Exodus 22:3
Exodus 22:3 in Multiple Translations
But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.
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.
If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be bloodguiltiness for him; he shall make restitution: if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
But if it is after dawn, he will be responsible.
But if it happens during daylight, then someone is guilty of murder. A thief must pay everything back that's stolen. If he doesn't have anything, then he must be sold to pay for what was stolen.
But if it be in the day light, blood shall be shed for him: for he should make full restitution: if he had not wherewith, then shoulde he bee solde for his theft.
if the sun hath risen upon him, blood [is] for him, he doth certainly repay; if he have nothing, then he hath been sold for his theft;
If the sun has risen on him, he is guilty of bloodshed. He shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
If the sun shall have 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.
But if he did this when the sun is risen, he hath committed murder, and he shall die. If he have not wherewith to make restitution for the theft, he shall be sold.
But if that happens during the daytime, the one who killed the thief is guilty of murdering him. The thief must pay for what he stole. If he has no animals with which to pay for the one that he stole, he must be sold to become someone’s else’s slave and the money must be used to pay for what he stole.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:3
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 22:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִֽם
הִמָּצֵא֩
תִמָּצֵ֨א
בְ/יָד֜/וֹ
הַ/גְּנֵבָ֗ה
מִ/שּׁ֧וֹר
עַד
חֲמ֛וֹר
עַד
שֶׂ֖ה
חַיִּ֑ים
שְׁנַ֖יִם
יְשַׁלֵּֽם
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
הִמָּצֵא֩
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Ptc
תִמָּצֵ֨א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
בְ/יָד֜/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
הַ/גְּנֵבָ֗ה
gᵉnêbâh
H1591
theft
Art | N-fs
מִ/שּׁ֧וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
חֲמ֛וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
שֶׂ֖ה
seh
H7716
sheep
N-cs
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
יְשַׁלֵּֽם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:3
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
"if"
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.
הִמָּצֵא֩
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Ptc
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
תִמָּצֵ֨א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
בְ/יָד֜/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/גְּנֵבָ֗ה
gᵉnêbâh
H1591
"theft"
Art | N-fs
Theft refers to the act of taking something that doesnt belong to you, like in the story of the prodigal son. This word is used to describe the act of stealing. It appears in the Bible as a sin.
Definition: thing stolen, theft
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: theft. See also: Exodus 22:2; Exodus 22:3.
מִ/שּׁ֧וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
עַד
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.
חֲמ֛וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
עַד
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.
שֶׂ֖ה
seh
H7716
"sheep"
N-cs
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
יְשַׁלֵּֽם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
Study Notes — Exodus 22:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 22:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
- Sermons on Exodus 22:3
Context — Property Laws
1“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.
2If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.
3But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.
4If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double. 5If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:2 | If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. |
| 2 | Isaiah 50:1 | This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away. |
| 3 | Matthew 18:25 | Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. |
| 4 | Judges 2:14 | Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. |
| 5 | Judges 10:7 | So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, |
Exodus 22:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that if someone breaks into a house during the day and is killed, the person who killed them is guilty of taking a life, which is very serious. It also says that if someone steals something, they have to pay it back or work to earn the money to pay it back, which is like what happens in Luke 19:8 where Zacchaeus promises to pay back those he has cheated. This shows that our actions have consequences, and we need to take responsibility for what we do, just like in Galatians 6:7-8 where it says we reap what we sow.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that there is guilt for the thief's bloodshed if he is killed after sunrise?
According to Exodus 22:3, if a thief is killed after sunrise, the one who killed him is guilty of bloodshed, as seen in the principle that human life is valuable and should be protected, much like in Genesis 9:6 where it is written that whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed.
Why does the verse say the thief must make full restitution if he has something, but be sold if he has nothing?
This is because the Bible teaches that restitution is important for making amends for wrongdoing, as seen in Leviticus 24:18-20, and if the thief has nothing to give, he must give himself to work to pay off his debt, showing that our actions have consequences.
How does this verse relate to the concept of mercy and justice in the Bible?
Exodus 22:3 shows that God is a God of both justice and mercy, as He demands punishment for wrongdoing, but also provides a way for the thief to make restitution and start anew, much like in Micah 6:8 where it says we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
What can we learn about God's view of human life from this verse?
This verse teaches us that human life is valuable and should be protected, as seen in the fact that killing a thief after sunrise brings guilt for bloodshed, emphasizing the importance of preserving life, a principle also found in Exodus 20:13 where it says we should not murder.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of restitution in my own life, making amends for past wrongs?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy in my interactions with others, as seen in this verse?
- What does this verse teach me about the value of human life, and how can I reflect that value in my relationships with others?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the consequences of my actions, just like the thief in this verse who must face the consequences of his theft?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:3
If the sun be risen upon him,.... Either upon the thief, or upon the master of the house, or the person that finds the thief and smites him that he dies; it matters not which it is interpreted, it is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:3
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
There shall be blood shed for him; he that kills him shall be put to death, because he punished him more than his crime deserved, and might have been otherwise either secured or righted; and in that case, it is probable, the thief designed not murder, but theft only. But if it were evident that the housebreaker designed murder, he might doubtless kill him in his own defence. He shall be sold; either so long till his service was worth the thing stolen, or rather for the ordinary time of six years, because this was not a simple thief, but a housebreaker, which was much worse. Quest. How can he be sold, who is supposed to be killed? Answ. 1. The Hebrew word may be better rendered should be sold, as the foregoing word of the same future time is rendered, should make restitution, to wit, if he were not killed; and therefore the killer of him being sufficiently secured against this injury, was more culpable in killing him without necessity.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
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.Ver. 3. If the sun be risen.] Chaldee hath it, If the eye of witnesses: if he can raise the town, and call in aid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
(3) If the sun be risen upon him.—In the daytime no violence is to be feared. The housebreaker seeks to avoid observation, and decamps if discovered. Moreover, assistance is readily obtainable, and thus there is no need of resorting to extreme measures. The English law makes exactly the same distinction as the Mosaic. For he should make full restitution.—Heb., restoring, he shall restore. It is not quite clear whether he is to restore double; but so most commentators understand the passage. If he have nothing.—Rather, if he have not enough. If he cannot make the full restitution of the preceding verse, then “he shall be sold for his theft.” He shall become the slave for the term of six years of the man whom he has robbed, and in that way pay his debt.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:3
1–4. Theft of ox or sheep; and burglary.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:3
3. If the sun be risen upon him — If he commits his crime in the daylight, his movements and purposes are generally so apparent that an attempt upon his life would be utterly unjustifiable, and punishable as wilful manslaughter.
Sermons on Exodus 22:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 22:3-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various laws and principles outlined in the Mosaic system given by God to His people. The speaker emphasizes the practicality and righteousnes |
|
(God and Man) Entering God's Sabbath Rest by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of dedicating Wednesdays and Saturdays to fasting and prayer. He and another brother would spend hours in prayer after th |
|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the social legislation found in chapter 21 of the Bible. He begins by discussing the importance of the master and servant relationship in th |
|
The Kinsman Redeemer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher paints a vivid picture of a person in Israel who has lost their inheritance and is in chains, serving a cruel taskmaster. However, a relative or elder |
|
Typified in the Old Testament by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches on the transformative power of the Double Cure, emphasizing the importance of receiving both justification and sanctification to serve God with joy forever. T |
|
Emblems of Grace in the Ancient Law by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the emblems of grace found in the ancient law, emphasizing that the law served as a schoolmaster leading us to Christ, where we find justification by faith. H |
|
The Cross in God's Heart by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encourage |