Exodus 23:4
Exodus 23:4 in Multiple Translations
If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
¶ If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
If you come across the ox or the ass of one who is no friend to you wandering from its way, you are to take it back to him.
If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey that has wandered off, take it back to him.
If thou meete thine enemies oxe, or his asse going astray, thou shalt bring him to him againe.
'When thou meetest thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou dost certainly turn it back to him;
“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again.
If thou shalt meet thy enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
If thou meet thy enemy’s ox or ass going astray, bring it back to him.
If you see someone’s bull or donkey when it is wandering away loose, take it back to its owner, even if the owner is your enemy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:4
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 23:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
תִפְגַּ֞ע
שׁ֧וֹר
אֹֽיִבְ/ךָ֛
א֥וֹ
חֲמֹר֖/וֹ
תֹּעֶ֑ה
הָשֵׁ֥ב
תְּשִׁיבֶ֖/נּוּ
לֽ/וֹ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִפְגַּ֞ע
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שׁ֧וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms
אֹֽיִבְ/ךָ֛
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
חֲמֹר֖/וֹ
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs | Suff
תֹּעֶ֑ה
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Qal
הָשֵׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Ptc
תְּשִׁיבֶ֖/נּוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:4
כִּ֣י
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.
תִפְגַּ֞ע
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
שׁ֧וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
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.
אֹֽיִבְ/ךָ֛
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
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.
חֲמֹר֖/וֹ
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs | Suff
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.
תֹּעֶ֑ה
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Qal
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
הָשֵׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
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.
תְּשִׁיבֶ֖/נּוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-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 — Exodus 23:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:4
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
- Sermons on Exodus 23:4
Context — Justice and Mercy
2You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.
3And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.
4If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
5If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. 6You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 22:1–4 | If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother. 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 you shall do the same for his donkey, his cloak, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore it. If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 | Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. |
| 3 | Matthew 5:44 | But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:21 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. |
| 5 | Romans 12:17–21 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 6 | Luke 6:27–28 | But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:17–18 | Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him. |
| 8 | Job 31:29–30 | If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse— |
Exodus 23:4 Summary
Exodus 23:4 teaches us to treat others with kindness and respect, even if they are our enemies. This means being mindful of how our actions affect others and acting with integrity, even when it's difficult. As seen in the Gospel of Matthew 5:44, we are called to love our enemies, and in Proverbs 10:9, we are encouraged to walk securely as people of integrity. By following this principle, we reflect God's heart of justice, mercy, and compassion, as seen in Psalm 103:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main principle behind Exodus 23:4?
The main principle is to treat others with kindness and respect, even if they are our enemies, as seen in Exodus 23:4, and this is reinforced by the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 5:44, where we are told to love our enemies.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse teaches us to be mindful of how our actions affect others, and to act with integrity, even when it's difficult, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely.
Is this verse only about returning lost animals?
While the verse specifically mentions returning a stray ox or donkey, the underlying principle is about showing compassion and doing what is right, even towards those we may not get along with, as seen in Exodus 23:5, where we are told to help someone in need, even if they hate us.
What does this verse say about God's character?
This verse reflects God's heart of justice, mercy, and compassion, as seen in Psalm 103:8, which says that the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of treating others with kindness, even when they are not kind to me, in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can show compassion and do what is right, even when it's difficult?
- How does this verse challenge my current relationships, and what changes can I make to reflect God's heart of justice and mercy?
- What does this verse say about the importance of integrity and doing what is right, even when no one is watching?
- How can I balance the desire to treat others with kindness with the need to stand up for what is right and just?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:4
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray,.... Or any other beast, as the Samaritan version adds; for these are only mentioned for instances, as being more common, and creatures subject
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:4
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou meet thine enemy's ox ... going astray.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
So far shalt thou be from revenging his injuries, that thou shalt render good to him for them, whereby if thou dost not reconcile him, thou wilt procure peace to thyself, and honour to religion.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
Exodus 23:4 If thou meet thine enemy’ s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.Ver. 4. Ox or his ass going astray.] How much more his soul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
(4) Thine enemy’s ox.—The general duty of stopping stray animals and restoring them to friendly owners, expressly taught in Deuteronomy 22:1-3, is here implied as if admitted on all hands. The legislator extends this duty to cases where the owner is our personal enemy. It was not generally recognised in antiquity that men’s enemies had any claims upon them. Cicero, indeed, says—“Sunt autem quædam officia etiam adversus eos servanda, a quibus injuriam aceeperis” (De Off. i. 11); but he stops short of enjoining active benevolence. Here and in Exodus 23:5 we have a sort of anticipation of Christianity—active kindness to an enemy being required, even when it costs us some trouble. The principle of friendliness is involved—the germ which in Christianity blossoms out into the precept, “Love your enemies.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
Verse 4. If thou meet thine enemy's ox - going astray] From the humane and heavenly maxim in this and the following verse, our blessed Lord has formed the following precept: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44. A precept so plain, wise, benevolent, and useful, can receive no other comment than that which its influence on the heart of a kind and merciful man produces in his life.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:4
4, 5. An enemy’s beast to be preserved from harm. These two injunctions breathe a spirit unusual in the OT. (cf., however, Leviticus 19:17-18), and reminding one of Mat 5:44. They are repeated in Deuteronomy 22:1-4, in an expanded form, accommodating them to the spirit and point of view of Deuteronomy. They can hardly be here in their original place; for they evidently interrupt the connexion between vv. 1–3 and vv. 6–9: they would follow better after Exodus 22:24 or 27.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:4
So far was the spirit of the law from encouraging personal revenge that it would not allow a man to neglect an opportunity of saving his enemy from loss.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:4
4, 5. Enemy’s ox… bring it back — This statute embodies the essence of our Lord’s command to “do good to them that hate you,” (Matthew 5:44,) and furnishes a most admirable illustration of it.
Sermons on Exodus 23:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sermon on the Mount: Love Your Enemies, Pray for Your Persecutors by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the important question of how to deal with our enemies as believers in Christ. He emphasizes the significance of repentance and faith in the b |
|
Aggressive Kindness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Exodus 23:4-5, which discusses the concept of aggressive kindness. The passage emphasizes the importance of helping even one's enemies in ti |
|
The Necessity of Forgiving One Another by David Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the theme of forgiveness, highlighting the vertical aspect of God's forgiveness towards us and the horizontal aspect of our forgiveness towards others. The s |
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Brotherly Relationship by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of brotherly relationships, illustrating how true character is revealed when we are called to go the second mile, a metaphor for going beyond |
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Greatest Salvation Sermon by David Servant | David Servant preaches on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true intent behind His teachings. Jesus corrected the misinterpretations of th |
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of prayer and rejoicing always. He emphasizes that even in difficult circumstances, believers should find joy because it is Go |
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Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth | The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte |