Exodus 22:15
Exodus 22:15 in Multiple Translations
If the owner was present, no restitution is required. If the animal was rented, the fee covers the loss.
But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
If the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be a hired thing, it came for its hire.
If the owner is with it, he will not have to make payment: if he gave money for the use of it, the loss is covered by the payment.
If the owner was present, no compensation is to be paid. If the animal was hired, only the hire charge needs to be paid.
If the owner thereof bee by, hee shall not make it good: for if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
if its owner [is] with it, he doth not repay, — if it [is] a hired thing, it hath come for its hire.
If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.
But if the owner of it shall be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be a hired thing, it came for his hire.
But if the owner be present, he shall not make restitution, especially if it were hired and came for the hire of his work.
But if that happens when the owner of the animal is there, the one who borrowed it will not have to pay back anything. If the man who borrowed it only rented it, the money that he paid to rent it will be enough to pay for the animal dying or being injured.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:15
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.
Exodus 22:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
אִ֗ישׁ
בְּתוּלָ֛ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
אֹרָ֖שָׂה
וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב
עִמָּ֑/הּ
מָהֹ֛ר
יִמְהָרֶ֥/נָּה
לּ֖/וֹ
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בְּתוּלָ֛ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֹרָ֖שָׂה
ʼâras
H781
to betroth
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עִמָּ֑/הּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
מָהֹ֛ר
mâhar
H4117
to pay brideprice
V-Qal-Ptc
יִמְהָרֶ֥/נָּה
mâhar
H4117
to pay brideprice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
לּ֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:15
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּתוּלָ֛ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fs
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
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.
אֹרָ֖שָׂה
ʼâras
H781
"to betroth"
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to promise marriage, like when a man and woman get engaged. It is used in Deuteronomy 20:7 to describe a man who has recently gotten engaged. This word is about making a commitment to marry someone.
Definition: 1) to betroth, engage 1a) (Piel) to betroth (man or woman) 1b) (Pual) to be betrothed
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: betroth, espouse. See also: Exodus 22:15; Deuteronomy 22:28; Hosea 2:22.
וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עִמָּ֑/הּ
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.
מָהֹ֛ר
mâhar
H4117
"to pay brideprice"
V-Qal-Ptc
In biblical times, this word meant to pay a bride price to marry someone. It involved giving a dowry. The Bible mentions it in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to obtain or acquire by paying purchase price, give a dowry 1a) (Qal) to obtain in exchange
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: endow, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 22:15.
יִמְהָרֶ֥/נָּה
mâhar
H4117
"to pay brideprice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
In biblical times, this word meant to pay a bride price to marry someone. It involved giving a dowry. The Bible mentions it in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to obtain or acquire by paying purchase price, give a dowry 1a) (Qal) to obtain in exchange
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: endow, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 22:15.
לּ֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Exodus 22:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 22:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:15
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
- Sermons on Exodus 22:15
Context — Property Laws
13If the animal was torn to pieces, he shall bring it as evidence; he need not make restitution for the torn carcass.
14If a man borrows an animal from his neighbor and it is injured or dies while its owner is not present, he must make full restitution.
15If the owner was present, no restitution is required. If the animal was rented, the fee covers the loss.
16If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. 17If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 8:10 | For before those days neither man nor beast received wages, nor was there safety from the enemy for anyone who came or went, for I had turned every man against his neighbor. |
Exodus 22:15 Summary
Exodus 22:15 teaches us that if someone is taking care of an animal and the owner is present, the person taking care of the animal is not responsible if something happens to it. However, if the animal was rented, the rental fee covers any losses. This verse helps us understand the importance of responsibility and accountability, as also seen in other scriptures such as Luke 12:48 and Matthew 25:14-30. It reminds us to take care of the things that are entrusted to us and to be mindful of our actions and their consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main principle behind Exodus 22:15?
The main principle is that responsibility for an animal's loss or damage depends on whether the owner was present or if the animal was rented, as seen in Exodus 22:15, and this principle is also reflected in other scriptures such as Leviticus 6:1-5, which discusses restitution for various types of losses.
How does this verse relate to our personal responsibility?
This verse teaches us that we are responsible for our actions, especially when we are in charge of something that belongs to someone else, as also seen in Luke 12:48, where Jesus says that much is required from those to whom much is given.
What is the significance of the owner's presence in this verse?
The owner's presence determines whether restitution is required, highlighting the importance of accountability and supervision, as also emphasized in Proverbs 27:23-24, which encourages us to know the state of our flocks and the condition of our herds.
How does this verse apply to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our responsibilities and to take care of the things that are entrusted to us, whether it's a borrowed item, a pet, or a task, as also taught in Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus tells the parable of the talents and the importance of being faithful with what we have been given.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to take more responsibility, and how can I apply the principles of Exodus 22:15 to those areas?
- How can I be more mindful of my actions and their consequences, especially when I am in charge of something that belongs to someone else?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate accountability and supervision in my daily life, whether it's in my work, my relationships, or my personal responsibilities?
- How can I balance the need for personal freedom with the need for responsibility and accountability, as taught in scriptures such as Galatians 5:13-14 and Romans 14:12?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:15
But if the owner thereof be with it,.... When it is hurt or dies; for in some cases the owner might go along with his beast, being borrowed or hired to do work with it; or, however, being upon the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:15
If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
If the owner thereof be with it: the law reasonably presumes, both that the borrower would not abuse it in the sight of its owner, and that the lender might and would take due care about it. He shall not make it good, except there be some manifest fault in the borrower, as if he should kill or wound the beast in the lender’ s presence; which exception is easily to be understood from divers other laws of God. It came for his hire, i.e. the benefit was the lender’ s, and not the borrower’ s, and therefore the former reason ceaseth; and whether the master were present or absent, he that receives the gain or hire shall bear the loss, except when it came through the borrower’ s gross and wilful default.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
Exodus 22:15 [But] if the owner thereof [be] with it, he shall not make [it] good: if it [be] an hired [thing], it came for his hire.Ver. 15. It came for his hire,] q.d., He shall pay the hire only, and no more, though the owner be not by when it miscarrieth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
(15) If it be a hired thing.—Letting out for hire is akin to lending; but still quite a different transaction. Damage to a thing hired was not to be made good by the hirer, since the risk of it might be considered to have formed part of the calculation upon which the amount of the hire was fixed.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:15
15. it came for its hire] and therefore, it is presumed, the owner was prepared to take the risk, so that compensation for injury is unnecessary. The sense expressed by the marg. is hardly likely: for if the cost of compensation in the possible case of injury or death were included in the hire, it would make this unreasonably high. Others understand sâkîr in its usual sense of a ‘hired servant,’ and make an entirely new case of v. 15b, rendering: If it be a hired servant (who, viz., has injured his own master’s animal), it (the damage) cometh into his hire, and is gradually worked off by him (so Kautzsch and Socin, Bä., Ryssel). The connexion with vv. 14, 15a is however in this case in exact; for the ‘it’ is not, as in v. 15a, one who has borrowed the animal from its owner, but one who has been entrusted with it by his master.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:15
It came for his hire - The sum paid for hiring was regarded as covering the risk of accident.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:15
15. If it be a hired thing — If the owner let it out for money in advance or to be paid, that payment was to be taken as the sole compensation in the case.
Sermons on Exodus 22:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Letter. 133. by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the importance of heeding the cautions and admonitions in the word of God, emphasizing the consequences of not laying them to heart. Through the eighth |