Proverbs Chapter 6 · Verse 31
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭נִמְצָא
But if he be found
H4672
וְ֭נִמְצָא
But if he be found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
1 of 8
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
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם
he shall restore
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם
he shall restore
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
2 of 8
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Job 20:18That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein.Luke 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.2 Samuel 12:6And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.Matthew 18:25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Historical Context
Exodus 22:1-4 prescribed restitution for theft - typically double, sometimes quadruple or quintuple depending on circumstances. 'Sevenfold' here may be hyperbolic emphasizing total restitution - everything the thief owns goes to repayment. The principle: sin has costly consequences even when circumstances are mitigating. Forgiveness doesn't eliminate all consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- What restitution might God require for sins He's forgiven?
- How does understanding that forgiven sin still carries consequences affect your repentance?
- To whom do you owe restitution that you've avoided making?
Analysis & Commentary
If caught, the thief must restore sevenfold and give all his house's substance. Though theft for hunger evokes sympathy, consequences remain - multiple restitution required. The Hebrew 'shalam' (restore/repay) and 'sheba' (seven/sevenfold) indicate comprehensive repayment. Even sympathetic sin requires restitution. This sets up v.32's point: adultery's consequences are far worse than even theft's severe penalties.