Exodus 22:8
If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֥א
be not
H3808
לֹ֥א
be not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִמָּצֵא֙
found
H4672
יִמָּצֵא֙
found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 15
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
וְנִקְרַ֥ב
shall be brought
H7126
וְנִקְרַ֥ב
shall be brought
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
5 of 15
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
בַּֽעַל
then the master
H1167
בַּֽעַל
then the master
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
6 of 15
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
הַבַּ֖יִת
of the house
H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
unto the judges
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
unto the judges
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
10 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֥א
be not
H3808
לֹ֥א
be not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁלַ֛ח
to see whether he have put
H7971
שָׁלַ֛ח
to see whether he have put
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
12 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Cross References
Exodus 22:28Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.Exodus 21:6Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.Deuteronomy 16:18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
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 the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.
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.