King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:1 Mean?

“Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.”

Context

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XXII.** Deuteronomy 22:1-4. **LOST PROPERTY.** (1) **Go astray.**—Literally, *being driven away, *as by wild beasts (Jeremiah 1:17), or by robbers. It is not simply straying. “I will seek that which was lost and bring again that which *was driven away*” (Ezekiel 34:16), and so in many other passages. **Thou shalt not . . . hide thyself from them.**—Comp. Proverbs 24:12. “If thou sayest, Behold we knew it not . . . doth not He know it?” And Isaiah 58:7, “that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” (3) **In** **like manner . . . with all lost thing of thy brother’s.**—This is only a particular case of the second great commandment. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (4) **Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down . . . and hide thyself.**—In Exodus 23:4-5, this is put even more strongly. “If thou meet thine *enemy’s *ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him *that hateth thee *lying under his burden . . . thou shalt surely help with him.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.