Exodus 22:7
If 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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
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
יִתֵּן֩
shall deliver
H5414
יִתֵּן֩
shall deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָאִ֑ישׁ
If a man
H376
הָאִ֑ישׁ
If a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 17
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)
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
7 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
כֵלִים֙
or stuff
H3627
כֵלִים֙
or stuff
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
8 of 17
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
לִשְׁמֹ֔ר
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֔ר
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְגֻנַּ֖ב
and it be stolen
H1589
וְגֻנַּ֖ב
and it be stolen
Strong's:
H1589
Word #:
10 of 17
to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
מִבֵּ֣ית
house
H1004
מִבֵּ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הָאִ֑ישׁ
If a man
H376
הָאִ֑ישׁ
If a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 17
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)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
13 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִמָּצֵ֥א
be found
H4672
יִמָּצֵ֥א
be found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
14 of 17
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
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern theft penalties varied widely—some death, some forced labor, some restitution. Israel's approach balanced deterrence with restoration, protecting both victim and perpetrator.
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 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.
Theft laws emphasize restitution over retribution—restoring victims exceeds merely punishing thieves. The graduated penalties (200-500% depending on circumstances) deter theft while providing for victim's losses. This restorative justice model contrasts with purely punitive systems. The principle: sin has consequences requiring repayment. Gospel application: Christ paid infinitely more than our debt, providing ultimate restitution for sin's theft of God's glory.