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Exodus 22:5

Exodus 22:5 in Multiple Translations

If 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.

¶ If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.

If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall let his beast loose, and it feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.

If a man makes a fire in a field or a vine-garden, and lets the fire do damage to another man's field, he is to give of the best produce of his field or his vine-garden to make up for it.

If livestock are grazing in a field or vineyard and their owner lets them stray so that they graze in someone else's field, their owner must pay compensation from the best of their own fields or vineyards.

If a man doe hurt fielde, or vineyarde, and put in his beast to feed in an other mans fielde, he shall recompence of the best of his owne fielde, and of the best of his owne vineyard.

'When a man depastureth a field or vineyard, and hath sent out his beast, and it hath pastured in the field of another, [of] the best of his field, and the best of his vineyard, he doth repay.

“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten by letting his animal loose, and it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard.

If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field: of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard shall he make restitution.

If any man hurt a field or a vineyard, and put in his beast to feed upon that which is other men’s: he shall restore the best of whatsoever he hath in his own field, or in his vineyard, according to the estimation of the damage.

If someone allows his animals to ◄graze/eat the grass► in his field or in his vineyard, and if they stray away and eat the crops in another person’s field, the owner of the animals must pay the owner of those crops by giving him the best crops from his own field or vineyard.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:5

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 22:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי תֵצֵ֨א אֵ֜שׁ וּ/מָצְאָ֤ה קֹצִים֙ וְ/נֶאֱכַ֣ל גָּדִ֔ישׁ א֥וֹ הַ/קָּמָ֖ה א֣וֹ הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה שַׁלֵּ֣ם יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם הַ/מַּבְעִ֖ר אֶת הַ/בְּעֵרָֽה
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
תֵצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵ֜שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire N-cs
וּ/מָצְאָ֤ה mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Conj | V-Qal-3fs
קֹצִים֙ qôwts H6975 thorn N-mp
וְ/נֶאֱכַ֣ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
גָּדִ֔ישׁ gâdîysh H1430 stack N-ms
א֥וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
הַ/קָּמָ֖ה qâmâh H7054 standing grain Art | N-fs
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה sâdeh H7704 field Art | N-ms
שַׁלֵּ֣ם shâlam H7999 to complete V-Piel-Ptc
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם shâlam H7999 to complete V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
הַ/מַּבְעִ֖ר bâʻar H1197 to burn Art | V-Hiphil
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/בְּעֵרָֽה bᵉʻêrâh H1200 fire Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:5

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" 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.
תֵצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֵ֜שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/מָצְאָ֤ה mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Conj | V-Qal-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.
קֹצִים֙ qôwts H6975 "thorn" N-mp
This Hebrew word simply means a thorn, like the thorns that grew in the ground after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3:18. It can also refer to a thornbush, as in Judges 9:14.
Definition: 1) thorn, thornbush 1a) thornbush 1b) thorn
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Psalms 118:12.
וְ/נֶאֱכַ֣ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
גָּדִ֔ישׁ gâdîysh H1430 "stack" N-ms
A stack of sheaves or a tomb, used to describe a place where grain is stored or a burial site. The Bible uses this word to describe both a stack of corn and a tomb. The KJV translates it as 'shock' or 'tomb'.
Definition: heap, stack, pile
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: shock (stack) (of corn), tomb. See also: Exodus 22:5; Job 5:26; Job 21:32.
א֥וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הַ/קָּמָ֖ה qâmâh H7054 "standing grain" Art | N-fs
Standing grain refers to mature crops that are ready for harvest. In the Bible, it symbolizes growth and abundance, as seen in the fields of ancient Israel. The word is used to describe the ripe, tall stalks of grain.
Definition: standing grain
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (standing) corn, grown up, stalk. See also: Exodus 22:5; 2 Kings 19:26; Isaiah 17:5.
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
שַׁלֵּ֣ם shâlam H7999 "to complete" V-Piel-Ptc
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.
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם 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.
הַ/מַּבְעִ֖ר bâʻar H1197 "to burn" Art | V-Hiphil
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
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.
הַ/בְּעֵרָֽה bᵉʻêrâh H1200 "fire" Art | N-fs
This word refers to fire or burning, describing a flame or something that is on fire.
Definition: burning, fire
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: fire. See also: Exodus 22:5.

Study Notes — Exodus 22:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 22:3 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.
2 Exodus 22:12 But if the animal was actually stolen from the neighbor, he must make restitution to the owner.
3 Job 20:18 He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading.
4 Exodus 21:34 the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his.

Exodus 22:5 Summary

Exodus 22:5 teaches us that if we cause damage to someone else's property, we should take responsibility and make things right, just like the owner of the livestock had to pay back for the damage his animals caused. This principle is still important today, as we see in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus teaches about reconciling with others before coming to God. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, and to be willing to make restitution when we have caused harm. By doing so, we demonstrate our love for our neighbors and our commitment to being good stewards of God's creation (Genesis 1:28-30).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'make restitution' in Exodus 22:5?

To make restitution means to restore or compensate for something that has been lost or damaged, as seen in Exodus 22:5, where a person must pay back from their own field or vineyard for the damage their livestock caused in someone else's field, similar to the principle found in Leviticus 24:18-22.

Why is the owner responsible for the actions of his livestock in Exodus 22:5?

The owner is responsible because he allowed his livestock to stray into someone else's field, showing a lack of care or supervision, and as noted in Proverbs 27:23-27, a good owner takes care of his animals and is mindful of their actions.

How does this verse relate to being a good neighbor?

This verse emphasizes the importance of being a considerate neighbor, as seen in the command to love your neighbor as yourself in Leviticus 19:18, and taking responsibility for your actions and their impact on those around you, just like in Luke 10:25-37 where the good Samaritan helps his neighbor in need.

Is this principle of restitution still applicable today?

Yes, the principle of taking responsibility for your actions and making amends when you have caused harm is still relevant today, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus teaches about reconciling with your brother before coming to God, and in 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, where believers are encouraged to settle disputes in a fair and loving manner.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply the principle of restitution in my own life, especially when I have unintentionally caused harm to someone or something?
  2. How can I be more mindful of my actions and their potential impact on those around me, just like the owner of the livestock in Exodus 22:5?
  3. What does it mean to 'make restitution from the best of my own' in my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I put this into practice?
  4. How does this verse encourage me to think about my role as a steward of God's creation and my responsibility to care for the things He has entrusted to me, as seen in Genesis 1:28-30?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:5

If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten,.... Which is not his own, by putting cattle into it to feed upon it, as it is explained in the next clause: and shall put in his beast, and shall

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:5

If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:5

A field or vineyard, or orchard, or other things of like nature; which is generally to be observed in laws.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:5

Exodus 22:5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’ s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.Ver. 5. To be eaten.] By unadvised turning in of his cattle, through mistake or neglect.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:5

(5) If a man shall cause a field . . . to be eaten.—On theft follows trespass, another injury to property. Two kinds of trespass alone are mentioned; but from these the principles to be followed in punishing trespass generally can be sufficiently made out. Accidental injury, such as that caused by fire extending from one man’s field into another’s, was to be simply compensated up to the amount of damage done; but voluntary injury, such as followed on the turning of beasts into a neighbour’s ground, was to be more than compensated. The amount of produce destroyed was to be exactly calculated, and then the injurer was to make good the full amount of his neighbour’s loss out of the best of his own produce.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:5

5, 6. Compensation to be paid for damage done by cattle being allowed negligently to stray (v. 5—if the text be sound); and by fire spreading accidentally (v. 6) to another man’s field.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:5

Shall put in his beast, and shall feed - Rather, shall let his beast go loose, and it shall feed.

Sermons on Exodus 22:5

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (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

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