King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:4 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 22:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Beyond returning lost property, this law requires helping neighbors in immediate distress. Seeing animals fallen under burdens demands active assistance, not indifference.

The repetition hide thyself again condemns willful blindness. God knows the human tendency to avoid inconvenient situations by pretending not to notice them. Covenant love requires engagement, not studied indifference.

The emphatic surely help him makes assistance mandatory, not optional. This is commanded neighborly love, not encouraged charity. Believers must actively aid those struggling under burdens, even at personal inconvenience.

Paul applies this principle spiritually - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Physical burden-bearing illustrates spiritual responsibility to help struggling believers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fallen animals carrying loads were common on ancient roads. Without assistance, animals could die from exhaustion or injury, and valuable cargo could be lost or damaged.

This law required cooperation between people who might otherwise be indifferent or even hostile, promoting community cohesion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does required assistance to struggling neighbors teach about covenant love?
  2. How does prohibition against hiding yourself address human tendency to avoid inconvenience?
  3. Why is helping those under burdens commanded rather than merely encouraged?
  4. How does Paul apply this principle spiritually to bearing believers' burdens?
  5. What does physical burden-bearing teach about spiritual responsibility to help struggling brothers?

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)

חֲמ֨וֹר4 of 14

“ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

אָחִ֜יךָ5 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

שׁוֹרוֹ֙7 of 14

“or his ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

נֹֽפְלִ֣ים8 of 14

“fall down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ9 of 14

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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)

תָּקִ֖ים12 of 14

“help him to lift them up again”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

תָּקִ֖ים13 of 14

“help him to lift them up again”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עִמּֽוֹ׃14 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:11 Thessalonians 5:14Luke 10:29-37Hebrews 12:12-13Matthew 5:442 Corinthians 12:15

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