Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double. King James Bible If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. New King James Version If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double. New American Standard Bible If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double. NASB 1995 “If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double. NASB 1977 “If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double. Legacy Standard Bible If what he stole is actually found alive in his hand, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double. Amplified Bible 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]. Christian Standard Bible If what was stolen—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—is actually found alive in his possession, he must repay double. Holman Christian Standard Bible If what was stolen—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—is actually found alive in his possession, he must repay double.” American Standard Version If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall pay double. English Revised Version If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall pay double. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. International Standard Version If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox, a donkey or a sheep, he is to repay double. NET Bible 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. New Heart English Bible If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double. Webster's Bible Translation If the theft shall be certainly found in his hand alive, whether an ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double. World English Bible If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionif the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether ox, or donkey, or sheep—he repays double. Young's Literal Translation if the theft is certainly found in his hand alive, whether ox, or ass, or sheep -- double he repayeth. Smith's Literal Translation If finding, the theft shall be found in his hand, from an ox to an ass, to a sheep; living, he shall recompense two. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf that which he stole be found with him, alive, either ox, or ass, or sheep: he shall restore double. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible If what he stole is found alive in his possession, be it an ox, a donkey or a sheep, he shall make twofold restitution. New Revised Standard Version but if it happens after sunrise, bloodguilt is incurred. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf the animal is found in his possession alive, whether it is an ox or an ass, or a ewe, he shall restore double. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall pay double. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if the thing stolen be left and be in his hand alive, whether ox or sheep, he shall restore them two-fold. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Property Laws…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. 4If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession— whether ox or donkey or sheep— he must pay back double. 5If 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.… Cross References Leviticus 6:1-5 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— ... Deuteronomy 22:1-4 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. ... Luke 19:8 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.” Proverbs 6:30-31 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. Matthew 5:23-24 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. Numbers 5:6-7 “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. 2 Samuel 12:6 Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” Ezekiel 33:15 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. Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. Leviticus 24:18 Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. Romans 13:8-10 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. Colossians 3:13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Galatians 6:1 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. 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 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! James 5:16 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. Treasury of Scripture If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. found Exodus 21:16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. he shall restore double Exodus 21:1,7,9 Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them… Proverbs 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. Isaiah 40:2 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. Jump to Previous Actually Alive Animal Ass Bloodguilt Donkey Double Found Hand Ox Pay Possession Property Repayeth Restore Risen Sheep Stole Stolen Sun Theft Twice Whatever WhetherJump to Next Actually Alive Animal Ass Bloodguilt Donkey Double Found Hand Ox Pay Possession Property Repayeth Restore Risen Sheep Stole Stolen Sun Theft Twice Whatever 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 what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession— This phrase addresses the situation where stolen property is recovered intact. In ancient Israel, livestock such as oxen, donkeys, and sheep were valuable assets, essential for agriculture and transportation. The law emphasizes restitution and justice, reflecting God's concern for fairness and the restoration of relationships. This principle of restitution is echoed in the New Testament, where Zacchaeus, upon his conversion, promises to repay fourfold anyone he has defrauded (Luke 19:8). whether ox or donkey or sheep— he must pay back double. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Exodus, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai and delivered it to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The recipients of the Law, God's chosen people, who were being formed into a nation with a distinct legal and moral code. 3. Mount Sinai The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the civil and moral laws found in Exodus. 4. Thief The individual who has stolen livestock and is subject to the restitution laws outlined in this passage. 5. Livestock (Ox, Donkey, Sheep) Common forms of wealth and livelihood in ancient Israel, representing significant economic value. Teaching Points Principle of RestitutionThe law requires not just the return of stolen property but additional compensation, highlighting the importance of justice and making amends. Value of Integrity This law underscores the value God places on honesty and integrity in personal and community relationships. Community Responsibility The law serves to protect the community by deterring theft and ensuring that wrongs are righted, promoting social harmony. God's Justice The requirement to repay double reflects God's justice, which is both corrective and restorative, aiming to restore relationships and trust. Moral Accountability This passage reminds believers of their moral accountability before God and others, encouraging them to live righteously. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 22:4?2. How does Exodus 22:4 emphasize the importance of restitution in Christian ethics? 3. What does Exodus 22:4 teach about responsibility and accountability for one's actions? 4. How can we apply the principle of restitution in our daily relationships? 5. How does Exodus 22:4 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation? 6. In what ways can Exodus 22:4 guide us in resolving conflicts biblically? 7. How does Exodus 22:4 reflect God's justice in property rights? 8. What does Exodus 22:4 reveal about ancient Israelite society and its values? 9. How should Exodus 22:4 be applied in modern legal systems? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 22? 11. Why do many biblical laws appear to be copied from earlier legal codes like the Code of Hammurabi? 12. Stephen states Moses was 'mighty in words' (Acts 7:22), but Exodus 4:10 depicts Moses as slow of speech. How do we reconcile these descriptions? 13. Numbers 31 compared to earlier laws in Exodus and Leviticus: Why does this narrative's approach to warfare seem inconsistent with other divine commandments? 14. Why does this text present such severe violence against priests as sanctioned or uninterrupted (1 Samuel 22:19)? What Does Exodus 22:4 Mean If what was stolen is actually found aliveExodus 22:4 opens with, “If what was stolen is actually found alive…”. • This clause assumes a successful recovery of the animal, contrasting with situations in which the thief has butchered or sold it (Exodus 22:1). • The law underscores the value God places on preserving life—even animal life—by making a distinct ruling for living property versus destroyed property (Leviticus 6:4–5; Deuteronomy 22:1–3). • It also highlights God’s concern for swift justice. The moment the stolen animal is located alive, the case is settled without long court delays (Proverbs 20:28). In his possession The phrase pinpoints personal responsibility: the stolen animal is “in his possession.” • Possession proves guilt. Similar legal language appears in Exodus 22:7–8, where an item “found with him” establishes liability. • Scripture consistently ties ownership to accountability (Exodus 21:16; Deuteronomy 24:7). If the thief still has the animal, he cannot claim ignorance or accidental involvement (Numbers 5:6–7). • The law therefore discourages hiding stolen goods; anyone caught red-handed faces immediate restitution (Job 20:18–19). Whether ox or donkey or sheep By naming these three animals, the statute covers the main categories of livestock in agrarian Israel. • Ox: essential for plowing and transport (Deuteronomy 25:4). • Donkey: everyday haulage and riding (Numbers 22:21). • Sheep: primary source of wool and meat (1 Samuel 25:2). • The list signals that no form of livestock theft is too small for God’s attention (Luke 16:10). Other passages broaden the principle to any property (Exodus 22:9). He must pay back double Restitution is the heart of the verse: “he must pay back double.” • Doubling the value acts both as compensation to the victim and deterrence to would-be thieves (Proverbs 6:30-31). • When the stolen article has been damaged or sold, restitution rises to four- or five-fold (Exodus 22:1), showing God’s graded justice—greater loss means greater penalty. • The same spirit surfaces later when Zacchaeus pledges, “If I have cheated anyone of anything, I will repay four times the amount” (Luke 19:8), reflecting a repentant acknowledgment of Exodus restoration principles. • Ultimately, restitution mirrors God’s character: He restores what is lost and requires His people to do the same (Joel 2:25; Psalm 23:3). summary Exodus 22:4 teaches that when a thief is caught with a living stolen animal, he must return double its value. The verse affirms: • life preserved warrants lighter—but still significant—penalty; • possession confirms guilt and personal accountability; • every kind of livestock matters to God; • restitution serves both justice and deterrence. By upholding literal, practical justice, this law showcases God’s concern for victims, respect for property, and desire for societal order grounded in fair and swift reparation. (4) If the theft be certainly found in his hand.--If he had not converted it, consumed it, or, if it were an animal, killed it, then, instead of the four-fold or five-fold restitution of Exodus 22:1, a restoration of double was to suffice.Verse 4. - If the theft be certainly found in his hand. 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 CHAPTER 22:2-6 Hebrew If what was stolenאִֽם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not is actually found הִמָּצֵא֩ (him·mā·ṣê) Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present alive חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life in his possession— בְיָד֜וֹ (ḇə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand whether ox מִשּׁ֧וֹר (miš·šō·wr) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) or עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while donkey חֲמ֛וֹר (ḥă·mō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2543: A male ass or עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while sheep— שֶׂ֖ה (śeh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat he must pay back יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃ (yə·šal·lêm) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate double. שְׁנַ֖יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) Links Exodus 22:4 NIVExodus 22:4 NLT Exodus 22:4 ESV Exodus 22:4 NASB Exodus 22:4 KJV Exodus 22:4 BibleApps.com Exodus 22:4 Biblia Paralela Exodus 22:4 Chinese Bible Exodus 22:4 French Bible Exodus 22:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 22:4 If the stolen property is found (Exo. 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