Exodus 22:2 Meaning and Explanation
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A homeowner who kills a thief caught breaking in incurs no guilt.
The Context of Exodus 22:2
Self-defense against nighttime theft is permitted without penalty.
What Does Exodus 22:2 Mean?
The law protects a property owner's right to defend home and possessions. If an intruder is caught breaking into a house and dies in the encounter, the homeowner bears no blood guilt and faces no punishment.
This reflects the principle that a person has the right to protect what is theirs. An intruder accepts the risk by breaking in, and the homeowner's response, though deadly, is lawful.
Exodus 22:2 in the Original Language
hammaki (הַמַּכִּי), 'smitten' — struck down; implies a violent confrontation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 22:2
What does Exodus 22:2 mean?
A homeowner who kills a thief caught breaking in incurs no guilt.
What is the context of Exodus 22:2?
Self-defense against nighttime theft is permitted without penalty.