If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

EXODUS 22:4KJV
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Exodus 22:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:4 mean?

Exodus 22:4 says that if a stolen animal—whether an ox, donkey, or sheep—is found alive with the thief, the thief must pay back double its value. This law sets out a specific consequence for theft when the stolen property is recovered unharmed.

In this part of Exodus, God is giving Moses laws for the Israelites about property and justice. The verse addresses what happens when someone steals livestock but is caught before the animal is harmed or sold. The requirement to repay double emphasizes both restitution for the victim and a deterrent for the thief.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:4

  • "Theft" (גְּנֵבָה, gĕnevah) means stolen property or the act of stealing. The focus here is on the item itself being found, not just the act.
  • "Alive" (חַי, chai) means living or unharmed. The law only applies if the animal is still alive, showing a distinction between recovering living property and something lost or destroyed.
  • "Restore" (שָׁלֵם, shalem) means to make whole or pay back. This word highlights that the thief must not just return the animal but provide extra compensation.
  • "Double" (שְׁתַּיִם, shĕtayim) means twofold. The law requires the thief to pay back twice the value, not just return what was taken.

Why Exodus 22:4 matters

  • Exodus 22:4 clarifies that restitution is not just about returning stolen goods but involves additional compensation, which helps discourage theft.
  • The verse draws a line between different outcomes of theft—if the animal is still alive, the penalty is double, but other laws in this chapter set different penalties if the animal is lost or killed.
  • This law fits into a broader biblical theme of justice that seeks to repair harm done to others, rather than only punishing the wrongdoer.

Where else these words appear

“theft” Hebrew H1591 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 22:3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

“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:

“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 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 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.