Exodus 22:1 Meaning and Explanation
“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Theft of livestock requires restoration worth far more than the stolen animal.
The Context of Exodus 22:1
Restitution laws for theft establish community order.
What Does Exodus 22:1 Mean?
The law establishes consequences for taking someone else's livestock. Stealing requires not just returning the animal but paying a substantial penalty multiple of the original value.
This proportional penalty reflects the severity of the crime. The thief's punishment exceeds simple replacement, showing that justice requires recompense beyond mere return of stolen goods.
Exodus 22:1 in the Original Language
ganal (גָּנַל), 'steal' — to take another's property unlawfully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 22:1
What does Exodus 22:1 mean?
Theft of livestock requires restoration worth far more than the stolen animal.
What is the context of Exodus 22:1?
Restitution laws for theft establish community order.