Deuteronomy 22:10 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:10 mean?

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.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:10

• "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.

Why Deuteronomy 22:10 matters

• 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.