King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:3 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 22:3 · 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.

4

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

5

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The expansion to all lost thing demonstrates the comprehensive scope of neighbor love. This is not limited to livestock but applies to any possession - animals, clothing, or any lost property.

The repetition thou mayest not hide thyself reinforces prohibition against willful blindness. God addresses the natural human tendency to avoid inconvenient obligations by pretending not to notice others' needs.

The inclusiveness all lost thing...which he hath lost, and thou hast found establishes the principle broadly rather than limiting it to specific examples. The law teaches a mindset of active care for neighbors' welfare across all situations.

This comprehensive neighbor-love anticipates Jesus' teaching in the Good Samaritan parable - genuine love crosses boundaries and categories, actively helping anyone in need rather than finding excuses for indifference.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law created culture of mutual care and trust within Israel. People could lose items knowing that finders would preserve and restore them rather than claiming them as windfall.

Such laws distinguished Israel from surrounding cultures where finding lost property created ownership rights.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the expansion to 'all lost thing' teach about the scope of neighbor love?
  2. How does prohibition against hiding yourself address human tendency toward convenient indifference?
  3. Why does God establish principles broadly rather than limiting them to specific cases?
  4. How does this law anticipate Jesus' teaching in the Good Samaritan parable?
  5. What culture of mutual care results when communities practice comprehensive neighbor love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְכֵ֣ן1 of 18

“In like manner”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֜ה2 of 18

“and so shalt thou do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לַֽחֲמֹר֗וֹ3 of 18

“with his ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וְכֵ֣ן4 of 18

“In like manner”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֜ה5 of 18

“and so shalt thou do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְשִׂמְלָתוֹ֒6 of 18

“with his raiment”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

וְכֵ֣ן7 of 18

“In like manner”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֜ה8 of 18

“and so shalt thou do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְכָל9 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲבֵדַ֥ת10 of 18

“and with all lost thing”

H9

concrete, something lost; abstract, destruction, i.e., hades

אָחִ֛יךָ11 of 18

“of thy brother's”

H251

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

אֲשֶׁר12 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּאבַ֥ד13 of 18

“which he hath lost”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ14 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וּמְצָאתָ֑הּ15 of 18

“and thou hast found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

לֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

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

תוּכַ֖ל17 of 18

“likewise thou mayest”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהִתְעַלֵּֽם׃18 of 18

“not hide”

H5956

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

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 22:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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