Deuteronomy 22:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Help rescue a neighbor's animal that has collapsed on the road.
The Context of Deuteronomy 22:4
Shifting from lost property to active rescue of an animal in distress.
What Does Deuteronomy 22:4 Mean?
A fallen animal cannot free itself; immediate physical assistance is required. This is not restoration of lost property but emergency rescue. The collapse creates an urgent duty that overrides other work or plans.
The repetition of 'hide thyself' from verses 1-3 shows the underlying sin: callous indifference to another's crisis. Compassion and mutual obligation are woven into the community's economic life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 22:4
What does Deuteronomy 22:4 mean?
Help rescue a neighbor's animal that has collapsed on the road.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:4?
Shifting from lost property to active rescue of an animal in distress.