4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
4 If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession-whether ox or donkey or sheep-they must pay back double.
4 If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.
4 If caught red-handed with the stolen goods, and the ox or donkey or lamb is still alive, the thief pays double.
4 If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.
4 If someone steals an ox or a donkey or a sheep and it is found in the thief's possession, then the thief must pay double the value of the stolen animal.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:4
Chapter Contents
Judicial laws.
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.