Deuteronomy 22:4 - You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.
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What does "Deuteronomy 22:4" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:4 speaks to the importance of compassion, responsibility, and community care, specifically towards one's fellow Israelite (brother). Let's break it down:
"You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them." This prohibits ignoring a fellow community member in need. It implies a moral obligation to notice and acknowledge when someone is facing difficulty. Hiding yourself would be considered selfish and uncaring.
"You shall surely help him to lift them up again." This goes beyond mere acknowledgement and calls for active assistance. The command is emphatic ("surely") implying it is a duty, not optional. Helping lift the animal emphasizes the value of practical help in alleviating suffering. In that era, losing a donkey or ox could be a significant economic hardship for a family, so the help was not trivial.
In essence, the verse teaches:
Empathy and Concern for Others: Recognize and respond to the needs of others in your community.
Responsibility and Duty: You have a responsibility to help those in need, especially your neighbors.
Community Solidarity: Strengthen the community by supporting each other during difficult times.
Practical Action: Don't just feel bad, do something to help.
Wider Implications:
While the verse specifically mentions a donkey or ox belonging to a "brother" (Israelite), the underlying principle can be applied more broadly. Many interpret it as a call to help anyone in need, regardless of their background or relation to you. The core message is about showing compassion and taking responsibility for the well-being of others in your community and beyond. Some might also apply the principle to helping animals today.
Deuteronomy 22:4 - You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.
What does "Deuteronomy 22:4" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:4 speaks to the importance of compassion, responsibility, and community care, specifically towards one's fellow Israelite (brother). Let's break it down:
"You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them." This prohibits ignoring a fellow community member in need. It implies a moral obligation to notice and acknowledge when someone is facing difficulty. Hiding yourself would be considered selfish and uncaring.
"You shall surely help him to lift them up again." This goes beyond mere acknowledgement and calls for active assistance. The command is emphatic ("surely") implying it is a duty, not optional. Helping lift the animal emphasizes the value of practical help in alleviating suffering. In that era, losing a donkey or ox could be a significant economic hardship for a family, so the help was not trivial.
In essence, the verse teaches:
Empathy and Concern for Others: Recognize and respond to the needs of others in your community.
Responsibility and Duty: You have a responsibility to help those in need, especially your neighbors.
Community Solidarity: Strengthen the community by supporting each other during difficult times.
Practical Action: Don't just feel bad, do something to help.
Wider Implications:
While the verse specifically mentions a donkey or ox belonging to a "brother" (Israelite), the underlying principle can be applied more broadly. Many interpret it as a call to help anyone in need, regardless of their background or relation to you. The core message is about showing compassion and taking responsibility for the well-being of others in your community and beyond. Some might also apply the principle to helping animals today.