If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

EXODUS 22:1KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“kill” Hebrew H2873 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
  • Psalms 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
  • Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

“steal” Hebrew H1589 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Exodus 21:16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.

“sheep” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“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 22:23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
  • 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: