Exodus 23:5

Verse

If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.

American Standard Version (1901)

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, thou shalt forbear to leave him, thou shalt surely release it with him.

Bible in Basic English

If you see the ass of one who has no love for you bent down to the earth under the weight which is put on it, you are to come to its help, even against your desire.

Douay-Rheims 1899

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lie underneath his burden, thou shalt not pass by, but shalt lift him up with him.

Free Bible Version

If you see the donkey of someone who hates you that has fallen under its load, don't just leave it there. You must stop and help.

Geneva Bible 1599

If thou see thine enemies asse lying vnder his burden, wilt thou cease to helpe him? thou shalt helpe him vp againe with it.

King James (Authorized) Version

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

One Unity Resource Bible

If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don’t leave him, you shall surely help him with it. (5)

Translation for Translators

If you see someone’s donkey that has fallen down because of its heavy load, help the owner to get the donkey up again, even if he is someone who hates you. Do not just walk away without helping him.

Unlocked Literal Bible

If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen to the ground under its load, you must not leave that person. You must surely help him with his donkey.

Noah Webster Bible

If thou shalt see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

World English Bible

If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don’t leave him. You shall surely help him with it.

Young's Literal Translation

when thou seest the ass of him who is hating thee crouching under its burden, then thou hast ceased from leaving [it] to it — thou dost certainly leave [it] with him.

Context

Justice and Mercy

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.

Sermons

Day 5, Matthew 5

David Servant

Summary

Exodus 23:5 instructs believers to help their enemies in times of need, even if their enemies' animals are burdened under a heavy load. This verse teaches the importance of showing kindness and compassion to all, regardless of past conflicts or differences. By demonstrating mercy and assistance to those who may have wronged us, we reflect the love and grace of God in our actions. It challenges us to rise above feelings of animosity and seek reconciliation and peace, following the example of Christ's selfless love.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden,.... Fallen down, and such a burden upon him that he cannot rise up again, but lies under it, and the owner of it is not able of himself to raise it up again: and wouldst forbear to help him; show an inclination to pass on without giving him any assistance to get up his beast again; or "wouldst thou forbear to help him?" (w) as Jarchi, and others, read with an interrogation, could it be in thine heart to forbear helping him? couldest thou go on, and take no notice of him and his case, and not join him in endeavouring to get up his beast again, that he may proceed its his journey? canst thou be so cruel and hardhearted, though he is thine enemy? but if thou art, know this: thou shalt surely help with him; to get up his ass again: hence the Jewish canon runs thus (x),"if an ass is unloaded and loaded four or five times, a man is bound, i.e. to help, as it is said, "in helping thou shalt help"; if he (the owner) goes away, and sets himself down, seeing the command is upon thee, if it is thy will and pleasure to unload, unload, he is free; for it is said, with him; if he is an old man, or sick, he is bound, the command of the law is to unload, but not to load.''The words may be rendered, "in leaving thou shalt leave with him" (y); either leave or forsake thine enmity to help him, as Onkelos; or leave thy business, thou art about, to lend him an hand to raise up his beast again. (w) "num desines sublevare eum?" some in Vatablus; "cessabis auxitiari ei?" Drusius; "desines auxiliari ei?" Pagninus. (x) Misn. Bava Metzia, c. 2. sect. 10. (y) "Deserendo deseres cum eo", Montanus; so Ainsworth.