Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
EXODUS 22:11KJVWhat does Exodus 22:11 mean?
Exodus 22:11 describes a situation where someone entrusted with a neighbor’s property claims innocence after a loss, and the matter is settled by an oath before God. If the person swears they did not take or misuse the item, the owner must accept this oath and cannot demand repayment.
In this part of Exodus, God is giving Moses laws for the Israelites about handling disputes over property. The verse addresses cases where something entrusted to someone’s care goes missing or is damaged, and there is no clear evidence of wrongdoing. The oath (a solemn promise invoking the LORD) serves as a final resolution, showing the seriousness of honesty and trust in the community.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:11
- "oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, shevuah): This word means a sworn statement or promise, especially one made before God. Its use here highlights the gravity of invoking God’s name to confirm truthfulness.
- "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal name of Israel’s God, showing that the oath is not just a legal formality but a spiritual act with deep religious significance.
- "goods" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah): This word often means "work" or "property." Here, it refers to the item or goods entrusted to someone, emphasizing the practical, everyday nature of the law.
Why Exodus 22:11 matters
- Exodus 22:11 clarifies that not every loss or dispute should end in punishment or repayment; trust and honesty are valued, and an oath is considered sufficient proof when evidence is lacking.
- The verse shows how Israelite law balanced protecting property with fairness, preventing false accusations or unjust demands.
- This law connects to the broader passage by illustrating how God’s instructions aimed to build a just and trustworthy society, where both property and personal integrity are respected.