King James Version

What Does Exodus 22:6 Mean?

Exodus 22:6 in the King James Version says “If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed ther...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.”

Exodus 22:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

7

If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.

8

If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.

Read Exodus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

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 · 16 words
כִּֽי1 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֵצֵ֨א2 of 16

“break out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֵ֜שׁ3 of 16

“If fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וּמָֽצְאָ֤ה4 of 16

“and catch”

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

קֹצִים֙5 of 16

“in thorns”

H6975

a thorn

וְנֶֽאֱכַ֣ל6 of 16

“be consumed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

גָּדִ֔ישׁ7 of 16

“so that the stacks of corn”

H1430

a stack of sheaves; by analogy, a tomb

א֥וֹ8 of 16
H176

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

הַקָּמָ֖ה9 of 16

“or the standing corn”

H7054

something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain

א֣וֹ10 of 16
H176

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה11 of 16

“or the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם12 of 16

“make 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

יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם13 of 16

“make 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

הַמַּבְעִ֖ר14 of 16

“therewith he that kindled”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

הַבְּעֵרָֽה׃16 of 16

“the fire”

H1200

a burning

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 22:6 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 22:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:9Judges 15:4-5Exodus 22:12Exodus 21:33-342 Samuel 14:30-31

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 22 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes