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Deuteronomy 22:2

Deuteronomy 22:2 in Multiple Translations

If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him.

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it home to thy house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him.

If their owner is not near, or if you are not certain who he is, then take the beast to your house and keep it till its owner comes in search of it, and then you are to give it back to him.

If its owner doesn't live near you, or if you don't know who it is, take the animal home with you and keep it until the owner comes looking, then you can return it.

And if thy brother bee not neere vnto thee, or if thou knowe him not, then thou shalt bring it into thine house, and it shall remaine with thee, vntill thy brother seeke after it: then shalt thou deliuer it to him againe.

and if thy brother [is] not near unto thee, and thou hast not known him, then thou hast removed it unto the midst of thy house, and it hath been with thee till thy brother seek it, and thou hast given it back to him;

If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him.

And if thy brother shall not be nigh to thee, or if thou shalt not know him, then thou shalt bring it to thy own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother shall seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

And if thy brother be not nigh, or thou know him not: thou shalt bring them to thy house, and they shall be with thee until thy brother seek them, and receive them.

But if the owner does not live near you, or if you do not know who the owner is, take the animal to your house. It can stay with you until the owner comes, searching for it. Then you must give the animal to him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:2

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 22:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אִם לֹ֨א קָר֥וֹב אָחִ֛י/ךָ אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ וְ/לֹ֣א יְדַעְתּ֑/וֹ וַ/אֲסַפְתּ/וֹ֙ אֶל תּ֣וֹךְ בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ וְ/הָיָ֣ה עִמְּ/ךָ֗ עַ֣ד דְּרֹ֤שׁ אָחִ֨י/ךָ֙ אֹת֔/וֹ וַ/הֲשֵׁבֹת֖/וֹ לֽ/וֹ
וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj
לֹ֨א lôʼ H3808 not Part
קָר֥וֹב qârôwb H7138 near Adj
אָחִ֛י/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יְדַעְתּ֑/וֹ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
וַ/אֲסַפְתּ/וֹ֙ ʼâçaph H622 to gather Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst N-ms
בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff
וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עִמְּ/ךָ֗ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
דְּרֹ֤שׁ dârash H1875 to seek V-Qal-Inf-a
אָחִ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
אֹת֔/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
וַ/הֲשֵׁבֹת֖/וֹ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff
לֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:2

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֨א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
קָר֥וֹב qârôwb H7138 "near" Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אָחִ֛י/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְדַעְתּ֑/וֹ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וַ/אֲסַפְתּ/וֹ֙ ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִמְּ/ךָ֗ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
דְּרֹ֤שׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אָחִ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֹת֔/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וַ/הֲשֵׁבֹת֖/וֹ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:2

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 7:12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
2 1 Thessalonians 4:6 and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.

Deuteronomy 22:2 Summary

Deuteronomy 22:2 teaches us that if we find something that belongs to someone else, we should try to return it to them, even if we do not know who they are. This shows that God cares about honesty, kindness, and taking care of others' property, as seen in other verses like Exodus 20:15 and Luke 10:25-37. By following this command, we demonstrate our love for God and for our neighbors, and we can trust that God will guide us in doing what is right. This principle can be applied to many areas of life, reminding us to always act with integrity and compassion, just as God does.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I find a lost animal that belongs to someone I do not know?

According to Deuteronomy 22:2, if you do not know who the owner is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until the owner comes seeking it, then you can return it to them, as an act of kindness and obedience to God's commands, similar to the principle found in Exodus 23:4-5.

Is this verse only talking about animals, or are there other applications?

While Deuteronomy 22:2 specifically mentions an animal, the principle of returning lost property to its owner can be applied to other situations, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:3, which mentions returning a lost cloak or other items, demonstrating God's care for all aspects of life, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40.

How does this verse relate to being a good neighbor and showing love?

Deuteronomy 22:2 shows that being a good neighbor involves being mindful of others' property and taking initiative to return what is lost, demonstrating the kind of love and compassion that Jesus taught in Luke 10:25-37, where loving our neighbors as ourselves is a fundamental aspect of following God's commands.

What if the owner never comes to claim their lost animal, what should I do then?

The Bible does not provide a specific time limit for keeping the animal, but the principle of Deuteronomy 22:2 suggests that you should keep it safe until the owner comes, and if the owner is never found, you may need to seek guidance from local authorities or community leaders, always remembering to act with integrity and honesty, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply the principle of returning lost property to its owner in my daily life, and how can I show love and kindness to those around me?
  2. How can I balance the responsibility of taking care of someone else's property with my own needs and priorities, and what does this say about my trust in God's provision?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate the heart of a good neighbor, as described in Deuteronomy 22:2, and how can I be more mindful of the needs and struggles of those around me?
  4. What does this verse teach me about God's character and His desire for me to act with kindness, compassion, and integrity, and how can I reflect these qualities in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:2

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee,.... Does not live in the same neighbourhood, but at some considerable distance; so that he cannot soon and easily be informed of his cattle, or they be sent

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:2

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:2

If thy brother be not nigh unto thee, which may make the duty more troublesome or chargeable. If thou know him not; which implies, that if they did know the owner, they should restore it to him. Thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, to be used like thine own cattle. Thou shalt restore it to him again, the owner, as it may be presumed, paying the charges.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:2

XXII. Deuteronomy 22:1-4. LOST .(1) Go astray.—Literally, being driven away, as by wild beasts (Jeremiah 1:17), or by robbers. It is not simply straying. “I will seek that which was lost and bring again that which was driven away” (Ezekiel 34:16), and so in many other passages. Thou shalt not . . . hide thyself from them.—Comp. Proverbs 24:12. “If thou sayest, Behold we knew it not . . . doth not He know it?” And Isaiah 58:7, “that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” (3) In like manner . . . with all lost thing of thy brother’s.—This is only a particular case of the second great commandment. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (4) Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down . . . and hide thyself.—In Exodus 23:4-5, this is put even more strongly. “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden . . . thou shalt surely help with him.”

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:2

1–3. Of Restoring Lost Property. No Israelite shall see a brother’s ox or sheep go astray without returning it, or caring for it till it is claimed, and so with an ass or garment or anything lost; D’s expansion of a law by E, Exodus 23:4 f., which is (remarkably) of an enemy’s property. As is evident from the parallel phrase, him that hateth thee, in E’s next law, this is not a foreign, but a private, enemy. Therefore D’s substitution of the term brother renders his law not narrower (so Marti and others), but wider, than E’s. P, Leviticus 6:1-7, gives details for the treatment of a man who has not restored lost property found by him. Ḫ ?ammurabi has four laws, §§ 9–12, on cases in which the finder has sold the lost property of another. For the Arabs see Doughty Ar. Des. i. 345 and Musil, Ethn. Ber. 282 ff.: If a man find an animal, this must be confirmed by two witnesses, that the owner may not charge him with theft and exact fourfold compensation. Among the Ṣ ?ekhûr the animal remains with the finder till the owner appears, when it is returned; but after 3 years it belongs to the finder. Some forms of denouncing finders, who do not restore, are given.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:2

SermonDescription
Kathryn Kuhlman Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the
Paris Reidhead The Key to Understanding by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of loving and serving others as a reflection of our love for God. He emphasizes that individuals make up nations, and therefore
Erlo Stegen The Enemy of the Cross by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for understanding and guidance from God. He then reads from Luke chapter 14, where Jesus speaks about the requirements of being his di
David Platt The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 3 by David Platt In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our use of money in demonstrating where our heart is. He encourages the congregation to examine their checkbooks and budge
Zac Poonen Two Types of Believers in the Last Days -Part 1 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God in the face of deception. He highlights that knowledge alone will not help us stand in times of great dece
Zac Poonen (The Truth Will Set You Free) Freedom From the Curse by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He warns against speaking evil a
Don McClure False Prophets by Don McClure In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living according to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. He emphasizes that many of the disasters in life stem from no

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