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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 22:2 If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/22-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/02_Exo_22_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 22:2 - Property Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed." /><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/22-1.htm" title="Exodus 22:1">◄</a> Exodus 22:2 <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm" title="Exodus 22:3">►</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 />&#8220If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is struck and killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, <i>there shall</i> no blood <i>be shed</i> for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, <i>there shall be</i> no guilt for his bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no guilt for bloodshed on his account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If the thief is caught while breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“If a thief is caught breaking in [after dark] and is struck [by the owner] so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a thief is caught in the act of breaking in, and he is beaten to death, no one is guilty of bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a thief is caught in the act of breaking in, and he is beaten to death, no one is guilty of bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If the thief be found breaking in, and be smitten so that he dieth, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If the thief be found breaking in, and be smitten that he die, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"If anyone catches a thief breaking in and hits him so that he dies, he is not guilty of murder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"If a thief is found while breaking into a house, and is struck down and dies, it is not a capital crime in that case,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no blood guilt for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If a thief shall be found breaking through, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If in the breaking through, the thief is found, and he has been struck and has died, there is no blood for him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'If in the breaking through, the thief is found, and he hath been smitten, and hath died, there is no blood for him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If in breaking in a thief shall be found, and he was smitten and died, no bloods for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If a thief be found breaking open a house or undermining it, and be wounded so as to die: he that slew him shall not be guilty of blood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If a thief will have been discovered breaking into a house, or digging under it, and he has received a mortal wound, he who struck him down will not be guilty of blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />[If a thief is caught in the act of housebreaking and beaten to death, there is no bloodguilt involved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the animal, whether ox or donkey or sheep, is found alive in the thief’s possession, the thief shall pay double.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If a thief is found breaking into a house and is wounded so that he dies, there is no penalty for bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if a thief will be found breaking in and he is wounded and dies, there is no vengeance for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If a thief be found breaking in, and be smitten so that he dieth, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if the thief be found in the breach <i>made by himself</i> and be smitten and die, there shall not be blood shed for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/22-2.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=5466" 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">1</span>“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. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><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.">a thief</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: yim·mā·ṣê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">is caught</a> <a href="/hebrew/4290.htm" title="4290: bam·maḥ·te·reṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A breaking in, burglary. From chathar; a burglary; figuratively, unexpected examination.">breaking in</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·huk·kāh (Conj-w:: V-Hofal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and is beaten</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wā·mêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to death,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: dā·mîm (N-mp) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">shall be guilty of bloodshed.</a> </span><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.…<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="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29</a></span><br />If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></span><br />Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21</a></span><br />You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-19</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a></span><br />Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-36.htm">Luke 22:36</a></span><br />“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7</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?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.</p><p class="hdg">breaking</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-14.htm">Job 24:14</a></b></br> The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-5.htm">Job 30:5</a></b></br> They were driven forth from among <i>men</i>, (they cried after them as <i>after</i> a thief;)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/7-1.htm">Hosea 7:1</a></b></br> When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, <i>and</i> the troop of robbers spoileth without.</p><p class="hdg">no blood</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Numbers 35:27</a></b></br> And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Account</a> <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Act</a> <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/exodus/12-23.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Bloodguiltiness</a> <a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Blood-Guiltiness</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-17.htm">Bloodshed</a> <a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/exodus/9-10.htm">Breaking</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Death</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-21.htm">Defender</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Die</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Died</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/exodus/16-5.htm">Double</a> <a href="/genesis/20-10.htm">Encountered</a> <a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">Forcing</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">House</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Shed</a> <a href="/exodus/22-1.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">ss</a> <a href="/jude/1-4.htm">ss</a> <a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/exodus/19-24.htm">Way</a> <a href="/exodus/21-31.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Account</a> <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Act</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Bloodguiltiness</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Blood-Guiltiness</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Bloodshed</a> <a href="/numbers/10-3.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Breaking</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/exodus/22-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/job/5-4.htm">Defender</a> <a href="/exodus/22-10.htm">Die</a> <a href="/exodus/22-10.htm">Died</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/leviticus/7-24.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Double</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-6.htm">Encountered</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Forcing</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">House</a> <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Shed</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-11.htm">ss</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-4.htm">ss</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/exodus/22-23.htm">Way</a> <a href="/exodus/22-4.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 = '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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/exodus/22.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>If a thief</b><br />The Hebrew word for "thief" here is "גַּנָּב" (ganav), which refers to someone who steals stealthily, as opposed to a robber who might use force. In the ancient Near Eastern context, theft was a serious offense, often threatening the livelihood of individuals and families. The Bible consistently condemns theft, emphasizing the importance of respecting others' property as a reflection of loving one's neighbor.<p><b>is caught breaking in</b><br />The phrase "breaking in" translates from the Hebrew "מַחְתֶּרֶת" (machteret), which literally means "digging through." This implies a clandestine entry, often through a wall or under cover of darkness. The imagery here is of a thief who is not merely opportunistic but has premeditated the act, highlighting the severity of the crime. In ancient times, homes were often made of mud bricks, making it feasible for a thief to dig through walls, thus the specific mention of "breaking in."<p><b>and is beaten to death</b><br />The Hebrew verb "נָכָה" (nakah) means "to strike" or "to smite." The context here is defensive action taken by a homeowner to protect their property and family. The phrase "to death" indicates the severity of the response, which is not prescribed but rather described as a possible outcome. This reflects the high value placed on personal and familial security in ancient Israelite society.<p><b>no one shall be guilty of bloodshed</b><br />The term "bloodshed" comes from the Hebrew "דָּם" (dam), meaning "blood." In this context, it refers to the guilt associated with taking a life. The verse provides a legal exemption for the homeowner, recognizing the right to defend one's home against an intruder. This legal principle underscores the sanctity of life and property, balanced by the necessity of self-defense. It reflects the broader biblical theme of justice, where the intent and circumstances of an action are considered in determining guilt or innocence.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">If a thief be found breaking up.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">breaking in: i.e., </span>making forcible entry into a dwelling-house. Most codes agree with the Mosaic in allowing the inmates of the house to resist such an attempt if made at night, and to shed the blood of the burglar, if necessary. He may be considered as having dissolved the "social compact," and converted himself from a fellow-citizen into a public enemy. A murderous intent on his part may be suspected.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If a thief be found breaking up</span>. Rather, "Breaking in" - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, making forcible entry into a house. The ordinary mode of "breaking in" seems to have been by a breach in the wall. Hence the word here used, which is derived from <span class="accented">khathar</span>, "to dig." <span class="cmt_word">There shall no blood be shed for him</span>. Rather, "the blood-feud shall not lie upon him" - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, the avenger of blood shall not be entitled to proceed against his slayer. The principle here laid down has had the sanction of Solon, of the Roman law, and of the law of England. It rests upon the probability that those who break into a house by night bare a murderous intent, or at least have the design, if occasion arise, to commit murder. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/22-2.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</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</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">a thief</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגַּנָּ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gan·nāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1590.htm">Strong's 1590: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stealer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is caught</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמָּצֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(yim·mā·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<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">breaking in</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(bam·maḥ·te·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4290.htm">Strong's 4290: </a> </span><span class="str2">A burglary, unexpected examination</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and is beaten</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהֻכָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·huk·kāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to death,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָמֵ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(wā·mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no one</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall be guilty of bloodshed.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּמִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(dā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">OT Law: Exodus 22:2 If the thief is found breaking (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/22-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 22:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/22-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 22:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 22:3" /></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>