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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 22:1 "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/22-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/02_Exo_22_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 22:1 - Property Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/22.htm">New King James Version</a> “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “If someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep— <a href="/nasb/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. <a href="/lsb/exodus/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. <a href="/amp/exodus/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “If a man steals an ox or sheep and kills or sells it, he shall make restitution of five oxen for an ox or four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/csb/exodus/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “When a man steals an ox or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox or four sheep for the sheep. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When a man steals an ox or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox or four sheep for the sheep. <a href="/asv/exodus/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/cev/exodus/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you steal an ox and slaughter or sell it, you must replace it with five oxen; if you steal a sheep and slaughter it or sell it, you must replace it with four sheep. <a href="/erv/exodus/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/gwt/exodus/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> [The LORD continued,] "Whenever someone steals a bull or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must make up for the loss with five head of cattle to replace the bull or four sheep to replace the sheep. <a href="/gnt/exodus/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> "If someone steals a cow or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay five cows for one cow and four sheep for one sheep. <a href="/isv/exodus/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> "If a man steals an ox or sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he is to repay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. <a href="/msb/exodus/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/net/exodus/22.htm">NET Bible</a> "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox, and four sheep for the one sheep. <a href="/nheb/exodus/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/wbt/exodus/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/web/exodus/22.htm">World English Bible</a> “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> When a man steals an ox or sheep, and has slaughtered it or sold it, he repays [with] five of the herd for the ox, and four of the flock for the sheep. <a href="/ylt/exodus/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'When a man doth steal an ox or sheep, and hath slaughtered it or sold it, five of the herd he doth repay for the ox, and four of the flock for the sheep. <a href="/slt/exodus/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If a man shall steal an ox or a sheep, and slaughter it or sell it, he shall recompense five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If any man steal an ox or a sheep, and kill or sell it: he shall restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “If anyone will have stolen an ox or a sheep, and if he kills it or sells it, then he will restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. <a href="/nabre/exodus/22.htm">New American Bible</a> When someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for the one ox, and four sheep for the one sheep. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When someone steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, the thief shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. The thief shall make restitution, but if unable to do so, shall be sold for the theft.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> IF a man shall steal an ox or a ewe, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four ewes for a ewe. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when a man will steal an ox or a ewe and he will kill them or he will sell them, he will give five oxen in exchange for an ox and four ewes he will give in exchange for a ewe.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> If a man steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/sep/exodus/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if one steal an ox or a sheep, and kill it or sell it, he shall pay five calves for a calf, and four sheep for a sheep. <a href="/parallel/exodus/22-1.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=5455" 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> 1<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1589.htm" title="1589: yiḡ·nōḇ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To steal. A primitive root; to thieve; by implication, to deceive.">steals</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: šō·wr (N-ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">an ox</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/7716.htm" title="7716: śeh (N-ms) -- Or sey; probably from sha'ah through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. A sheep or goat.">a sheep</a> <a href="/hebrew/2873.htm" title="2873: ū·ṭə·ḇā·ḥōw (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To slaughter, butcher, slay. A primitive root; to slaughter.">and slaughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: mə·ḵā·rōw (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">sells it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: yə·šal·lêm (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">he must repay</a> <a href="/hebrew/2568.htm" title="2568: ḥă·miš·šāh (Number-ms) -- Five. Masculine chamishshah; a primitive numeral; five.">five</a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: ḇā·qār (N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">oxen</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: haš·šō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">an ox</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: wə·’ar·ba‘- (Conj-w:: Number-fs) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">and four</a> <a href="/hebrew/7716.htm" title="7716: haś·śeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Or sey; probably from sha'ah through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. A sheep or goat.">sheep</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">for a sheep.</a> 2If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.…<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="/leviticus/6-1.htm">Leviticus 6:1-5</a> And the LORD said to Moses, / “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— ... <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="/2_samuel/12-6.htm">2 Samuel 12:6</a> Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” <a href="/proverbs/6-30.htm">Proverbs 6:30-31</a> Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. / Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. <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="/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="/ezekiel/33-15.htm">Ezekiel 33:15</a> if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die. <a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a> Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” <a href="/2_kings/4-7.htm">2 Kings 4:7</a> She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.” <a href="/job/20-18.htm">Job 20:18</a> He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading. <a href="/isaiah/61-8.htm">Isaiah 61:8</a> For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them. <a href="/amos/3-10.htm">Amos 3:10</a> “For they know not how to do right,” declares the LORD. “They store up violence and destruction in their citadels.” <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7-8</a> The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? / Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers! <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Colossians 3:25</a> Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.sheep.<a href="/leviticus/6-1.htm">Leviticus 6:1-6</a> And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, … <a href="/numbers/5-7.htm">Numbers 5:7</a> Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.<a href="/2_samuel/12-6.htm">2 Samuel 12:6</a> And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.five oxen<a href="/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4</a> Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/26-31.htm">Exchanged</a> <a href="/genesis/47-2.htm">Five</a> <a href="/exodus/12-41.htm">Four</a> <a href="/exodus/21-21.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/exodus/16-16.htm">Head</a> <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Money</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/exodus/21-34.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Price</a> <a href="/genesis/27-12.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/exodus/21-34.htm">Restitution</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/exodus/21-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-3.htm">Slaughters</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/exodus/20-15.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Steals</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Theft</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-33.htm">Exchanged</a> <a href="/exodus/26-3.htm">Five</a> <a href="/exodus/25-12.htm">Four</a> <a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/exodus/26-24.htm">Head</a> <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-3.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Money</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/exodus/22-30.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/exodus/30-12.htm">Price</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Restitution</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/exodus/23-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-3.htm">Slaughters</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-19.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/job/24-14.htm">Steals</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Theft</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 a man steals an ox or a sheep This phrase addresses the act of theft, specifically of livestock, which was a valuable asset in ancient agrarian societies. Oxen and sheep were essential for agriculture and livelihood, serving as sources of labor, food, and clothing. The commandment against stealing is rooted in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-15.htm">Exodus 20:15</a>), emphasizing the importance of respecting others' property. The focus on oxen and sheep highlights the economic impact of such theft in a community where livestock was a primary measure of wealth.and slaughters or sells it The act of slaughtering or selling the stolen animal indicates a finality in the theft, as the original owner cannot recover the animal. This reflects a deeper level of wrongdoing, as the thief not only takes the property but also seeks to profit from it. The distinction between slaughtering and selling suggests different motivations and consequences, both of which are addressed by the law. This aspect of the law underscores the seriousness of the crime and the need for restitution.he must repay five oxen for an ox The requirement to repay five oxen for a stolen ox serves as a deterrent against theft and ensures justice for the victim. The fivefold restitution is significant, as it exceeds the value of the stolen property, reflecting the principle of retributive justice. This principle is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/proverbs/6-31.htm">Proverbs 6:31</a>, where a thief must repay sevenfold. The higher restitution for an ox, compared to a sheep, acknowledges the greater economic value and utility of oxen in agricultural work.and four sheep for a sheep The fourfold restitution for a stolen sheep, while less than that for an ox, still represents a substantial penalty. This reflects the value of sheep in providing wool, meat, and milk. The differentiation in restitution amounts between oxen and sheep indicates a nuanced understanding of economic impact and the need for proportional justice. This principle of restitution is echoed in the New Testament, where Zacchaeus, upon his conversion, promises to repay fourfold to those he has defrauded (<a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a>), demonstrating repentance and a commitment to justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Exodus, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai and communicated it to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The recipients of the Law, God's chosen people, who were being formed into a nation with a distinct legal and moral code. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a> The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the commandments and ordinances found in Exodus. 4. <a href="/topical/o/ox_and_sheep.htm">Ox and Sheep</a> Livestock that were valuable assets in ancient Israelite society, representing wealth and livelihood. 5. <a href="/topical/t/thief.htm">Thief</a> The individual who unlawfully takes another's property, specifically livestock in this context.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_restitution.htm">The Principle of Restitution</a> The law requires not just the return of stolen property but additional compensation, underscoring the seriousness of theft and the importance of justice. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_livelihood.htm">Value of Livelihood</a> The specific mention of oxen and sheep highlights the importance of respecting others' means of livelihood and the broader implications of theft on community welfare. <a href="/topical/m/moral_responsibility.htm">Moral Responsibility</a> The law reflects a moral responsibility to make amends for wrongs committed, pointing to a heart of repentance and reconciliation. <a href="/topical/d/deterrence_and_justice.htm">Deterrence and Justice</a> The requirement for multiple-fold restitution serves as a deterrent against theft and upholds justice within the community. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_integrity.htm">Spiritual Integrity</a> Believers are called to live with integrity, respecting others' property and working honestly, reflecting God's character in their actions.<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/what_is_restorative_justice.htm">What is restorative justice?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_biblical_laws_mirror_hammurabi's.htm">Why do many biblical laws appear to be copied from earlier legal codes like the Code of Hammurabi?</a> <a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_re-baptism.htm">What are the laws in the Covenant Code?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_punitive_justice.htm">What defines punitive justice?</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>XXII.(1-4) Theft is here treated of with great brevity, only three kinds being distinguished--(1) Housebreaking; (2) stealing without conversion of the property; (3) stealing with conversion. The main principle of punishment laid down is the exaction from the offender o! Double (<a href="/exodus/22-4.htm" title="If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.">Exodus 22:4</a>). When, however, there has been conversion of the property, the penalty is heavier, the return of four-fold in the case of a sheep, of five-fold in that of an ox (<a href="/exodus/22-1.htm" title="If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.">Exodus 22:1</a>). Incidentally it is enacted that the burglar may be resisted by force (<a href="/exodus/22-2.htm" title="If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.">Exodus 22:2</a>), and that to kill him shall be justifiable homicide; and further, it is laid down that a thief unable to make the legal restitution shall become a slave in order to pay his debt (<a href="/exodus/22-3.htm" title="If the sun be risen on him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.">Exodus 22:3</a>).(1) If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep.--The flocks and herds of the Israelites constituted their principal property, and hence cattle-stealing is taken as the representative of theft in general.And kill it, or sell it.--Plainly showing persistence and determination. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - If a man shall steal an ox. The principal property possessed by the Israelites in the wilderness was their cattle; whence this occurs to the legislator as the thing most likely to be stolen. It required more boldness in a thief to carry off an ox than a sheep or goat; and so the crime was visited with a heavier penalty. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/22-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a man אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person steals יִגְנֹֽב־ (yiḡ·nōḇ-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1589.htm">Strong's 1589: </a> To thieve, to deceive an ox שׁ֣וֹר (šō·wr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) or אוֹ־ (’ōw-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if a sheep שֶׂ֔ה (śeh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7716.htm">Strong's 7716: </a> A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat and slaughters וּטְבָח֖וֹ (ū·ṭə·ḇā·ḥōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2873.htm">Strong's 2873: </a> To slaughter, butcher, slay or א֣וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if sells it, מְכָר֑וֹ (mə·ḵā·rōw) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> To sell he must repay יְשַׁלֵּם֙ (yə·šal·lêm) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate five חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה (ḥă·miš·šāh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2568.htm">Strong's 2568: </a> Five oxen בָקָ֗ר (ḇā·qār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> Beef cattle, ox, a herd for תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of an ox הַשּׁ֔וֹר (haš·šō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) and four וְאַרְבַּע־ (wə·’ar·ba‘-) Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> Four sheep הַשֶּֽׂה׃ (haś·śeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7716.htm">Strong's 7716: </a> A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat for a sheep. צֹ֖אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/22-1.htm">Exodus 22:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">OT Law: Exodus 22:1 If a man steals an ox (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/21-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 21:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/22-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 22:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:2" /></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>