Exodus 22:14 kjv
And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
Exodus 22:14 nkjv
"And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good.
Exodus 22:14 niv
"If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution.
Exodus 22:14 esv
"If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.
Exodus 22:14 nlt
"If someone borrows an animal from a neighbor and it is injured or dies when the owner is absent, the person who borrowed it must pay full compensation.
Exodus 22 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 22:1-4 | "If a man steals an ox or a sheep... he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep." | Principles of restitution, often multiple times the stolen value. |
| Exod 22:6 | "If fire breaks out and spreads... he who started the fire shall make full restitution." | Liability for damage caused by one's actions, even indirectly. |
| Exod 22:10-13 | "If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep... for safekeeping..." | Rules for items deposited for safekeeping; distinction from borrowing. |
| Exod 22:15 | "But if the owner was with it, he shall not make it good..." | Contrasts 22:14; owner's presence negates full borrower liability. |
| Lev 6:1-7 | "If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith... he shall restore it in full..." | Restitution required for sin against property, adding a fifth to the amount. |
| Num 5:5-8 | "When a man or woman commits any of the sins... they shall confess... make full restitution." | Broader law of restitution for wrongs, acknowledging offense to God. |
| Deut 15:1-11 | "At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release... you shall generously open your hand." | Laws governing lending within Israel; promoting generosity and social welfare. |
| Deut 23:21 | "When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it..." | Importance of fulfilling vows and obligations. |
| Prov 3:27 | "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." | Ethical conduct in financial and relational dealings. |
| Prov 22:7 | "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." | Wisdom cautioning against the entanglements of borrowing. |
| Ps 37:21 | "The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous lends generously." | Contrast in integrity regarding repayment of debts. |
| Ezek 18:7-9 | "He does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge..." | Description of a righteous person who deals justly in economic matters. |
| Matt 5:26 | "Truly, I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny." | Emphasizes full and complete payment of all obligations. |
| Matt 18:23-35 | Parable of the unmerciful servant; lesson on forgiveness related to debt. | Illustration of financial obligation and the need for spiritual forgiveness. |
| Matt 25:14-30 | Parable of the talents; servants accountable for entrusted wealth. | Principle of stewardship and accountability for what is given in trust. |
| Luke 6:35 | "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return..." | Christian ethic of generous, selfless lending. |
| Luke 16:10-12 | "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much..." | Faithfulness in managing earthly possessions translates to spiritual trusts. |
| Rom 13:7 | "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed..." | General command to fulfill all civic and personal obligations. |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." | Universal principle of accountability for those entrusted with duties. |
| Jas 2:8 | "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'..." | Love for neighbor underpinning all just laws and dealings. |
| Phlm 1:18-19 | "If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account." | Paul's example of accepting responsibility for another's financial debt. |
Exodus 22 verses
Exodus 22 14 Meaning
Exodus 22:14 establishes a law of strict liability concerning borrowed property. If an individual borrows something of value, typically an animal, from their neighbor, and that item is subsequently injured ("hurt") or dies while under the borrower's care and the owner is not present, the borrower is entirely responsible for making full restitution to the owner. This ensures that the lender is compensated for their loss and underscores the borrower's responsibility for the integrity of the gratuitously loaned item.
Exodus 22 14 Context
Exodus chapter 22 falls within the section known as the "Book of the Covenant" (Exod 20:22–23:33), which outlines civil and judicial statutes derived from the moral principles of the Ten Commandments. These laws were given to Israel as they transitioned from slavery to nationhood, providing a legal framework for their societal organization and interactions. Specifically, verses 7-15 of chapter 22 delineate responsibilities regarding various forms of entrustment and lending—from deposits to borrowed or hired items. Verse 14 addresses the scenario of a gratuitous loan where a borrower takes an item (implied to be livestock or a valuable tool) from a neighbor for their own use, and the item is damaged or lost in the absence of its owner. This particular law establishes stringent liability for the borrower, contrasting it with situations where the owner is present or where the item is hired for payment (Exod 22:15). The aim was to foster integrity, diligence, and justice within the Israelite community, protecting property rights and reinforcing trust in communal dealings, reflecting the divine character of impartiality and righteousness.
Exodus 22 14 Word analysis
- And if a man borrows: The Hebrew verb is יִשְׁאַל (yish’al), from the root שָׁאַל (sha'al), here in the Hiphil stem, indicating that someone causes another to borrow or lends something. It implies a voluntary transfer of possession for the borrower's benefit. This is a gratuitous loan, distinct from a formal rental for payment.
- anything from his neighbor: "Anything" (מַמָּה - mammah) refers generally to a possession or asset. Context often suggests livestock. "Neighbor" (רֵעֵהוּ - re‘ēhū) indicates a fellow Israelite, highlighting communal accountability within the covenant people.
- and it is hurt: The Hebrew וְנִגַּף (venigaph) from נָגַף (nagaph), means "to strike, smite, hurt, or cause damage." This signifies injury or affliction, indicating impairment rather than complete destruction. It covers accidental harm under the borrower's care.
- or dies: The Hebrew אוֹ מֵת (ʾô mēth) from מוּת (muth) simply means "to die." This represents the most severe loss of the item.
- the owner thereof being not with it: The critical phrase אֵין בְּעָלָיו עִמּוֹ (ʾên be‘ālāyw ‘immō) translates literally to "its owner is not with it." This condition is central to the borrower's full liability. If the owner were present during the incident, the responsibility dynamic would change, potentially implying shared risk or the owner's acceptance of the circumstances (Exod 22:15a). It removes any claim by the borrower that the owner could have prevented the damage.
- he shall surely make it good: The Hebrew uses the emphatic construction שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם (shallēm yeshallēm), an infinitive absolute followed by the finite verb. This translates to "he shall surely repay," "he shall fully restore," or "he shall make it completely whole." This grammatical construction stresses absolute, unequivocal liability and compensation. The borrower is obliged to fully compensate the owner for the exact value of the damaged or lost item.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor": This clause sets the scene for a loan transaction initiated by the borrower and given graciously by the lender. It establishes the nature of the relationship: one of trust and mutual aid within the community, but also one where the borrower gains primary benefit from the use of the item.
- "and it is hurt, or dies": These are the specific outcomes triggering liability. The harm or death of the borrowed item indicates a loss that occurred while it was under the borrower's exclusive management or care, irrespective of intentional malice.
- "the owner thereof being not with it": This is the defining condition for the borrower's full responsibility. It implies that the item was entirely in the borrower's charge, without the owner's immediate oversight or shared activity. The absence of the owner means the borrower is the sole guardian and therefore accountable for the item's welfare during the loan period.
- "he shall surely make it good": This powerful command highlights the uncompromising nature of restitution. It is not merely a suggestion but an absolute requirement. The borrower cannot avoid responsibility, signaling a strong emphasis on maintaining justice, protecting property rights, and upholding the integrity of mutual trust in the Israelite economic system.
Exodus 22 14 Bonus section
- Difference from Bailee for Hire (Rental): This verse describes a gratuitous loan (benefiting the borrower), which has stricter liability than a bailee for hire (where money is exchanged for the use of the item, see Exod 22:15b). In rental agreements, the hirer typically has less strict liability than a borrower in the case of unforeseen loss or death.
- Ethical Foundation: The law's strong emphasis on restitution reflects God's character of justice and truth. It teaches that relationships, even those based on generosity, demand integrity and accountability. The loss incurred by one member of the community must be fully absorbed by the one responsible for the safekeeping, ensuring that kindness does not lead to financial detriment for the lender.
- Modern Relevance: While specific contexts differ, the underlying biblical principle of responsibility for what is borrowed or entrusted remains applicable. It speaks to treating another's property with utmost care, honoring commitments, and understanding the implied trust involved in any borrowing arrangement, extending beyond mere legal obligation to moral imperative.
Exodus 22 14 Commentary
Exodus 22:14 articulates a clear legal principle in ancient Israel regarding the responsibility for gratuitously borrowed property. At its heart, it safeguards the lender's interests by mandating full restitution from the borrower if the item lent, typically an animal essential for livelihood, is damaged or dies. The key factor for this absolute liability is the absence of the owner. If the owner is not present, the entire risk of harm or loss falls upon the borrower, regardless of direct fault or intent. This contrasts with scenarios where the owner's presence implies shared oversight or where compensation (as in rental) changes liability terms, as outlined in the very next verse.
This statute reveals the high value placed on honesty, diligence, and faithfulness in managing another's property within the covenant community. It instilled carefulness in those who borrowed, ensuring they treated loaned items with utmost responsibility, knowing they would bear the full financial consequence of any harm or loss. This legal standard discouraged carelessness and encouraged trustworthiness, underpinning the fabric of a just and interdependent society where communal bonds were vital. The principle echoes throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing accountability for entrusted stewardship and the biblical imperative to act with integrity in all financial and relational dealings.