Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; New Living Translation “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. English Standard Version If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, Berean Standard Bible If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. King James Bible If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. New King James Version If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 “If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account. NASB 1977 “If the thief is caught while breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account. Legacy Standard Bible “If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account. Amplified Bible “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. Christian Standard Bible If a thief is caught in the act of breaking in, and he is beaten to death, no one is guilty of bloodshed. Holman Christian Standard Bible If a thief is caught in the act of breaking in, and he is beaten to death, no one is guilty of bloodshed. American Standard Version If the thief be found breaking in, and be smitten so that he dieth, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him. English Revised Version If the thief be found breaking in, and be smitten that he die, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him. GOD'S WORD® Translation "If anyone catches a thief breaking in and hits him so that he dies, he is not guilty of murder. International Standard Version "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, NET Bible "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no blood guilt for him. New Heart English Bible If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. Webster's Bible Translation If a thief shall be found breaking through, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. World English Bible If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf in the breaking through, the thief is found, and he has been struck and has died, there is no blood for him; Young's Literal Translation 'If in the breaking through, the thief is found, and he hath been smitten, and hath died, there is no blood for him; Smith's Literal Translation If in breaking in a thief shall be found, and he was smitten and died, no bloods for him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible [If a thief is caught in the act of housebreaking and beaten to death, there is no bloodguilt involved. New Revised Standard Version When the animal, whether ox or donkey or sheep, is found alive in the thief’s possession, the thief shall pay double. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf a thief is found breaking into a house and is wounded so that he dies, there is no penalty for bloodshed. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if a thief will be found breaking in and he is wounded and dies, there is no vengeance for him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If a thief be found breaking in, and be smitten so that he dieth, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if the thief be found in the breach made by himself and be smitten and die, there shall not be blood shed for him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Property Laws1“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. 2If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. 3But 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.… Cross References Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; Romans 13:4 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. Proverbs 25:21-22 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. Luke 6:29 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. Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Matthew 26:52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Deuteronomy 19:21 You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. 1 Peter 3:9 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. Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” Matthew 7:12 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. Romans 12:17-19 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.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Luke 22:36 “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. 1 Corinthians 6:7 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? Treasury of Scripture If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. breaking Job 24:14 The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief. Job 30:5 They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;) Hosea 7:1 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, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. no blood Numbers 35:27 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: Jump to Previous Account Act Alive Ass Beast Blood Bloodguiltiness Blood-Guiltiness Bloodshed Blow Breaking Caught Caused Death Defender Die Died Dies Dieth Double Encountered Forcing Found Guilt Guilty House Owner Ox Pay Possession Shed Sheep Smitten ss ss Stolen Struck Thief Way WhetherJump to Next Account Act Alive Ass Beast Blood Bloodguiltiness Blood-Guiltiness Bloodshed Blow Breaking Caught Caused Death Defender Die Died Dies Dieth Double Encountered Forcing Found Guilt Guilty House Owner Ox Pay Possession Shed Sheep Smitten ss ss Stolen Struck Thief Way WhetherExodus 22 1. Of Theft5. Of damage 7. Of trespasses 14. Of borrowing 16. Of fornication 18. Of witchcraft 19. Of bestiality 20. Of idolatry 21. Of strangers, widows, and fatherless 25. Of usury 26. Of pledges 28. Of reverence to magistrates 29. Of the first fruits 31. Of torn flesh If a thief is caught breaking in This phrase addresses the situation of a thief being discovered during the act of burglary. In ancient Israel, property was often a family's livelihood, and theft was a serious offense. The context here is a nighttime intrusion, as indicated by the surrounding verses, which implies a greater threat to personal safety. The law reflects the need to protect one's home and family, a principle that resonates with the broader biblical theme of justice and protection of the innocent. and is beaten to death no one shall be guilty of bloodshed Persons / Places / Events 1. ThiefThe individual attempting to unlawfully enter a property, representing a threat to personal and property security. 2. Homeowner The person defending their home, whose actions are under scrutiny in the context of self-defense. 3. Israel The nation receiving these laws as part of the Mosaic Law, which governed their civil and moral conduct. 4. Mosaic Law The legal and moral code given to the Israelites through Moses, which includes laws on property and personal rights. 5. God The ultimate lawgiver, whose justice and righteousness are reflected in the laws given to Israel. Teaching Points Understanding ContextRecognize that this law was given in a specific cultural and historical context, where personal property and family safety were paramount. Principle of Self-Defense The passage highlights the principle of self-defense, acknowledging the right to protect one's home and family. Value of Life While the law permits defense, it also implicitly values life by distinguishing between day and night, suggesting a measured response. Moral Responsibility Even in self-defense, there is a moral responsibility to consider the value of human life and the potential for non-lethal outcomes. Modern Application Consider how this principle applies today in terms of personal safety, legal rights, and moral responsibilities in protecting oneself and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 22:2?2. How does Exodus 22:2 address self-defense in a biblical context? 3. What does Exodus 22:2 reveal about God's view on protecting one's home? 4. How can Exodus 22:2 be reconciled with Jesus' teachings on non-violence? 5. How should Christians apply Exodus 22:2 in modern-day legal and ethical situations? 6. What principles from Exodus 22:2 guide us in balancing justice and mercy? 7. Does Exodus 22:2 justify self-defense in all situations? 8. How does Exodus 22:2 align with the commandment "Thou shalt not kill"? 9. What historical context influenced the laws in Exodus 22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 22? 11. What does the Bible say about self-defense? 12. Is it right to take another person's life? 13. Does the Bible say "kill" or "murder"? 14. Esther 9:13–15: Why would an additional day of killing be sanctioned, and does this align with other biblical teachings on mercy and restraint? What Does Exodus 22:2 Mean If a thief is caught breaking in“When a thief is caught breaking in…” (Exodus 22:2) • The setting is a nighttime intrusion, implied by the contrast in the next verse (“If the sun has risen on him…” v.3). • Theft is condemned (Exodus 20:15), but the text recognizes its sad reality. • Jesus borrows the picture to stress watchfulness: “If the master of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming…” (Matthew 24:43). • The homeowner has not gone looking for violence; he is reacting to an immediate, unseen threat (Job 24:14; Proverbs 7:9). and is beaten to death “…and is struck so that he dies…” (Exodus 22:2) • Forceful resistance is allowed even when it proves fatal. • Government normally bears the sword against wrongdoers (Romans 13:4); here necessity places that sword briefly in the victim’s hand. • The aim is protection, not revenge (Nehemiah 4:17-18; Proverbs 3:31-32). • The verse states what is permissible, not what must be done; lethal force is a last-resort response when the threat is uncertain and urgent. no one shall be guilty of bloodshed “…no blood shall be shed for him.” (Exodus 22:2) • The killing is treated as accidental or defensive, not murder (Numbers 35:11-12; Deuteronomy 19:6). • The avenger of blood has no claim; legal and divine penalties are removed (Exodus 21:13). • Verse 3 adds balance: daylight changes liability because the homeowner can better assess danger; proportionality matters (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:24-25). • God values life while safeguarding the innocent from violent aggression (Psalm 82:4). summary Exodus 22:2 teaches that when a thief invades under cover of darkness and is killed in the act, the defender bears no blood-guilt. Scripture upholds the sanctity of life alongside the God-given right to protect one’s household. Lethal force is not commanded, yet it is deemed justifiable when the threat is immediate and unavoidable, demonstrating God’s just balance of mercy toward the innocent and accountability for the evildoer. (2) If a thief be found breaking up.--Rather, breaking in: i.e., 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.Verse 2. - If a thief be found breaking up. Rather, "Breaking in" - i.e., 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 khathar, "to dig." There shall no blood be shed for him. Rather, "the blood-feud shall not lie upon him" - i.e., 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not a thief הַגַּנָּ֖ב (hag·gan·nāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1590: A stealer is caught יִמָּצֵ֥א (yim·mā·ṣê) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present breaking in בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת (bam·maḥ·te·reṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4290: A burglary, unexpected examination and is beaten וְהֻכָּ֣ה (wə·huk·kāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike to death, וָמֵ֑ת (wā·mêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill no one אֵ֥ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle shall be guilty of bloodshed. דָּמִֽים׃ (dā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed Links Exodus 22:2 NIVExodus 22:2 NLT Exodus 22:2 ESV Exodus 22:2 NASB Exodus 22:2 KJV Exodus 22:2 BibleApps.com Exodus 22:2 Biblia Paralela Exodus 22:2 Chinese Bible Exodus 22:2 French Bible Exodus 22:2 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 22:2 If the thief is found breaking (Exo. 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