacks of corn
Strong's:
H1430
Word #:
7 of 16
a stack of sheaves; by analogy, a tomb
א֥וֹ
H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
8 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
הַקָּמָ֖ה
or the standing corn
H7054
הַקָּמָ֖ה
or the standing corn
Strong's:
H7054
Word #:
9 of 16
something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
10 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
make restitution
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
make restitution
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
12 of 16
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
make restitution
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
make restitution
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
13 of 16
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
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 fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
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.