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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 22:4 If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession--whether ox or donkey or sheep--he must pay back double.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/22-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/02_Exo_22_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 22:4 - Property Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession--whether ox or donkey or sheep--he must pay back double." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/22-3.htm" title="Exodus 22:3">◄</a> Exodus 22:4 <a href="/exodus/22-5.htm" title="Exodus 22:5">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If someone steals an ox or a donkey or a sheep and it is found in the thief’s possession, then the thief must pay double the value of the stolen animal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If what he stole is actually found alive in his hand, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If the animal that he stole is found alive in his possession, whether it is ox or donkey or sheep, he shall pay double [for it].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If what was stolen—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—is actually found alive in his possession, he must repay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If what was stolen—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—is actually found alive in his possession, he must repay double.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But if the stolen animal is found alive in his possession, whether it's a bull, donkey, or a sheep, he must make up for the loss with double the amount.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox, a donkey or a sheep, he is to repay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If the stolen item should in fact be found alive in his possession, whether it be an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he must pay back double. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If the theft shall be certainly found in his hand alive, whether an ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether ox, or donkey, or sheep—he repays double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if the theft is certainly found in his hand alive, whether ox, or ass, or sheep -- double he repayeth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If finding, the theft shall be found in his hand, from an ox to an ass, to a sheep; living, he shall recompense two.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If that which he stole be found with him, alive, either ox, or ass, or sheep: he shall restore double. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If whatever he stole should be found with him, a living thing, either an ox, or a donkey, or a sheep, he shall repay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If what he stole is found alive in his possession, be it an ox, a donkey or a sheep, he shall make twofold restitution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but if it happens after sunrise, bloodguilt is incurred.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If the animal is found in his possession alive, whether it is an ox or an ass, or a ewe, he shall restore double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if when he is caught, the theft of an ox or a donkey and unto a ewe shall be found in his hands still alive, he shall restore each by two.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall pay double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if the thing stolen be left and be in his hand alive, whether ox or sheep, he shall restore them two-fold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/22-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5484" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Property Laws</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If what was stolen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1591.htm" title="1591: hag·gə·nê·ḇāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A thing stolen. From ganab; stealing, i.e. something stolen."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: him·mā·ṣê (V-Nifal-InfAbs) -- To attain to, find. ">is actually found</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: ṯim·mā·ṣê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3fs) -- To attain to, find. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (Adj-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">alive</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in his possession—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: miš·šō·wr (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">whether ox</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ḥă·mō·wr (N-ms) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">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.">sheep—</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 pay back</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·na·yim (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">double.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/6-1.htm">Leviticus 6:1-5</a></span><br />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— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-1.htm">Deuteronomy 22:1-4</a></span><br />If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother. / If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him. / And you shall do the same for his donkey, his cloak, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore it. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-30.htm">Proverbs 6:30-31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/5-6.htm">Numbers 5:6-7</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-6.htm">2 Samuel 12:6</a></span><br />Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-15.htm">Ezekiel 33:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-18.htm">Leviticus 24:18</a></span><br />Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Colossians 3:13</a></span><br />Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a></span><br />Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7-8</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.</p><p class="hdg">found</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16</a></b></br> And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.</p><p class="hdg">he shall restore double</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Exodus 21:1,7,9</a></b></br> Now these <i>are</i> the judgments which thou shalt set before them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-31.htm">Proverbs 6:31</a></b></br> But <i>if</i> he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-2.htm">Isaiah 40:2</a></b></br> Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-10.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Bloodguilt</a> <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Double</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/21-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/exodus/21-21.htm">Property</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Repayeth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Stole</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Theft</a> <a href="/exodus/16-22.htm">Twice</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-12.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Bloodguilt</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Double</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/exodus/23-30.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Property</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Repayeth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/exodus/33-10.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Stole</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-26.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Theft</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Twice</a> <a href="/exodus/23-22.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Of Theft</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Of damage</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Of trespasses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Of borrowing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Of fornication</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Of witchcraft</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-19.htm">Of bestiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Of strangers, widows, and fatherless</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Of usury</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-26.htm">Of pledges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Of reverence to magistrates</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Of the first fruits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Of torn flesh</a></span><br></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 = 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href="/study/exodus/22.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>If what was stolen</b><br />This phrase introduces the scenario of theft, a common issue in ancient societies, including Israel. The Hebrew word for "stolen" is "גָּנַב" (ganav), which implies taking something secretly or deceitfully. The law here addresses the moral and social implications of theft, emphasizing the importance of restitution and justice in maintaining community harmony.<p><b>is actually found alive</b><br />The condition that the stolen property is "found alive" indicates the possibility of recovery and restoration. In ancient Israel, livestock was a significant asset, and finding them alive meant the owner could regain their livelihood. This reflects God's concern for both justice and mercy, allowing for the restoration of what was lost.<p><b>in his possession</b><br />The phrase "in his possession" underscores the responsibility of the thief. The Hebrew word "בְּיָדוֹ" (beyado) literally means "in his hand," signifying control or ownership. This highlights the accountability of the individual who has taken what does not belong to them, reinforcing the biblical principle that one must answer for their actions.<p><b>whether ox or donkey or sheep</b><br />These animals were vital to the agrarian economy of ancient Israel, serving as sources of labor, transportation, and sustenance. The specific mention of "ox," "donkey," and "sheep" illustrates the comprehensive nature of the law, covering various types of livestock. This reflects the practical application of God's law to everyday life, ensuring fairness and protection for all property.<p><b>he must pay back double</b><br />The requirement to "pay back double" serves as both a deterrent and a means of restitution. The Hebrew word "שָׁלַם" (shalam) means to make whole or complete, indicating that the thief must go beyond mere return to compensate for the loss and inconvenience caused. This principle of restitution is rooted in the justice of God, who desires restoration and reconciliation within the community. It also reflects the biblical theme of repentance and making amends, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their wrongs and seek to restore what has been broken.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">If the theft be certainly found in his hand.</span>--If he had not converted it, consumed it, or, if it were an animal, killed it, then, instead of the four<span class= "bld">-</span>fold or five-fold restitution of <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>, a restoration of double was to suffice.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If the theft be certainly found in his hand</span>. If he be caught in flagrante delicto, with the thing stolen in his possession, "whether it be ox, or ass, or small cattle," he shall restore double. The law of theft in the Mosaic legislation is altogether of a mild character, as compared with the Roman, or even with the English law, until the present century. Double restitution was a sort of "retaliation" - it involved a man losing the exact amount which he had expected to gain <p> CHAPTER 22:2-6 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/22-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If what was stolen</span><br /><span class="heb">אִֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is actually found</span><br /><span class="heb">הִמָּצֵא֩</span> <span class="translit">(him·mā·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">alive</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his possession—</span><br /><span class="heb">בְיָד֜וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether ox</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשּׁ֧וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> </span><span class="str2">A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">donkey</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמ֛וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male ass</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sheep—</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7716.htm">Strong's 7716: </a> </span><span class="str2">A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he must pay back</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šal·lêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">double.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·na·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">OT Law: Exodus 22:4 If the stolen property is found (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/22-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 22:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/22-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 22:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:5" /></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>