Exodus 23:4
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִפְגַּ֞ע
If thou meet
H6293
תִפְגַּ֞ע
If thou meet
Strong's:
H6293
Word #:
2 of 10
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
א֥וֹ
H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 10
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
תֹּעֶ֑ה
going astray
H8582
תֹּעֶ֑ה
going astray
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
7 of 10
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
תְּשִׁיבֶ֖נּוּ
bring it back
H7725
תְּשִׁיבֶ֖נּוּ
bring it back
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures practiced reciprocity—help friends, harm enemies. Jesus and Paul quote Old Testament commands (like this one) to show God always required enemy-love, not just friend-love.
Questions for Reflection
- How does actively helping your enemy (returning livestock) exceed merely not harming them?
- What practical ways can you 'return your enemy's ox' in modern contexts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Love your enemy—practically. Don't just avoid harming enemies (passive); actively help them (active). Returning straying livestock is costly—takes time, effort. The command assumes you'll recognize the animal as belonging to your enemy—you know each other's property. Temptation would be to ignore it ('serves him right') or keep it (petty revenge). God commands opposite: restore what's lost. Jesus radicalizes this: 'love your enemies, do good to those who hate you' (Luke 6:27). Paul quotes verse 5: 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him' (Romans 12:20). Gospel love is counterintuitive, costly, and Christlike.