Exodus 22:4
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.

Majority Standard Bible
If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back 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.

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 Version
if 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 Bible
If 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 Bible
If 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 1917
If 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 Whether
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Actually Alive Animal Ass Bloodguilt Donkey Double Found Hand Ox Pay Possession Property Repayeth Restore Risen Sheep Stole Stolen Sun Theft Twice Whatever Whether
Exodus 22
1. Of Theft
5. 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
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.

is actually found alive
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.

in his possession
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.

whether ox or donkey or sheep
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.

he must pay back double
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.

(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

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If what was stolen
אִֽם־ (’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)


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OT Law: Exodus 22:4 If the stolen property is found (Exo. Ex)
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