This verse isn't just about returning lost property; it's a profound statement on extending basic decency even to those who oppose you. The law requires this service not out of obligation to the enemy, but to preserve a righteous heart in the person performing the service.
“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a series of laws addressing justice and ethical conduct within the community. Following instructions on bearing true witness and avoiding prejudice, these verses unexpectedly shift to highlight kindness towards those who might be considered enemies. The immediate context is about ensuring fairness in legal matters, but these directives on returning lost property or helping an overburdened animal to an enemy serve as a striking example of the expansive and merciful spirit of God's law, anticipating New Testament teachings on loving one's enemies.
We often think of our obligations as ending with those who are kind to us. But what does God's Word say about our duties towards those who aren't?
This verse is more than just a rule about lost property; it's a profound glimpse into God's heart for justice and mercy.
Active Benevolence
While it was common to help friends, this command extends that duty to personal enemies. It’s not just about not harming them, but actively doing good.
A Higher Standard
This instruction challenges the natural human instinct for revenge or indifference towards those who have wronged us. It calls for a proactive kindness that reflects God's own character, demonstrating a spirit that anticipates the teachings of Jesus about loving one's enemies.
Why would God care if an enemy's animal is lost? What does the fate of a stray ox tell us about His values?
This commandment touches on a beautiful aspect of God's law: the care for all His creation, even in the context of human conflict.
Value in the Ordinary
An ox or a donkey, though seemingly mundane, represents significant value and labor for its owner. God's law recognizes this inherent worth and commands that even an enemy's property be protected from loss.
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Interruption of Conflict
By requiring the return of the stray animal, the law disrupts the cycle of animosity. It provides an opportunity for a moment of shared humanity and cooperation, potentially softening hearts and demonstrating a respect for God's order, even between adversaries.
Understand the original words
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
A person who acts out of hostility or animosity toward another. The Bible commands believers to show care and responsibility even toward those who hold them in enmity, reflecting the nature of God's common grace.
sane · Hebrew Verb/Participle
An individual who harbors deep-seated aversion or ill-will. The text mandates providing practical help to such a person, demonstrating that love and moral obligation supersede personal feelings of conflict.
This passage, where Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, directly echoes the Old Testament principle found in Exodus, showing a consistent theme of radical kindness towards adversaries.
Luke 10:30-37The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the proactive, selfless compassion commanded in Exodus, demonstrating that true neighborly love extends even to those who are not our friends, or perhaps even our 'enemies'.
Proverbs 25:21-22This proverb directly quotes and expands on the command in Exodus, stating, 'If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.' This shows the wisdom and divine approval of returning kindness for hostility.
Romans 12:20Paul reiterates the sentiment from Proverbs, instructing believers to 'do good to those who hate you,' which is a clear New Testament application of the same principle demonstrated in Exodus 23:4.
Deuteronomy 22:1-4This parallel passage in Deuteronomy provides a more expanded instruction on returning lost property, including an enemy's lost animal, reinforcing the enduring importance of this specific act of compassion within the Law.
pulpitExodus 23:4: "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again."
Verse 4. - Thine enemy's ox. A private enemy is here spoken of, not a public one, as in Deuteronomy 23:6. It is remarkable that the law should have so far anticipated Christianity as to have laid it down that men have duties of friendliness even towards their enemies, and are bound under certain circumstances to render them a service. "Hate thine enemies" (Matthew 5:43) was no inj…
clarkeExodus 23:4: "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again."
If thou meet thine enemy's ox - going astray - From the humane and heavenly maxim in this and the following verse, our blessed Lord has formed the following precept: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44 . A precept so plain, wise, benevolent, and useful, can recei…
This verse isn't just about returning lost property; it's a profound statement on extending basic decency even to those who oppose you. The law requires this service not out of obligation to the enemy, but to preserve a righteous heart in the person performing the service.
This passage is part of a series of laws addressing justice and ethical conduct within the community. Following instructions on bearing true witness and avoiding prejudice, these verses unexpectedly shift to highlight kindness towards those who might be considered enemies. The immediate context is about ensuring fairness in legal matters, but these directives on returning lost property or helping an overburdened animal to an enemy serve as a striking example of the expansive and merciful spirit of God's law, anticipating New Testament teachings on loving one's enemies.
This passage is part of a series of laws addressing justice and ethical conduct within the community. Following instructions on bearing true witness and avoiding prejudice, these verses unexpectedly shift to highlight kindness towards those who might be considered enemies. The immediate context is about ensuring fairness in legal matters, but these directives on returning lost property or helping an overburdened animal to an enemy serve as a striking example of the expansive and merciful spirit of God's law, anticipating New Testament teachings on loving one's enemies.
"“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him." — This verse isn't just about returning lost property; it's a profound statement on extending basic decency even to those who oppose you. The law requires this service not out of obligation to the enem…
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Last reviewed October 2026
