Exodus 22:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:1 mean?

Exodus 22:1 says that if someone steals an ox or a sheep and either kills it or sells it, that person must pay back five oxen for each ox stolen and four sheep for each sheep stolen. This law sets a specific penalty for livestock theft, requiring much more to be paid back than what was taken.

God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about how to handle theft, especially when it involves valuable animals like oxen and sheep. The verse shows that stealing livestock was taken very seriously in ancient Israel, and the repayment was meant to be a strong deterrent. The law also recognizes the greater value and work lost when an ox is stolen compared to a sheep.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:1

• "Steal" (גָּנַב, ganav): This word means to take something secretly or dishonestly. The law here is about deliberate theft, not accidental loss.
• "Restore" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This word means to make whole or pay back in full. The idea is not just returning the stolen animal but making full restitution, going beyond what was taken.
• "Ox" (שׁוֹר, shor) and "sheep" (שֶׂה, seh): These words refer to specific types of livestock that were essential for farming and daily life, highlighting their importance in the community.
• "Five" (חָמֵשׁ, chamesh) and "four" (אַרְבַּע, arba): The numbers show the exact repayment required, which is much higher than just returning what was stolen, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.

Why Exodus 22:1 matters

• Exodus 22:1 clarifies that biblical justice for theft was not just about punishment but about making things right for the victim, often with extra compensation.
• The verse helps clear up the idea that ancient laws were only about harsh penalties; here, the focus is on restitution and discouraging theft by making it costly.
• This law fits into a larger section where God is teaching Israel how to live together fairly and responsibly, showing concern for both property rights and community trust.