Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. New Living Translation “If someone steals an ox or sheep and then kills or sells it, the thief must pay back five oxen for each ox stolen, and four sheep for each sheep stolen. English Standard Version “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Berean Standard Bible “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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. New American Standard Bible “If someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep— NASB 1995 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. NASB 1977 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. Legacy Standard Bible “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. Amplified Bible “If a man steals an ox or sheep and kills or sells it, he shall make restitution of five oxen for an ox or four sheep for a sheep. Christian Standard Bible “When a man steals an ox or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox or four sheep for the sheep. Holman Christian Standard Bible When a man steals an ox or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox or four sheep for the sheep. American Standard Version If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Contemporary English Version If you steal an ox and slaughter or sell it, you must replace it with five oxen; if you steal a sheep and slaughter it or sell it, you must replace it with four sheep. English Revised Version If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. GOD'S WORD® Translation [The LORD continued,] "Whenever someone steals a bull or a sheep and butchers it or sells it, he must make up for the loss with five head of cattle to replace the bull or four sheep to replace the sheep. Good News Translation "If someone steals a cow or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay five cows for one cow and four sheep for one sheep. International Standard Version "If a man steals an ox or sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he is to repay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. NET Bible "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox, and four sheep for the one sheep. New Heart English Bible "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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. World English Bible “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen a man steals an ox or sheep, and has slaughtered it or sold it, he repays [with] five of the herd for the ox, and four of the flock for the sheep. Young's Literal Translation 'When a man doth steal an ox or sheep, and hath slaughtered it or sold it, five of the herd he doth repay for the ox, and four of the flock for the sheep. Smith's Literal Translation If a man shall steal an ox or a sheep, and slaughter it or sell it, he shall recompense five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf any man steal an ox or a sheep, and kill or sell it: he shall restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. Catholic Public Domain Version “If anyone will have stolen an ox or a sheep, and if he kills it or sells it, then he will restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. New American Bible When someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for the one ox, and four sheep for the one sheep. New Revised Standard Version When someone steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, the thief shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. The thief shall make restitution, but if unable to do so, shall be sold for the theft. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIF a man shall steal an ox or a ewe, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four ewes for a ewe. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when a man will steal an ox or a ewe and he will kill them or he will sell them, he will give five oxen in exchange for an ox and four ewes he will give in exchange for a ewe. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If a man steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if one steal an ox or a sheep, and kill it or sell it, he shall pay five calves for a calf, and four sheep for a sheep. 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.… 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— ... 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.” 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. 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.” Matthew 5:25-26 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. 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. 1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” 2 Kings 4:7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.” Job 20:18 He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading. Isaiah 61:8 For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them. Amos 3:10 “For they know not how to do right,” declares the LORD. “They store up violence and destruction in their citadels.” 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. 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! Colossians 3:25 Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Treasury of Scripture 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. sheep. Leviticus 6:1-6 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, … Numbers 5:7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed. 2 Samuel 12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. five oxen Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Jump to Previous Cattle Death Exchanged Five Four Gets Head Kill Kills Money Ox Oxen Pay Payment Price Puts Restitution Restore Right Sell Sells Sheep Slaughters Sold Steal Steals TheftJump to Next Cattle Death Exchanged Five Four Gets Head Kill Kills Money Ox Oxen Pay Payment Price Puts Restitution Restore Right Sell Sells Sheep Slaughters Sold Steal Steals TheftExodus 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 man steals an ox or a sheep This phrase addresses the act of theft, specifically of livestock, which was a valuable asset in ancient agrarian societies. Oxen and sheep were essential for agriculture and livelihood, serving as sources of labor, food, and clothing. The commandment against stealing is rooted in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15), emphasizing the importance of respecting others' property. The focus on oxen and sheep highlights the economic impact of such theft in a community where livestock was a primary measure of wealth. and slaughters or sells it he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Exodus, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai and communicated 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 commandments and ordinances found in Exodus. 4. Ox and Sheep Livestock that were valuable assets in ancient Israelite society, representing wealth and livelihood. 5. Thief The individual who unlawfully takes another's property, specifically livestock in this context. Teaching Points The Principle of RestitutionThe law requires not just the return of stolen property but additional compensation, underscoring the seriousness of theft and the importance of justice. Value of Livelihood The specific mention of oxen and sheep highlights the importance of respecting others' means of livelihood and the broader implications of theft on community welfare. Moral Responsibility The law reflects a moral responsibility to make amends for wrongs committed, pointing to a heart of repentance and reconciliation. Deterrence and Justice The requirement for multiple-fold restitution serves as a deterrent against theft and upholds justice within the community. Spiritual Integrity Believers are called to live with integrity, respecting others' property and working honestly, reflecting God's character in their actions. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 22What is restorative justice? Why do many biblical laws appear to be copied from earlier legal codes like the Code of Hammurabi? What are the laws in the Covenant Code? What defines punitive justice?XXII. (1-4) Theft is here treated of with great brevity, only three kinds being distinguished--(1) Housebreaking; (2) stealing without conversion of the property; (3) stealing with conversion. The main principle of punishment laid down is the exaction from the offender o! Double (Exodus 22:4). When, however, there has been conversion of the property, the penalty is heavier, the return of four-fold in the case of a sheep, of five-fold in that of an ox (Exodus 22:1). Incidentally it is enacted that the burglar may be resisted by force (Exodus 22:2), and that to kill him shall be justifiable homicide; and further, it is laid down that a thief unable to make the legal restitution shall become a slave in order to pay his debt (Exodus 22:3). (1) If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep.--The flocks and herds of the Israelites constituted their principal property, and hence cattle-stealing is taken as the representative of theft in general. And kill it, or sell it.--Plainly showing persistence and determination. . . . Verse 1. - If a man shall steal an ox. The principal property possessed by the Israelites in the wilderness was their cattle; whence this occurs to the legislator as the thing most likely to be stolen. It required more boldness in a thief to carry off an ox than a sheep or goat; and so the crime was visited with a heavier penalty.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifכִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction a man אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person steals יִגְנֹֽב־ (yiḡ·nōḇ-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1589: To thieve, to deceive an ox שׁ֣וֹר (šō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) or אוֹ־ (’ōw-) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if a sheep שֶׂ֔ה (śeh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat and slaughters וּטְבָח֖וֹ (ū·ṭə·ḇā·ḥōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 2873: To slaughter, butcher, slay or א֣וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if sells it, מְכָר֑וֹ (mə·ḵā·rōw) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 4376: To sell he must repay יְשַׁלֵּם֙ (yə·šal·lêm) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate five חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה (ḥă·miš·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 2568: Five oxen בָקָ֗ר (ḇā·qār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd for תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of an ox הַשּׁ֔וֹר (haš·šō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) and four וְאַרְבַּע־ (wə·’ar·ba‘-) Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular Strong's 702: Four sheep הַשֶּֽׂה׃ (haś·śeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat for a sheep. צֹ֖אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Links Exodus 22:1 NIVExodus 22:1 NLT Exodus 22:1 ESV Exodus 22:1 NASB Exodus 22:1 KJV Exodus 22:1 BibleApps.com Exodus 22:1 Biblia Paralela Exodus 22:1 Chinese Bible Exodus 22:1 French Bible Exodus 22:1 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 22:1 If a man steals an ox (Exo. 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