Exodus 22:14 outlines a specific law concerning borrowed property:
“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s...”: This sets the scenario where someone is using something that belongs to another person, with their permission.
"...and it is injured, or dies...”: This refers to the borrowed item suffering damage or, in the case of an animal, dying.
"...its owner not being with it...": This is a crucial condition. The owner of the item was not present when the damage or death occurred. If the owner was there, it implies they had some level of oversight and potential responsibility.
"...he shall surely make restitution.": The borrower is obligated to compensate the owner for the loss or damage.
In essence, the verse establishes that if you borrow something and it gets damaged or dies while you're using it without the owner present, you are responsible for replacing it or paying for the damages.
Why this law?
The law aims to promote responsibility and accountability in borrowing. Since the owner isn't there to supervise, the borrower is expected to exercise extra care. The requirement for restitution encourages responsible borrowing and prevents carelessness. It's based on the principle that if you are solely in charge of something that's not yours and it suffers harm, you are financially liable.
Example:
Imagine you borrow your neighbor's donkey to help with plowing your field. If the donkey gets injured while you are plowing alone, you are obligated to compensate your neighbor for the injury or replace the donkey if it dies. However, if your neighbor was present and assisting you with the plowing when the donkey got hurt, the responsibility might be different.
This verse is part of a larger section of the Torah dealing with property rights and personal responsibility, emphasizing honesty, fairness, and care within a community.
Exodus 22:14 outlines a specific law concerning borrowed property:
“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s...”: This sets the scenario where someone is using something that belongs to another person, with their permission.
"...and it is injured, or dies...”: This refers to the borrowed item suffering damage or, in the case of an animal, dying.
"...its owner not being with it...": This is a crucial condition. The owner of the item was not present when the damage or death occurred. If the owner was there, it implies they had some level of oversight and potential responsibility.
"...he shall surely make restitution.": The borrower is obligated to compensate the owner for the loss or damage.
In essence, the verse establishes that if you borrow something and it gets damaged or dies while you're using it without the owner present, you are responsible for replacing it or paying for the damages.
Why this law?
The law aims to promote responsibility and accountability in borrowing. Since the owner isn't there to supervise, the borrower is expected to exercise extra care. The requirement for restitution encourages responsible borrowing and prevents carelessness. It's based on the principle that if you are solely in charge of something that's not yours and it suffers harm, you are financially liable.
Example:
Imagine you borrow your neighbor's donkey to help with plowing your field. If the donkey gets injured while you are plowing alone, you are obligated to compensate your neighbor for the injury or replace the donkey if it dies. However, if your neighbor was present and assisting you with the plowing when the donkey got hurt, the responsibility might be different.
This verse is part of a larger section of the Torah dealing with property rights and personal responsibility, emphasizing honesty, fairness, and care within a community.