Exodus 22:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֥א
be not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יִמָּצֵא֙
found
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
#4
הַגַּנָּ֔ב
If the thief
a stealer
#5
וְנִקְרַ֥ב
shall be brought
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#6
בַּֽעַל
then the master
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#7
הַבַּ֖יִת
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
unto the judges
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
#10
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#11
לֹ֥א
be not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
שָׁלַ֛ח
to see whether he have put
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#13
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
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
#14
בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת
goods
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#15
רֵעֵֽהוּ׃
unto his neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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