King James Version

What Does Exodus 22:8 Mean?

Exodus 22:8 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 22:8 · KJV


Context

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.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Theft laws emphasize restitution over retribution—restoring victims exceeds merely punishing thieves. The graduated penalties (200-500% depending on circumstances) deter theft while providing for victim's losses. This restorative justice model contrasts with purely punitive systems. The principle: sin has consequences requiring repayment. Gospel application: Christ paid infinitely more than our debt, providing ultimate restitution for sin's theft of God's glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern theft penalties varied widely—some death, some forced labor, some restitution. Israel's approach balanced deterrence with restoration, protecting both victim and perpetrator.

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
אִם1 of 15
H518

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

לֹ֥א2 of 15

be not

H3808

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

יִמָּצֵא֙3 of 15

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

הַגַּנָּ֔ב4 of 15

If the thief

H1590

a stealer

וְנִקְרַ֥ב5 of 15

shall be brought

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

בַּֽעַל6 of 15

then the master

H1167

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

הַבַּ֖יִת7 of 15

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֶל8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים9 of 15

unto the judges

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אִם10 of 15
H518

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

לֹ֥א11 of 15

be not

H3808

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

שָׁלַ֛ח12 of 15

to see whether he have put

H7971

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

יָד֖וֹ13 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

בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת14 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)

רֵעֵֽהוּ׃15 of 15

unto his neighbour's

H7453

an associate (more or less close)


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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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