Question 1

What does Deuteronomy 22:10 mean?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 22:10 tells the Israelites not to plow a field using an ox and a donkey together. This command is a specific instruction about how to treat animals and how to work the land, highlighting a concern for fairness and order in everyday life. In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land, giving them a series of practical laws for daily living. The verse addresses farming practices, likely because an ox and a donkey are very different in size and strength, and yoking them together would be harsh on both animals. This law fits into a larger section of rules meant to shape a just and considerate community.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:10

Accepted Answer

"Plow" (תַּחֲרֹשׁ, tacharosh): This word means to till or break up the ground for planting. The instruction is about the act of working the land, not just leading animals together. "Ox" (שׁוֹר, shor): This refers to a strong, domesticated animal commonly used for heavy farm work. "Ass" (חֲמוֹר, chamor): This is a donkey, which is smaller and less powerful than an ox, and would struggle to keep up in a yoke. "Together" (יַחְדָּו, yachdav): This word means side by side or in unison, emphasizing that the issue is about making two different animals work as one team.

Question 3

Why Deuteronomy 22:10 matters

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 22:10 clears up that the law is not just about animals, but about preventing unnecessary hardship and promoting humane treatment in everyday tasks. This verse connects to a broader biblical theme of not mixing things that are fundamentally different, which appears in nearby verses about seeds and clothing. The instruction also shows attention to the practical realities of farming, recognizing that mismatched animals would not work well together and could suffer as a result.

Deuteronomy 22:10 (KJV)