Exodus 22:9
New International Version
In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.

New Living Translation
“Suppose there is a dispute between two people who both claim to own a particular ox, donkey, sheep, article of clothing, or any lost property. Both parties must come before God, and the person whom God declares guilty must pay double compensation to the other.

English Standard Version
For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

Berean Standard Bible
In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.

King James Bible
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.

New King James Version
“For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.

New American Standard Bible
For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.

NASB 1995
“For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.

NASB 1977
“For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.

Legacy Standard Bible
For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.

Amplified Bible
For every offense involving property, whether it concerns ox, donkey, sheep, clothing, or any piece of lost property, which another identifies as his, the case of both parties shall come before the judges [who act in God’s name]. Whomever the judges pronounce guilty shall pay double to his neighbor.

Christian Standard Bible
In any case of wrongdoing involving an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or anything else lost, and someone claims, ‘That’s mine,’ the case between the two parties is to come before the judges. The one the judges condemn must repay double to his neighbor.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In any case of wrongdoing involving an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or anything else lost, and someone claims, ‘That’s mine,’ the case between the two parties is to come before the judges. The one the judges condemn must repay double to his neighbor.”

American Standard Version
For every matter of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, whereof one saith, This is it, the cause of both parties shall come before God; he whom God shall condemn shall pay double unto his neighbor.

Contemporary English Version
Suppose two people claim to own the same ox or donkey or sheep or piece of clothing. Then the judges must decide the case, and the guilty person will pay the owner double.

English Revised Version
For every matter of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, whereof one saith, This is it, the cause of both parties shall come before God; he whom God shall condemn shall pay double unto his neighbour.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If there is a dispute over the ownership of a bull, a donkey, a sheep, an article of clothing, or any [other] lost property which two people claim as their own, both people must bring their case to God. The one whom God declares guilty must make up for his neighbor's loss with double the amount.

Good News Translation
"In every case of a dispute about property, whether it involves cattle, donkeys, sheep, clothing, or any other lost object, the two people claiming the property shall be taken to the place of worship. The one whom God declares to be guilty shall pay double to the other one.

International Standard Version
"In every ownership dispute involving an ox, donkey, sheep, garment, or anything that is lost where a person says, 'This is mine,' the case between the two of them is to come before the judges, and the one that the judges declare guilty is to repay double to his neighbor.

Majority Standard Bible
In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.

NET Bible
In all cases of illegal possessions, whether for an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any kind of lost item, about which someone says 'This belongs to me,' the matter of the two of them will come before the judges, and the one whom the judges declare guilty must repay double to his neighbor.

New Heart English Bible
For every matter of trespass, whether it be for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, 'This is mine,' the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

Webster's Bible Translation
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challengeth to be his: the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and he whom the judges shall condemn, shall pay double to his neighbor.

World English Bible
For every matter of trespass, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, ‘This is mine,’ the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For every matter of transgression, for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for raiment, for any lost thing of which it is said that it is his, the matter of them both comes to God; he whom God condemns repays double to his neighbor.

Young's Literal Translation
for every matter of transgression, for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, for any lost thing of which it is said that it is his; unto God cometh the matter of them both; he whom God doth condemn, he repayeth double to his neighbour.

Smith's Literal Translation
For every word of transgression, for ox, for ass, for sheep, for garment, for every loss which if this say is his: to God the word of both of them shall come; whom God shall condemn, he shall recompense double to his friend.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To do any fraud, either in ox, or in ass, or sheep, or raiment, or any thing that may bring damage: the cause of both parties shall come to the gods: and if they give judgment, he shall restore double to his neighbour.

Catholic Public Domain Version
so as to perpetrate any fraud, such as with an ox, or a donkey, or a sheep, or clothing, nor to do anything that would be able to cause damage. The case of both shall be brought before the heavens. And if they give judgment against him, he shall repay double to his neighbor.

New American Bible
In every case of dishonest appropriation, whether it be about an ox, or a donkey, or a sheep, or a garment, or anything else that has disappeared, where another claims that the thing is his, the claim of both parties shall be brought before God; the one whom God convicts must make twofold restitution to the other.

New Revised Standard Version
In any case of disputed ownership involving ox, donkey, sheep, clothing, or any other loss, of which one party says, “This is mine,” the case of both parties shall come before God; the one whom God condemns shall pay double to the other.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for an ox for an ass for a lamb for clothing or for any manner of lost thing which another man claims to be his, the case of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges shall convict, he shall make two-fold restitution to his neighbor.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Concerning every matter of sin about an ox or about a donkey or about a sheep or about clothing or about every loss of which one says, “This is it” before the Judges, the words of both shall enter and he whom the Judges convict will restore each thing double to his neighbor.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For every matter of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, whereof one saith: 'This is it,' the cause of both parties shall come before God; he whom God shall condemn shall pay double unto his neighbour.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
according to every injury alleged, both concerning a calf, and an ass, and a sheep, and a garment, and every alleged loss, whatsoever in fact it may be, - the judgment of both shall proceed before God, and he that is convicted by God shall repay to his neighbour double.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Property Laws
8If the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has taken his neighbor’s property. 9In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor. 10If a man gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any other animal to be cared for by his neighbor, but it dies or is injured or stolen while no one is watching,…

Cross References
Leviticus 6:1-7
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 19:15-19
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. ...

Numbers 5:5-8
And the LORD said to Moses, / “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. ...

1 Kings 8:31-32
When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.

2 Chronicles 6:22-23
When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.

Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.

Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.

Proverbs 21:28
A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.

Matthew 18:16
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

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.

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.”

Luke 16:10-12
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. / So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? / And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

Romans 13:9
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.”

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!

1 Corinthians 6:1-6
If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...


Treasury of Scripture

For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challenges to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double to his neighbor.

for all manner of trespass

Numbers 5:6,7
Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty; …

1 Kings 8:31
If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:

Matthew 6:14,15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: …

the cause of both parties

Exodus 18:21,22
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: …

Exodus 23:6-8
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause…

Deuteronomy 16:18,19
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment…

Pay double unto his

Exodus 22:4,7
If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double…

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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














In every case of wrongdoing
The phrase "in every case of wrongdoing" sets the stage for a legal framework that is comprehensive and just. The Hebrew word for "wrongdoing" here is "pesha," which implies a breach of trust or a transgression. This indicates that the law is concerned not only with the act itself but also with the moral and ethical implications of the act. The use of "every" underscores the inclusivity and thoroughness of God's justice system, ensuring that no act of injustice is overlooked.

involving an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item
This list of items—ox, donkey, sheep, garment, or any lost item—reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where livestock and garments were valuable possessions. The specificity of the items mentioned highlights the practical nature of the law, addressing common disputes in daily life. The Hebrew culture placed significant value on property, and these items represent a person's livelihood and wealth. The inclusion of "any lost item" broadens the scope, emphasizing that God's law is concerned with all aspects of personal property.

about which someone says, ‘This is mine,’
The phrase "about which someone says, ‘This is mine,’" introduces the concept of personal claim and ownership. The Hebrew word for "says" is "amar," which can also mean to declare or assert. This reflects the human tendency to claim ownership, whether justly or unjustly. The law recognizes the potential for disputes and false claims, necessitating a system to discern truth and protect rightful ownership.

both parties shall bring their cases before the judges
The requirement that "both parties shall bring their cases before the judges" underscores the importance of impartial judgment and due process. The Hebrew term for "judges" is "elohim," which can also mean "gods" or "mighty ones," indicating that judges were seen as representatives of divine justice. This reflects the belief that justice is ultimately rooted in God's character and authority. The process of bringing cases before judges ensures that disputes are resolved fairly and that truth prevails.

The one whom the judges condemn
"The one whom the judges condemn" refers to the outcome of the judicial process. The Hebrew word for "condemn" is "rasha," meaning to declare guilty or wicked. This highlights the role of judges in discerning right from wrong and pronouncing judgment. The emphasis is on accountability and the necessity of upholding justice within the community.

must pay back double to his neighbor
The requirement to "pay back double to his neighbor" serves as both restitution and deterrent. The Hebrew word for "pay back" is "shalam," which means to make whole or complete. This reflects the biblical principle of restitution, where the wrongdoer must restore what was lost and compensate for the harm caused. The doubling of repayment serves as a deterrent against wrongdoing and underscores the value of integrity and honesty in community relationships. This principle of restitution is a recurring theme in biblical law, emphasizing God's desire for justice and reconciliation.

(9) For all manner of trespass.--Rather, in every case of fraud. The context limits the expression to cases of fraud, or alleged fraud, in connection with a deposit.

For ox, for ass, for sheep.--The deposit of animals is unknown in classical antiquity, but might well be the custom of a people whose wealth consisted in flocks and herds. In the wilderness small proprietors might have been glad to intrust their few animals to the herdsmen who guarded the flocks and herds of their wealthier neighbours.

Which another challengeth to be his.--The case is supposed of the trustee saying a thing is lost which the depositor declares he can identify, and show to be still in his (the trustee's) possession.

The cause of both parties shall come before the judges.--This seems to mean that the challenge was to be made at the challenger's risk. If he proved his point to the satisfaction of the judges, he was to recover double; if he failed, he was to forfeit double of what he had claimed.

Verse 9. - For all manner of trespass. - It has been supposed that this refers to "every case of theft;" but Kalisch is probably right in restricting it to cases where a person was accused of having embezzled property committed to his care. He was in that case to appear before the judges (Exodus 18:23), together with his accuser, and to clear himself if he could. When he failed to do so, and was "condemned," he was bound to restore double. Which another challenges to be his. - Rather, "which a man challenges to be the very thing" (that he deposited). The case is supposed of the depositor being able to point out that the person to whom he entrusted the deposit has it still in his keeping.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

cases
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of illegal possession
פֶּ֡שַׁע (pe·ša‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6588: Transgression

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

an ox,
שׁ֡וֹר (šō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

a donkey,
חֲ֠מוֹר (ḥă·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2543: A male ass

a sheep,
שֶׂ֨ה (śeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat

a garment,
שַׂלְמָ֜ה (śal·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8008: A wrapper, mantle

or any
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

lost item
אֲבֵדָ֗ה (’ă·ḇê·ḏāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 9: Something lost, destruction, Hades

that
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

someone claims,
יֹאמַר֙ (yō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘This
זֶ֔ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

is mine,’
ה֣וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

both parties
שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם (šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

shall bring
יָבֹ֖א (yā·ḇō)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

their cases
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

before
עַ֚ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the judges.
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

The one whom the judges
אֱלֹהִ֔ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

condemn
יַרְשִׁיעֻן֙ (yar·šî·‘un)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7561: To be, wrong, to disturb, violate

must pay back
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם (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)

to his neighbor.
לְרֵעֵֽהוּ׃ (lə·rê·‘ê·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow


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OT Law: Exodus 22:9 For every matter of trespass whether it (Exo. Ex)
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