Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

DEUTERONOMY 22:4KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 22:4 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:4 mean?

Deuteronomy 22:4 commands that if you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore the situation but are required to help your neighbor lift the animal up again. The verse stresses personal responsibility to assist others in need, even when it is inconvenient.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, giving them practical laws for daily life as they prepare to live in the land God is giving them. The verse addresses a situation where someone’s work animal—a valuable possession—has collapsed, and the onlooker might be tempted to walk away. The law insists that community members are to look out for each other’s welfare, not just their own.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:4

  • The word “hide” (הִתְעַלַּמְתָּ, hit‘allamta) means to conceal oneself or pretend not to see. Here, it highlights the temptation to avoid getting involved, and the command directly forbids this kind of indifference.
  • The phrase “surely help” (הָקֵם תָּקִים, haqēm tāqīm) uses a doubled form of the verb “to raise up,” which in Hebrew often intensifies the command. This makes the obligation to help very strong—there is no room for half-heartedness or hesitation.

Why Deuteronomy 22:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that moral responsibility in Israelite society includes practical help, not just good intentions or feelings.
  • By focusing on a neighbor’s animal, the law shows that even everyday problems and property losses matter in God’s eyes, not just religious or ceremonial issues.
  • This command fits into a wider passage about caring for others’ property, showing that the law’s concern for justice and kindness reaches into ordinary, daily life.

Where else these words appear

“hide” Hebrew H5956 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • 1 Samuel 12:3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.