Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God delivers civil statutes to Israel through Moses at Sinai, establishing procedures for resolving property disputes within the covenant community.
The words — The passage opens with עַל־ כָּל־ דְּבַר־ פֶּשַׁע (‘al kol devar pesha‘, "concerning every matter of transgression"), where the preposition עַל (‘al, "on") structurally separates the legal category from the specific items listed, such as שׁוֹר (shor, "ox") and חֲמוֹר (chamor, "donkey").
The thread — This mandate to submit claims to judges mirrors Deuteronomy 25:1, while the double repayment penalty directly parallels Exodus 22:4.
Why it lands — The text requires both parties to present their case to appointed judges, mandating that the convicted party pay double restitution to the neighbor.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned.
- 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.
- Exodus 23:6 You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.
- Numbers 5:6 “Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty
- 1 Kings 8:31 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,
- 2 Chronicles 19:10 For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.
- Matthew 18:35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
- Luke 17:3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
- Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- 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.