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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 22:8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor's property.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/22-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/02_Exo_22_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 22:8 - Property Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor's property." /><script 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/22-7.htm" title="Exodus 22:7">◄</a> Exodus 22:8 <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm" title="Exodus 22:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/22.htm">New International Version</a> But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person&#8217s property. <a href="/nlt/exodus/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if the thief is not caught, the neighbor must appear before God, who will determine if he stole the property. <a href="/esv/exodus/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor’s property. <a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor’s property. <a href="/kjv/exodus/22.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/22.htm">New King James Version</a> If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges to see whether he has put his hand into his neighbor’s goods. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house shall appear before the judges, to determine whether he laid his hands on his neighbor’s property. <a href="/nasb/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house shall appear before the judges, to determine whether he laid his hands on his neighbor&#8217s property. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house shall appear before the judges, to determine whether he laid his hands on his neighbor’s property. <a href="/lsb/exodus/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house shall appear before the judges to determine whether he laid his hands on his neighbor’s property. <a href="/amp/exodus/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house shall appear before the judges [who act in God’s name], to determine whether or not he had stolen his neighbor’s goods. <a href="/csb/exodus/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house must present himself to the judges to determine whether or not he has taken his neighbor’s property. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house must present himself to the judges to determine whether or not he has taken his neighbor&#8217s property. <a href="/asv/exodus/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall come near unto God, to see whether he have not put his hand unto his neighbor's goods. <a href="/cev/exodus/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if the thief isn't caught, some judges will decide if you are the guilty one. <a href="/erv/exodus/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall come near unto God, to see whether he have not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods. <a href="/gwt/exodus/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house must be brought to God to find out whether or not he took his neighbor's valuables. <a href="/gnt/exodus/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if the thief is not found, the one who was keeping the valuables is to be brought to the place of worship and there he must take an oath that he has not stolen the other one's property. <a href="/isv/exodus/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> If the thief is not found, the owner of the house is to appear before the judges to see whether or not the thief took his neighbor's property. <a href="/msb/exodus/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor?s property. <a href="/net/exodus/22.htm">NET Bible</a> If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house will be brought before the judges to see whether he has laid his hand on his neighbor's goods. <a href="/nheb/exodus/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If the thief isn't found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out if he hasn't put his hand to his neighbor's goods. <a href="/wbt/exodus/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If the thief shall not be found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges, to see whether he hath put his hand to his neighbor's goods. <a href="/web/exodus/22.htm">World English Bible</a> If the thief isn’t found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out whether or not he has put his hand on his neighbor’s goods. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> If the thief is not found, then the master of the house has been brought near to God [to see] whether he has not put forth his hand against the work of his neighbor. <a href="/ylt/exodus/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'If the thief is not found, then the master of the house hath been brought near unto God, whether he hath not put forth his hand against the work of his neighbour; <a href="/slt/exodus/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If the thief shall not be found, and the lord of the house being brought to God, if he put not forth his hand upon his friend's goods.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If the thief be not known, the master of the house shall be brought to the gods, and shall swear that he did not lay his hand upon his neighbour's goods, <a href="/cpdv/exodus/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If the thief is unknown, the lord of the house will be brought before the heavens to swear that he did not lay his hand on the goods of his neighbor, <a href="/nabre/exodus/22.htm">New American Bible</a> If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house shall be brought to God, to swear that he himself did not lay hands on his neighbor’s property. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house shall be brought before God, to determine whether or not the owner had laid hands on the neighbor’s goods.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges to see whether he had a hand in the theft of his neighbor's goods. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And if the thief will not be found, let the owner of the house approach to the Judge, if he did not reach his hand into the property of his neighbor<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall come near unto God, to see whether he have not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods. <a href="/sep/exodus/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But if the thief be not found, the master of the house shall come forward before God, and shall swear that surely he has not wrought wickedly in regard of any part of his neighbour's deposit, <a href="/parallel/exodus/22-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5528" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Property Laws</a> …7If a man gives his neighbor money or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double. 8<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/1590.htm" title="1590: hag·gan·nāḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- A thief. From ganab; a stealer.">the thief</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: yim·mā·ṣê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">found,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘al- (N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">the owner</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·ba·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: wə·niq·raḇ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">must appear</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the judges</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">to determine whether</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">he has taken</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">his neighbor’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: bim·le·ḵeṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">property.</a> 9In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a> A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Leviticus 6:2-5</a> “If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him or stolen, or if he extorts his neighbor / or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit— / once he has sinned and becomes guilty, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or the deposit entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, ... <a href="/numbers/5-6.htm">Numbers 5:6-7</a> “Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty / and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged. <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">1 Kings 8:31-32</a> When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. <a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">2 Chronicles 6:22-23</a> When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Proverbs 18:17</a> The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a> But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a> But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” <a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-6</a> If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ... <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a> Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25-26</a> Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a> Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a> Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges, to see whether he have put his hand to his neighbor's goods.the judges<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.<a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Exodus 21:6</a> Then 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.<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18</a> Judges 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/10-29.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/12-4.htm">Determine</a> <a href="/exodus/17-2.htm">Find</a> <a href="/exodus/19-24.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/17-16.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Hasn't</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">House</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Master</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Neighbor's</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Neighbour's</a> <a href="/exodus/17-16.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Property</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/23-15.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/numbers/5-13.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-57.htm">Determine</a> <a href="/exodus/33-13.htm">Find</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/exodus/33-12.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Hasn't</a> <a href="/exodus/23-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-4.htm">Master</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Neighbor's</a> <a href="/exodus/22-10.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Neighbour's</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-3.htm">Property</a> <a href="/exodus/22-12.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 22</div>1. <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Of Theft</a> 5. <a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Of damage</a> 7. <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Of trespasses</a> 14. <a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Of borrowing</a> 16. <a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Of fornication</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Of witchcraft</a> 19. <a href="/exodus/22-19.htm">Of bestiality</a> 20. <a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Of idolatry</a> 21. <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Of strangers, widows, and fatherless</a> 25. <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Of usury</a> 26. <a href="/exodus/22-26.htm">Of pledges</a> 28. <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Of reverence to magistrates</a> 29. <a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Of the first fruits</a> 31. <a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Of torn flesh</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If the thief is not found In ancient Israel, theft was a significant concern, and the law provided specific guidelines for handling such cases. The absence of the thief implies a situation where the crime is unresolved, necessitating further investigation. This reflects the importance of justice and due process in the community. The law aimed to protect both the victim and the accused, ensuring that accusations were substantiated.the owner of the house must appear before the judges The term "judges" refers to local leaders or elders who were responsible for maintaining justice within the community. These judges were often respected members of society, chosen for their wisdom and understanding of the law. The requirement for the owner to appear before them underscores the communal approach to justice, where disputes were settled publicly and fairly. This process ensured transparency and accountability.to determine whether he has taken his neighbor’s property This phrase highlights the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth. The law required evidence and testimony to establish guilt or innocence. The emphasis on "neighbor's property" reflects the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where relationships and trust were paramount. The law sought to protect these relationships by ensuring that property rights were respected and that any breach was addressed justly. This principle of justice and restitution is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/leviticus/6.htm">Leviticus 6:1-5</a>, where restitution is required for wrongs committed against a neighbor.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/o/owner_of_the_house.htm">Owner of the House</a> The individual responsible for the property where the theft occurred. This person is required to present themselves for judgment if the thief is not found. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judges.htm">Judges</a> The authorities or leaders who are responsible for determining the truth in disputes. In the context of ancient Israel, these would be elders or appointed leaders who interpret and apply the law. 3. <a href="/topical/n/neighbor.htm">Neighbor</a> The person who has suffered the loss of property. This term emphasizes the community aspect and the relational dynamics involved in the law. 4. <a href="/topical/t/thief.htm">Thief</a> The individual who has committed the act of stealing. The absence of the thief in this scenario shifts the focus to the integrity of the house owner. 5. <a href="/topical/p/property.htm">Property</a> The item or items that have been stolen. This represents the tangible loss experienced by the neighbor and the subject of the legal inquiry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_accountability.htm">Integrity and Accountability</a> The requirement for the house owner to appear before judges underscores the importance of personal integrity and accountability in community relationships. <a href="/topical/c/community_justice.htm">Community Justice</a> The involvement of judges highlights the role of community in maintaining justice and resolving disputes, encouraging believers to seek wise counsel and communal solutions. <a href="/topical/p/presumption_of_innocence.htm">Presumption of Innocence</a> The process described in <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8</a> reflects a principle of presumption of innocence, where the accused is given an opportunity to prove their integrity. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_in_stewardship.htm">Responsibility in Stewardship</a> The passage reminds believers of their responsibility in stewarding what God has entrusted to them, including their relationships and possessions. <a href="/topical/t/trust_and_reconciliation.htm">Trust and Reconciliation</a> The focus on resolving disputes through communal means encourages trust-building and reconciliation within the community of faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 22</a> <a href="/q/do_records_support_multiple_gods_in_psalm_82.htm">What archaeological or historical records support or refute the idea of multiple divine beings implied in Psalm 82?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_82_6_suggest_israel's_polytheism.htm">Is Psalm 82:6’s claim “You are gods” evidence of polytheism creeping into ancient Israel’s beliefs? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_a_king_called_'god'_in_psalm_45_6.htm">In Psalm 45:6, why is a human king seemingly addressed as “God,” and how do we reconcile this with monotheistic beliefs? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_psalm_82_1_mention_'gods'.htm">Why does Psalm 82:1 refer to “gods” in what is supposed to be a monotheistic text? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) To see whether he have put his hand.--Kalisch translates, to swear that he has not put his hand, and so the LXX. (??? ???????) and Vulg. (et jurabit quod non extenderit manum).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - If the thief be not found. - It is not clear what was to be done in this case. Kalisch supposes that it came under the law of the oath (ver. 10), and that if the man entrusted with the deposit swore that he had not embezzled it, he was let go free. But as stolen cattle were to be compensated for to the owner (ver. 12), it would seem to be more consistent that stolen money or chattels should also have been made good. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/22-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the thief הַגַּנָּ֔ב (hag·gan·nāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1590.htm">Strong's 1590: </a> A stealer is not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no found, יִמָּצֵא֙ (yim·mā·ṣê) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present the owner בַּֽעַל־ (ba·‘al-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner of the house הַבַּ֖יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house must appear וְנִקְרַ֥ב (wə·niq·raḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach before אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the judges הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative to determine whether אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not he has taken שָׁלַ֛ח (šā·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out his neighbor’s רֵעֵֽהוּ׃ (rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> Friend, companion, fellow property. בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת (bim·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">OT Law: Exodus 22:8 If the thief isn't found then (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/22-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 22:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/22-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 22:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>