Exodus 22 13

Exodus 22:13 kjv

If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.

Exodus 22:13 nkjv

If it is torn to pieces by a beast, then he shall bring it as evidence, and he shall not make good what was torn.

Exodus 22:13 niv

If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.

Exodus 22:13 esv

If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn.

Exodus 22:13 nlt

If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the remains of the carcass must be shown as evidence, and no compensation will be required.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 13 Meaning

Exodus 22:13 addresses a specific legal scenario concerning an animal entrusted to the care of another. It establishes an exception to the general principle of a keeper's liability: if an animal is killed and dismembered by a wild beast while under their charge, the keeper is absolved of financial responsibility. The crucial condition for this exemption is that the keeper must provide evidence—the remains of the animal—to prove the legitimate circumstances of its demise. This prevents false claims and ensures a fair judgment based on verifiable facts, recognizing that not all losses are due to negligence.

Exodus 22 13 Context

Exodus 22:13 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exo 20:22–23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments, providing detailed civil and social laws for ancient Israel. Specifically, this verse is part of a series of regulations concerning restitution and property rights, dealing with various scenarios of entrusted possessions (bailment), particularly animals (Exo 22:7-15). The broader context of the Book of the Covenant underscores God's active role in structuring Israelite society according to principles of justice, fairness, and accountability.

Historically and culturally, these laws align with and distinguish themselves from other ancient Near Eastern legal codes (such as the Code of Hammurabi), which also contained provisions for liability regarding loaned or rented animals. However, the Israelite laws are uniquely presented as divine ordinances given through Moses, rooted in God's holiness and concern for community well-being, rather than simply royal decrees. The specific inclusion of a provision for animals "torn in pieces" reflects the realities of living in an agrarian society where attacks by wild predators (lions, bears, wolves) were a constant threat to livestock. This law also indirectly opposes any cultural belief that assigned blame indiscriminately, asserting instead a nuanced approach that considers circumstantial evidence and absolves one from blame in cases of unavoidable force majeure, provided the facts are proven.

Exodus 22 13 Word analysis

• If (אִם – 'im): A common Hebrew conditional particle, introducing a protasis (the condition). In legal texts, it signals a specific hypothetical scenario for which a legal ruling is provided. It sets the premise for a particular type of eventuality.
• it be torn in pieces (טָרֹף טֹרַף – ṭārōph ṭōraph): A repetition of the verb ṭāraph, meaning "to tear, rend, prey upon." This idiomatic construction, known as an infinitive absolute preceding a finite verb, intensifies the action, signifying that the animal was utterly, violently torn apart. This phrasing strongly suggests an attack by a wild predator, producing irrefutable and dramatic physical evidence. The noun form of this verb (ṭərēphāh) refers to an animal killed by beasts (e.g., Exo 22:31).
• let him bring it (וַהֲבִאֹהוּ – va-hava'ohu): A consecutive perfect, acting with the force of an imperative or jussive, conveying a mandatory action: "he must bring it." This highlights the active responsibility of the bailee to provide proof, underscoring that exemption from liability is not automatic but contingent on evidence.
• for witness (לְעֵד – lē‘ēḏ): Literally "as a witness" or "for evidence." This refers to the physical remains of the mauled animal itself, which serves as tangible, mute testimony to the events. In a society reliant on oral tradition and physical proof, such evidence was critical for a fair judgment and for preventing fraudulent claims against the owner by the bailee.
• and he shall not make good (לֹא יְשַׁלֵּם – lō' yəšallēm): Lo' is the negative particle, and yəšallēm comes from the root shalam, meaning "to be complete, repay, make restitution." This phrase indicates that the keeper of the animal is legally absolved from the obligation to compensate the owner for the lost animal.
• that which was torn (אֶת הַטְּרֵפָה – ’et ha-ṭərēphāh): The definite direct object "the torn thing/carcass." This specific reference clarifies that the non-repayable item is precisely the animal that met its end through a tearing attack.

Words-group analysis:

• "If it be torn in pieces, let him bring it for witness": This establishes the condition and the crucial obligation. The extreme nature of the tearing signifies an external, violent force beyond the bailee's direct control. The subsequent command to "bring it for witness" places the burden of proof squarely on the bailee. This demand for physical evidence (the remains of the animal) ensured legitimacy in the legal proceedings and served as a strong deterrent against dishonesty, as producing a credible "witness" required genuine circumstances.
• "and he shall not make good that which was torn": This pronouncement outlines the legal outcome when the evidence is satisfactorily presented. It grants the bailee immunity from compensation. This provision reflects God's justice, which considers unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances rather than imposing liability indiscriminately. It protects individuals from being unduly penalized for events truly beyond their reasonable preventative measures.

Exodus 22 13 Bonus section

• The meticulous detail of this law illustrates the Lord's involvement in every aspect of Israelite daily life, demonstrating His concern for practical justice and societal order, not just spiritual purity. It highlights a legal system founded on fairness and evidence, a distinct characteristic compared to potentially arbitrary rulings in surrounding cultures.
• The nature of "torn in pieces" (Hebrew ṭārōph ṭōraph) is stark and violent, immediately conveying the catastrophic loss beyond human intervention. This contrasts with negligence, where perhaps an animal was simply lost or stolen due to carelessness.
• This verse indirectly touches upon the diligence expected of a shepherd or animal keeper. While they are excused for loss due to wild beasts (if proven), a deeper moral or vocational expectation for their flock is evident elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., David protecting his sheep from lion and bear, 1 Sam 17). This indicates that the law provided a legal minimum standard, but personal integrity could lead to greater responsibility.

Exodus 22 13 Commentary

Exodus 22:13 is a key piece of Israelite case law that provides an important exception within the larger framework of property liability. While a person entrusted with another's animal (a bailee) was generally responsible for its safekeeping, this verse recognizes an "act of God" or a force majeure scenario—namely, an attack by a wild animal. The underlying principle is that one should not be held accountable for losses that could not reasonably have been prevented. However, to ensure fairness and prevent fraud, the bailee is not simply acquitted. They bear the crucial responsibility of providing "witness" – physical evidence of the attack, such as the torn remains of the animal. This requirement served as a concrete and verifiable form of proof in an oral society, distinguishing legitimate claims from dishonest ones. The law demonstrates divine wisdom in balancing accountability with mercy, ensuring that justice is both fair and discerning, taking into account circumstantial realities. This teaches us about God's just character, which evaluates actions and consequences with an understanding of external pressures and the diligent efforts made by His people.