Bible Strands
Exodus 22:4
If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God addresses Moses and the Israelites regarding civil restitution laws for theft. This directive applies specifically when a stolen animal is recovered alive in the thief's possession.
The words — The Hebrew term הִמָּצֵא (hi.ma.Tze') means "actually found," establishing the physical condition for the penalty. תִמָּצֵא (ti.ma.Tze') conveys "it will be found," defining the precise trigger for the restitution requirement.
The thread — This recovery condition parallels Exodus 22:1, which mandates fivefold and fourfold repayment when livestock is slaughtered or sold. It also mirrors Exodus 21:16, which applies the death penalty when a kidnapped person is found in a thief's possession.
Why it lands — The text commands the thief to pay double the value of the recovered animal. It establishes a fixed financial consequence that holds offenders accountable for stolen property.
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
If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
Cross-references
- Exodus 22:1 “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.
- Exodus 22:7 If a man gives his neighbor money or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.
- Exodus 21:16 Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.
- Exodus 22:9 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.
- Proverbs 6:31 Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
- Revelation 18:6 Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.
- Jeremiah 16:18 And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.”
- Isaiah 40:2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”