“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about punishing theft; it reveals a profound concern for the value of what was lost. The difference in restitution—five oxen for an ox versus four sheep for a sheep—shows that the law recognized the ox's greater contribution to labor and livelihood, far beyond its mere market price. This legal framework wasn't just about getting even, but about restoring the essential ability to provide and sustain life.
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse opens a section on judicial laws, shifting from the covenant established with Israel to the practical governance of their society. It addresses theft, specifically of oxen and sheep, which were crucial forms of wealth and labor, and sets penalties for when the stolen animals are killed or sold, indicating a more severe offense. The subsequent verses will detail different scenarios of theft, including burglary and the consequences for the thief if unable to pay restitution.
Ever felt like the penalty for a crime didn't quite match the damage done? This ancient law hits differently.
This verse isn't just about returning what was stolen; it's about making things right in a way that accounts for the full loss.
Why the Multiplier?
This law highlights that true justice involves not just punishment, but also a deep consideration for the harm inflicted and the need for comprehensive restoration.
Did the thief just 'borrow' it, or did they have something darker in mind? The law's penalty hinges on this.
Exodus 22:1 distinguishes between simple theft and theft with intent to profit or destroy the stolen goods. The penalty increases significantly when the animal is killed or sold.
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Intent Matters:
This law reminds us that our motives and intentions behind our actions carry significant weight in how we are judged, both by human authorities and by God.
Understand the original words
ganav · Hebrew Verb
To take property belonging to another without permission or right; a violation of both the commandment against theft and the social order God established for the protection of property.
shalam · Hebrew Verb
A term used in legal contexts to refer to the act of making amends for a wrong, specifically through paying back or compensating for loss or damage to restore the victim.
This passage directly quotes and applies the principle of multiple restitution found in Exodus 22:1 to a sin of theft, highlighting how severe the consequences are when someone exploits another's property. Nathan uses the parable of the rich man who stole a poor man's only lamb to illustrate David's sin, emphasizing the unjust and devastating loss.
Luke 19:8Here, Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for cheating people, demonstrates true repentance by promising to repay double the amount he defrauded. This shows the New Testament's continuity with the Old Testament principle that restitution is a vital part of turning away from sin and seeking God.
Proverbs 6:30-31This proverb speaks about the severity of theft, noting that even a thief might steal to satisfy hunger, but God's judgment is that they will repay sevenfold. While Exodus specifies fivefold for an ox and fourfold for a sheep, this proverb echoes the principle of disproportionate restitution as a consequence of stealing.
Leviticus 6:5This verse states that if someone sins by stealing and denies it under oath, they must restore what they stole and add a fifth part to it. This shows a consistent concern throughout the Law for making things right when property has been unjustly taken, emphasizing restoration.
calvinExodus 22:1-4: "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."
- If a thief be found breaking up. This clause is to be taken separately, and is inserted by way of parenthesis; for, after having decreed the punishment, God adds in connection, "he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he should be sold for his theft;" and this exception as to the thief in the night is introduced parenthetically.…
pooleExodus 22:1: "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."
Of theft, Exodus 22:1-4 . Of eating another man’s vineyard, Exodus 2:5 Of hurt coming by fire, Exodus 22:6 . Of hurt coming to goods committed to one’s trust, Exodus 22:7-13 . Of hurt befalling things borrowed, Exodus 22:14,15 . Of committing adultery, Exodus 22:16,17 . Of witchcraft, Exodus 22:18 . Of uncleanness with beasts, Exodus 22:19 . Of idolat…
This isn't just about punishing theft; it reveals a profound concern for the value of what was lost. The difference in restitution—five oxen for an ox versus four sheep for a sheep—shows that the law recognized the ox's greater contribution to labor and livelihood, far beyond its mere market price. This legal framework wasn't just about getting even, but about restoring the essential ability to provide and sustain life.
This verse opens a section on judicial laws, shifting from the covenant established with Israel to the practical governance of their society. It addresses theft, specifically of oxen and sheep, which were crucial forms of wealth and labor, and sets penalties for when the stolen animals are killed or sold, indicating a more severe offense. The subsequent verses will detail different scenarios of theft, including burglary and the consequences for the thief if unable to pay restitution.
This verse opens a section on judicial laws, shifting from the covenant established with Israel to the practical governance of their society. It addresses theft, specifically of oxen and sheep, which were crucial forms of wealth and labor, and sets penalties for when the stolen animals are killed or sold, indicating a more severe offense. The subsequent verses will detail different scenarios of theft, including burglary and the consequences for the thief if unable to pay restitution.
"“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep." — This isn't just about punishing theft; it reveals a profound concern for the value of what was lost. The difference in restitution—five oxen for an ox versus four sheep for a sheep—shows that the l…
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Last reviewed October 2026