Exodus 22:9
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
Original Language Analysis
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 31
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּבַר
For all manner
H1697
דְּבַר
For all manner
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 31
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 31
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 31
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 31
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 31
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 31
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲבֵדָ֗ה
or for any manner of lost thing
H9
אֲבֵדָ֗ה
or for any manner of lost thing
Strong's:
H9
Word #:
15 of 31
concrete, something lost; abstract, destruction, i.e., hades
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 31
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
19 of 31
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עַ֚ד
H5704
עַ֚ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
21 of 31
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and whom the judges
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and whom the judges
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
22 of 31
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
דְּבַר
For all manner
H1697
דְּבַר
For all manner
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
24 of 31
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
26 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַרְשִׁיעֻן֙
shall condemn
H7561
יַרְשִׁיעֻן֙
shall condemn
Strong's:
H7561
Word #:
27 of 31
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and whom the judges
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and whom the judges
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
28 of 31
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
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
he shall pay
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
he shall pay
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
29 of 31
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:1If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.Exodus 22:4If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.Matthew 18:35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.1 Kings 8:31If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:Exodus 22:28Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.Matthew 18:15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.2 Chronicles 19:10And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
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
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
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.