King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:1 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring the...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 22:1 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This law requires active responsibility for neighbors' property. Indifference to others' loss violates covenant community obligations - believers must actively help preserve what belongs to their brothers.

The phrase hide thyself from them condemns willful blindness to neighbors' need. Pretending not to notice straying livestock to avoid inconvenience is prohibited. Covenant love requires engagement, not studied indifference to others' problems.

The command in any case bring them again mandates positive action beyond merely not stealing. Believers must actively restore what is lost, even at personal cost and inconvenience. Love of neighbor requires sacrifice, not mere non-interference.

Jesus later teaches that the second great commandment - love thy neighbor as thyself - summarizes such laws. We should care for neighbors' possessions as we would want them to care for ours.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In agricultural society, straying livestock represented significant economic loss. Animals could be injured, stolen by others, or lost permanently. Returning them preserved the neighbor's livelihood and demonstrated covenant faithfulness.

This contrasts with pagan societies where finding lost property often meant keeping it as providence or fortune.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does prohibition against hiding yourself teach about active responsibility for neighbors?
  2. How does willful blindness to others' needs violate covenant love?
  3. Why must love of neighbor involve positive action beyond mere non-interference?
  4. How does this law illustrate Jesus' teaching to love neighbor as yourself?
  5. What modern applications exist for actively restoring others' losses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִרְאֶה֩2 of 14

“Thou shalt not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שׁ֨וֹר4 of 14

“ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

לְאָחִֽיךָ׃5 of 14

“thy brother's”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

א֤וֹ6 of 14
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֶת7 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׂיוֹ֙8 of 14

“or his sheep”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

נִדָּחִ֔ים9 of 14

“go astray”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖10 of 14

“and hide”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

מֵהֶ֑ם11 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

תְּשִׁיבֵ֖ם12 of 14

“bring them again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

תְּשִׁיבֵ֖ם13 of 14

“bring them again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְאָחִֽיךָ׃14 of 14

“thy brother's”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Study Guide

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:4-5Deuteronomy 22:3-4Ezekiel 34:16Isaiah 58:7Proverbs 24:11James 5:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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