Exodus 22 6

Exodus 22:6 kjv

If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

Exodus 22:6 nkjv

"If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the field is consumed, he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

Exodus 22:6 niv

"If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.

Exodus 22:6 esv

"If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution.

Exodus 22:6 nlt

"If you are burning thornbushes and the fire gets out of control and spreads into another person's field, destroying the sheaves or the uncut grain or the whole crop, the one who started the fire must pay for the lost crop.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 6 Meaning

Exodus 22:6 outlines a specific civil law concerning accidental damage by fire, particularly in an agricultural context. It establishes the principle of accountability for unintended harm, mandating that the individual whose actions, however innocent of malicious intent, initiated a fire that consumed another's property (whether harvested grain, standing crops, or fields), must make full restitution to the owner of the damaged property. The verse highlights God's demand for justice and the restoration of loss in a community governed by His laws, emphasizing personal responsibility for the consequences of one's actions, even in cases of negligence rather than malice.

Exodus 22 6 Context

Exodus 22:6 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Ex 21:1-23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments, providing civil and criminal laws for the new nation of Israel. This section covers various aspects of social and economic life, including slavery, personal injuries, property rights, theft, damage, and social responsibility. The immediate context of Exodus 22 focuses on laws regarding property damage and liability, following rules on theft (v. 1-4) and before rules on various forms of financial harm or dishonesty (v. 7-15).Historically and culturally, ancient Israel was an agrarian society where grain was a primary source of sustenance and wealth. Fire was a constant danger, especially in hot, dry climates, capable of quickly spreading and causing immense economic devastation. This law provided essential order, protecting property rights and establishing clear responsibilities in a community heavily reliant on agricultural production for survival and prosperity. It demonstrates God's detailed concern for everyday life, fairness, and justice among His people.

Exodus 22 6 Word analysis

• If fire (כִּי־תֵצֵא אֵשׁ, ki-tetze esh): ki-tetze: "if it goes out" or "if it breaks out." The verb yatza (יצא) signifies coming forth or going out. This implies an origin that is not necessarily malicious, suggesting an accidental ignition or an uncontained fire. It highlights the focus on the consequence of an action, rather than solely the intent of arson. esh (אֵשׁ): "fire." A destructive force but also a common element used for various purposes in daily life, such as cooking or clearing fields. Its inherent danger is recognized here.
• break out, and catch in thorns (וּמָצְאָה קֹצִים, u-matzeah qotzim): u-matzeah: "and it finds," "and it reaches." Implies the fire spreading and encountering easily flammable material. qotzim (קֹצִים): "thorns," "thistles," "brambles." In the dry climate of the Near East, these thorny bushes were abundant and extremely combustible, serving as common tinder. Their presence near fields and dwellings made accidental fires a significant threat.
• so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith (וְנֶאכַּל גָּדִישׁ אוֹ קָמָה אוֹ הַשָּׂדֶה, ve-nekal gadish o qamah o hassadeh): ve-nekal (וְנֶאכַּל): "and it is eaten" or "and it is consumed." This passive form highlights the devastating result of the fire's action. The same word is used for food being consumed, indicating total destruction. gadish (גָּדִישׁ): "stack" or "heap" of grain. This refers to threshed grain that has been gathered into large piles for storage. It represents the immediate, accumulated wealth and food supply. qamah (קָמָה): "standing grain," "growing corn." This refers to crops still in the field, representing future harvest and potential wealth. sadeh (שָׂדֶה): "field," the agricultural land itself. This includes damage to the soil, other vegetation, and fencing that might be part of the field. This comprehensive listing (harvested, standing, and land itself) indicates the full scope of potential agricultural loss and the divine concern for the farmer's livelihood, encompassing both present wealth and future sustenance.
• he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution. (שַּׁלֵּם יְשַּׁלֵּם הַמַּבְעִיר אֶת־הַבְּעֵרָה, shallem yeshalem hamma'vir et-habbə'erah): shallem yeshalem (שַּׁלֵּם יְשַּׁלֵּם): This is an infinitive absolute construction in Hebrew, used for emphasis, translating as "shall surely make full restitution" or "he must certainly pay." The root shalem (שׂלם) means "to be complete," "to be sound," "to be at peace," or "to pay in full." Here, it unequivocally means that the perpetrator must fully restore what was lost, bringing the wronged party back to a state of completeness, or "shalom." hamma'vir et-habbə'erah (הַמַּבְעִיר אֶת־הַבְּעֵרָה): "the one who ignited the fire" or "he who caused the burning." The word ma'avir comes from the verb ba'ar* (בּער), meaning "to burn" or "to kindle." The text specifically blames the one who initiated the burning, not simply the fire itself. It places responsibility squarely on the individual's action, however indirectly linked to the ultimate damage. The phrasing ensures culpability based on causality.

Exodus 22 6 Bonus section

• This law, like others in the Book of the Covenant, falls under what is known as "casuistic law" (case law), characterized by "if... then..." formulations. This structure is common in ancient Near Eastern legal codes (like the Code of Hammurabi) but uniquely in Israel, it is presented as divinely revealed, not human-derived.
• The absence of intent to destroy (i.e., not arson) differentiates this verse from cases of willful damage or malice. Yet, even in such unintentional scenarios, culpability for the cause of the fire is established. This highlights the concept of legal causation—one's actions initiating a chain of events that leads to harm.
• The severity of restitution required (full restitution, shalem yeshalem) underlines the high value placed on agricultural resources, which were critical for the nation's survival and economic security.
• The application of such laws reveals God's meticulous care for daily life and interactions, showing that faith is not merely about spiritual rituals but profoundly impacts practical conduct and social responsibility. This practical righteousness fosters peace (shalom) in the community.

Exodus 22 6 Commentary

Exodus 22:6 lays down a foundational principle of civil law within God's covenant: accountability for damage caused, even if unintentionally, through one's actions or negligence. In an agrarian society where the destruction of crops and land meant profound hardship or starvation, this law served as a vital safeguard for economic stability and social peace. The emphasis is not on punitive revenge, but on restitution—making the wronged party whole again. This reflects a divine order where justice includes the restoration of losses, ensuring that negligence, which poses a communal risk, is adequately addressed. The law is also a practical demonstration of "loving your neighbor as yourself" (Lev 19:18), by compelling care for another's property and livelihood. It underscores that freedom within the community carries a weighty responsibility for the well-being of others.