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 22:11KJV
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Exodus 22:11 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“oath” Hebrew H7621 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Joshua 2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
  • Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

“owner” Hebrew H1167 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.
  • Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

“good” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 22:44 And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

“goods” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.