Exodus 22 11

Exodus 22:11 kjv

Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbor's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.

Exodus 22:11 nkjv

then an oath of the LORD shall be between them both, that he has not put his hand into his neighbor's goods; and the owner of it shall accept that, and he shall not make it good.

Exodus 22:11 niv

the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the LORD that the neighbor did not lay hands on the other person's property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required.

Exodus 22:11 esv

an oath by the LORD shall be between them both to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property. The owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution.

Exodus 22:11 nlt

The neighbor must then take an oath in the presence of the LORD. If the LORD confirms that the neighbor did not steal the property, the owner must accept the verdict, and no payment will be required.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 11 Meaning

Exodus 22:11 deals with a specific legal situation concerning entrusted property where no witness exists for its loss or damage. In such a case, the accused custodian can clear themselves by swearing an oath before the Lord, solemnly affirming they did not steal or directly cause harm to the owner’s property. Once this divine oath is taken, the property owner is legally obligated to accept this sworn testimony as true, and the person who took the oath is not required to provide any compensation or restitution for the loss. It underscores God's role as the ultimate witness and judge in matters hidden from human sight.

Exodus 22 11 Context

Exodus 22:11 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22–23:33), which follows the Ten Commandments and provides detailed statutes for Israelite society. Specifically, it falls within a section addressing various property crimes and liabilities. The preceding verses (Exo 22:7-10) outline scenarios where an owner entrusts money, goods, or livestock to a neighbor for safekeeping. The issues range from direct theft by the custodian to loss through other means, like fire, theft by outsiders, or animal death. Verse 11 specifically addresses situations where a witness is absent, and the circumstances surrounding the loss are unclear or disputable, making human judgment insufficient. In the broader historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, legal codes often dealt with similar matters of bailment and established provisions for resolving disputes through oaths before deities when tangible proof was lacking, highlighting a common need for a higher authority in legal proceedings. This system relied on the belief that God knew the truth and would hold accountable those who swore falsely.

Exodus 22 11 Word analysis

• Then an oath: שְׁבֻעַת (shevu'at) - a solemn declaration or promise. This is a covenantal action, making a formal appeal to the divine, not merely a human agreement. It implies invoking God's judgment and potentially His wrath if spoken falsely.
• by the Lord: יְהוָה (Yahweh) - refers to the personal, covenantal name of God. This indicates the oath is taken directly before God, acknowledging His omnipresence and His ultimate role as witness and judge, which elevates its sanctity above any human vow.
• shall be between them both: The oath serves as the definitive legal and spiritual arbiter. It settles the dispute, establishing truth and justice between the two parties, even without human witnesses or evidence. It shifts the dispute from human courts to divine jurisdiction.
• that he has not put his hand on: כִּי לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ (ki lo shalach yado) - literally "that he did not send his hand." "Put his hand on" implies not only physically touching but also directly, intentionally, and unlawfully seizing or harming the property. This phrase implies a direct act of theft or appropriation, ruling out negligence or accidental damage.
• his neighbor's property: רֵעֵהוּ מְלַאכְתֹּו (re'ehu melakhto) - "his neighbor’s goods/work/property." Re'a refers to a fellow Israelite, someone with whom one has a social covenant. Melakhah signifies something entrusted or owned. The property mentioned includes specific items listed in the preceding verses, such as livestock, money, or articles of value, committed to safekeeping.
• and the owner of it shall accept that: This phrase signifies the mandatory acceptance by the plaintiff once the defendant has taken the solemn oath. It means the owner must trust God's judgment and the oath taker's integrity, even without visible proof. It brings finality to the legal process.
• and he shall not make restitution: וְלֹא יְשַׁלֵּם (ve'lo yeshallem) - "and he shall not repay." If the custodian genuinely swears before the Lord and is deemed innocent by this divine mechanism, they are absolved of all financial responsibility. This is a core part of the resolution; innocence established by divine oath means no material penalty.

Exodus 22 11 Bonus section

This statute implicitly contrasts Israel's legal system with those of surrounding nations. While other ancient Near Eastern codes also used oaths, the emphasis here on Yahweh, the covenant God, signifies that justice in Israel was not merely a societal construct but intrinsically tied to the relationship between God and His people. It highlighted God's role as transcendent and immanent—He is above all, yet intimately concerned with His people's daily interactions and their adherence to truthfulness. The law created a judicial space where lack of human evidence did not equate to injustice; instead, God’s perfect knowledge became the decisive factor, fostering faith in His oversight of even hidden matters.

Exodus 22 11 Commentary

Exodus 22:11 presents a fascinating intersection of law, theology, and community trust in ancient Israel. It addresses a specific quandary in justice: how to resolve a dispute over lost or damaged entrusted property when there are no human witnesses or definitive evidence. The solution prescribed is an oath "by the Lord." This is not a casual promise, but a solemn appeal to God, calling upon Him as the supreme Judge and witness. The custodian, standing before the Lord, essentially invites divine judgment upon themselves if they are lying. This elevates the transaction beyond a mere legal proceeding to a matter of spiritual accountability.

The weight of a false oath before Yahweh was immense in Israelite society. Leviticus 5:1 and 6:3-5 confirm that such deceit was considered a sin not merely against the neighbor, but against the Lord Himself, incurring severe spiritual and, if confessed, material consequences (requiring restitution plus an additional fifth, and a guilt offering). Thus, the system incentivized honesty by instilling a profound fear of God's direct retribution for perjury.

For the owner, the law dictates a crucial step: "the owner of it shall accept that." This command emphasizes trust—trust in God's omniscience and in the legal framework God Himself established. It prevents endless litigation and mandates that disputes be brought to a swift, divinely-sanctioned resolution, even if human suspicions linger. The absence of restitution in such cases protects innocent custodians from being unjustly penalized, fostering a society where people could trust one another with property, knowing that God's justice would prevail even in ambiguous circumstances.

This verse exemplifies the distinctive nature of Israelite law, where legal principles are interwoven with divine covenant and religious obligation. It reinforces that Yahweh is actively involved in the mundane details of His people's lives and economy, serving as the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice.