King James Version

What Does Exodus 22:9 Mean?

Exodus 22:9 in the King James Version says “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, whic... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 22:9 · KJV


Context

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:

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 31 words
עַֽל1 of 31
H5921

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

כָּל2 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דְּבַר3 of 31

For all manner

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

פֶּ֡שַׁע4 of 31

of trespass

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

עַל5 of 31
H5921

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

שׁ֡וֹר6 of 31

whether it be for ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

עַל7 of 31
H5921

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

חֲ֠מוֹר8 of 31

for ass

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

עַל9 of 31
H5921

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

שֶׂ֨ה10 of 31

for sheep

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

עַל11 of 31
H5921

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

שַׂלְמָ֜ה12 of 31

for raiment

H8008

a dress

עַל13 of 31
H5921

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

כָּל14 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲבֵדָ֗ה15 of 31

or for any manner of lost thing

H9

concrete, something lost; abstract, destruction, i.e., hades

אֲשֶׁ֤ר16 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֹאמַר֙17 of 31

which another challengeth

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּי18 of 31
H3588

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

ה֣וּא19 of 31
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

זֶ֔ה20 of 31
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עַ֚ד21 of 31
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֱלֹהִ֔ים22 of 31

and whom 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

יָבֹ֖א23 of 31

shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דְּבַר24 of 31

For all manner

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שְׁנַ֖יִם25 of 31

double

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲשֶׁ֤ר26 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַרְשִׁיעֻן֙27 of 31

shall condemn

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

אֱלֹהִ֔ים28 of 31

and whom 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

יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם29 of 31

he shall pay

H7999

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

שְׁנַ֖יִם30 of 31

double

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְרֵעֵֽהוּ׃31 of 31

unto his neighbour

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 22:9 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 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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