Exodus 22:1 - “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
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What does "Exodus 22:1" mean?
Exodus 22:1 outlines the restitution a thief must make if they steal livestock, specifically an ox or a sheep, and then either kill it or sell it. Let's break down the meaning:
"If a man steals an ox or a sheep...": This establishes the scenario - someone has committed theft by taking livestock.
"...and kills it, or sells it...": This specifies that the thief has either slaughtered the animal (making it impossible to return) or sold it for profit (converting it to money).
"...he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.": This is the punishment and restitution. The thief must pay back the victim significantly more than what was stolen. For an ox, they owe five more oxen and for a sheep, they owe four more sheep.
Key aspects of the verse and its meaning:
Severe Penalty: The high multiplier (5x for oxen, 4x for sheep) indicates the seriousness with which livestock theft was regarded. Livestock was a significant form of wealth and livelihood. Stealing it could have devastating consequences for a family or individual.
Deterrence: The high penalty was likely intended to deter theft. The consequences far outweighed any potential gain.
Compensation: The payment wasn't just about punishment. It was also about compensating the victim for their loss. The loss of the animal itself, its potential offspring, the labor it could have provided (in the case of an ox), and the potential profit if it was a sheep being raised for wool or meat.
Justice System: This verse gives us a glimpse into the legal system of ancient Israel, which prioritized restitution to the victim.
Context: It's important to understand the economic and social context. Agriculture and livestock were central to life. A loss of this kind would have been significant.
In essence, the verse establishes that stealing livestock, particularly when followed by killing or selling the animal, carries a heavy penalty designed to deter theft, compensate the victim, and uphold the value of property in the community.
It is important to note that interpretations of this verse and its application may vary within different religious and legal traditions.
Exodus 22:1 - “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
What does "Exodus 22:1" mean?
Exodus 22:1 outlines the restitution a thief must make if they steal livestock, specifically an ox or a sheep, and then either kill it or sell it. Let's break down the meaning:
"If a man steals an ox or a sheep...": This establishes the scenario - someone has committed theft by taking livestock.
"...and kills it, or sells it...": This specifies that the thief has either slaughtered the animal (making it impossible to return) or sold it for profit (converting it to money).
"...he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.": This is the punishment and restitution. The thief must pay back the victim significantly more than what was stolen. For an ox, they owe five more oxen and for a sheep, they owe four more sheep.
Key aspects of the verse and its meaning:
Severe Penalty: The high multiplier (5x for oxen, 4x for sheep) indicates the seriousness with which livestock theft was regarded. Livestock was a significant form of wealth and livelihood. Stealing it could have devastating consequences for a family or individual.
Deterrence: The high penalty was likely intended to deter theft. The consequences far outweighed any potential gain.
Compensation: The payment wasn't just about punishment. It was also about compensating the victim for their loss. The loss of the animal itself, its potential offspring, the labor it could have provided (in the case of an ox), and the potential profit if it was a sheep being raised for wool or meat.
Justice System: This verse gives us a glimpse into the legal system of ancient Israel, which prioritized restitution to the victim.
Context: It's important to understand the economic and social context. Agriculture and livestock were central to life. A loss of this kind would have been significant.
In essence, the verse establishes that stealing livestock, particularly when followed by killing or selling the animal, carries a heavy penalty designed to deter theft, compensate the victim, and uphold the value of property in the community.
It is important to note that interpretations of this verse and its application may vary within different religious and legal traditions.