Deuteronomy 22:2 - If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 22:2" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:2 outlines the responsibility to care for lost property belonging to a fellow Israelite. Let's break it down:
"If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him..." This sets the stage for a situation where you find lost property, but you can't immediately identify or return it to the owner. "Brother" here refers to a fellow Israelite, emphasizing a sense of community responsibility.
"...then you shall bring it home to your house..." Instead of leaving the item where it is (potentially leading to further loss or theft), you're instructed to take it into your possession for safekeeping.
"...and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it..." You are responsible for holding onto the item. The expectation is that the owner will eventually realize their loss and search for it.
"...and you shall restore it to him." When the owner comes forward and proves ownership, you are obligated to return the property without demanding compensation for its storage.
In essence, the verse promotes honesty, community responsibility, and concern for the well-being of others. It emphasizes that finding something lost doesn't give you the right to keep it. Instead, you have a duty to safeguard it and return it to its rightful owner.
Here are some key takeaways:
Emphasis on ethical behavior: The verse promotes a society where people are expected to be honest and considerate of others' property.
Community responsibility: It highlights the idea that members of the community have a responsibility to look out for each other and their belongings.
Temporary stewardship: You become a temporary guardian of the lost item, not its owner.
Restitution is mandatory: You must return the item when the owner is found.
Universal principle: Although the verse specifically mentions "brother" (referring to a fellow Israelite), many interpret the underlying principle as applicable to all people.
This verse lays the foundation for laws regarding lost property and emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and community responsibility. It teaches that finding something lost isn't a license to steal but an opportunity to act with integrity.
Deuteronomy 22:2 - If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him.
What does "Deuteronomy 22:2" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:2 outlines the responsibility to care for lost property belonging to a fellow Israelite. Let's break it down:
"If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him..." This sets the stage for a situation where you find lost property, but you can't immediately identify or return it to the owner. "Brother" here refers to a fellow Israelite, emphasizing a sense of community responsibility.
"...then you shall bring it home to your house..." Instead of leaving the item where it is (potentially leading to further loss or theft), you're instructed to take it into your possession for safekeeping.
"...and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it..." You are responsible for holding onto the item. The expectation is that the owner will eventually realize their loss and search for it.
"...and you shall restore it to him." When the owner comes forward and proves ownership, you are obligated to return the property without demanding compensation for its storage.
In essence, the verse promotes honesty, community responsibility, and concern for the well-being of others. It emphasizes that finding something lost doesn't give you the right to keep it. Instead, you have a duty to safeguard it and return it to its rightful owner.
Here are some key takeaways:
Emphasis on ethical behavior: The verse promotes a society where people are expected to be honest and considerate of others' property.
Community responsibility: It highlights the idea that members of the community have a responsibility to look out for each other and their belongings.
Temporary stewardship: You become a temporary guardian of the lost item, not its owner.
Restitution is mandatory: You must return the item when the owner is found.
Universal principle: Although the verse specifically mentions "brother" (referring to a fellow Israelite), many interpret the underlying principle as applicable to all people.
This verse lays the foundation for laws regarding lost property and emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and community responsibility. It teaches that finding something lost isn't a license to steal but an opportunity to act with integrity.