King James Version

What Does Exodus 22:3 Mean?

Exodus 22:3 in the King James Version says “If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”

Exodus 22:3 · KJV

Context

1

If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat

2

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

3

If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

4

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

5

If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.

Read Exodus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

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.

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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 · 13 words
אִם1 of 13
H518

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

זָֽרְחָ֥ה2 of 13

“be risen”

H2224

properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)

הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ3 of 13

“If the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

עָלָ֖יו4 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דָּמִ֣ים5 of 13

“upon him there shall be blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

ל֑וֹ6 of 13
H0
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם7 of 13

“restitution”

H7999

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

יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם8 of 13

“restitution”

H7999

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

אִם9 of 13
H518

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

אֵ֣ין10 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ל֔וֹ11 of 13
H0
וְנִמְכַּ֖ר12 of 13

“if he have nothing then he shall be sold”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

בִּגְנֵֽבָתֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“for his theft”

H1591

stealing, i.e., (concretely) something stolen

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

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 22:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:2Judges 2:14Isaiah 50:1Matthew 18:25Judges 10:7

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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