King James Version

What Does Exodus 22:11 Mean?

Exodus 22:11 in the King James Version says “Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the o... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.

Exodus 22:11 · KJV


Context

9

For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.

10

If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:

11

Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.

12

And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.

13

If it be torn in pieces , then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.

This ordinance reveals God's comprehensive justice—regulating economic transactions, property rights, and social relationships. The mishpatim create framework for covenant community to flourish. Each law applies broader principles: love God supremely, love neighbor practically. Modern believers aren't bound by ceremonial laws but should pursue their spirit—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). God's character revealed in law guides Christian ethics.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These civil regulations distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, creating a society reflecting God's justice. The laws balance individual rights with community welfare, property rights with compassion for the poor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שְׁבֻעַ֣ת1 of 15

Then shall an oath

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תִּֽהְיֶה֙3 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בֵּ֣ין4 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 15

be between them both

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אִם6 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֥א7 of 15
H3808

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

שָׁלַ֛ח8 of 15

that he hath not put

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָד֖וֹ9 of 15

his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶת10 of 15

goods

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

רֵעֵ֑הוּ11 of 15

unto his neighbour's

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְלָקַ֥ח12 of 15

of it shall accept

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּעָלָ֖יו13 of 15

and the owner

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

וְלֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃15 of 15

thereof and he shall not make it good

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 22:11 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 Exodus 22:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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