Exodus 22:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The keeper can swear an oath before God that he did not take the animal; the owner must accept this oath.
The Context of Exodus 22:11
An oath before God settles disputes when there is no other evidence.
What Does Exodus 22:11 Mean?
Without witnesses, the law provides an oath as a means of settling the dispute. The keeper swears before God that he did not harm or steal the animal, which shifts responsibility away from him.
If the keeper takes this oath, the owner must accept his testimony and bear the loss himself. This reflects a principle that an oath before God is binding and honoring; the owner cannot demand additional payment.
Exodus 22:11 in the Original Language
shevuah (שְׁבוּעָה), 'oath' — a sworn promise invoking God's name and judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 22:11
What does Exodus 22:11 mean?
The keeper can swear an oath before God that he did not take the animal; the owner must accept this oath.
What is the context of Exodus 22:11?
An oath before God settles disputes when there is no other evidence.