Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 22:2
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelite assembly regarding property regulations before they enter the Promised Land. The directive applies to any community member who encounters a stray animal or lost item belonging to another Israelite.
The words — וַ/אֲסַפְתּ/וֹ (va./'a.saf.T/o) means "and you will gather it," and קָר֥וֹב (ka.Rov) means "near." These terms define the required action and the geographic condition that triggers the duty.
The thread — The immediate context in Deuteronomy 22:1 and 22:3 extends the rule to donkeys, cloaks, and other lost items. The reciprocal ethic appears in Matthew 7:12, while the prohibition against exploiting a brother is echoed in 1 Thessalonians 4:6.
Why it lands — The text commands temporary safekeeping and full restitution when the owner is unknown or distant. The reader must secure the found property and wait for the claimant rather than exercising personal discretion over it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:6 and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.