Exodus 22:8 Meaning and Explanation
“If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If a thief is not caught, the homekeeper is brought before judges to determine if he stole the goods.
The Context of Exodus 22:8
Judges arbitrate disputes when a thief cannot be identified.
What Does Exodus 22:8 Mean?
When goods go missing from a house and no thief is identified, suspicion may fall on the person keeping the goods. The homekeeper must answer to judges about his trustworthiness and whether he took the goods himself.
This law protects both parties. It prevents a keeper from covering up his own theft by claiming an unknown thief, while ensuring judges—not the accusers—determine guilt or innocence.
Exodus 22:8 in the Original Language
yigash (יִגַּשׁ), 'brought' — presented or approached; brought to stand before judges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 22:8
What does Exodus 22:8 mean?
If a thief is not caught, the homekeeper is brought before judges to determine if he stole the goods.
What is the context of Exodus 22:8?
Judges arbitrate disputes when a thief cannot be identified.