Exodus 22:7 - “If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief is found, he shall pay double.

Generated Verse: Exodus 22:7

What does "Exodus 22:7" mean?


This verse from Exodus 22:7 deals with the responsibility of someone entrusted with safeguarding another person's property. Let's break it down:

"If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep..." This establishes a scenario where one person (the owner) gives money or goods to another person (the custodian) for safekeeping. There's an implied agreement of trust and responsibility.

"...and it is stolen out of the man's house..." This clarifies that the loss of the entrusted property occurred due to theft from the custodian's house. It's important to note this is specifically about theft, not accidental loss or damage.

"...if the thief is found, he shall pay double." This is the key part outlining the consequence. If the actual thief is caught, that thief is required to pay double the value of the stolen items.

In simpler terms:

If you ask your neighbor to hold onto your money or belongings, and they are stolen from your neighbor's house, then the thief, if caught, is required to pay you twice the value of what was stolen.

Important Considerations and Interpretations:

Liability of the Custodian: The verse only addresses the thief's punishment. It does not directly state whether the custodian (the person holding the goods) is liable if the thief isn't found. Later verses in Exodus (Exodus 22:10-13) deal with situations where the entrusted item is lost or damaged without theft, outlining the custodian's potential obligations in those cases. This verse specifically focuses on the situation where a thief is identified.

Purpose of Double Payment: The "double payment" is likely a form of both restitution and punishment for the thief. It compensates the owner for the loss and also serves as a deterrent against future theft.

Context Within Exodus: It's important to remember that this verse is part of the legal code given to the Israelites. It reflects a society with different circumstances and values than modern legal systems. Its purpose was to establish rules for a just and orderly society.

In conclusion: This verse is about the specific situation where entrusted property is stolen, and the thief is caught. In that case, the thief must pay double. It doesn't directly address the custodian's responsibility if the thief is not caught, which is covered in other parts of Exodus.