Exodus 23:4 kjv

If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Exodus 23:4 nkjv

"If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again.

Exodus 23:4 niv

"If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it.

Exodus 23:4 esv

"If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him.

Exodus 23:4 nlt

"If you come upon your enemy's ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner.

Exodus 23 verses

Exodus 23 4 Meaning

Exodus 23:4 mandates that if an Israelite encounters a lost ox or donkey belonging to an enemy, they must return it. This law transcends personal animosity, requiring an act of practical kindness and compassion even towards an adversary, preventing their loss and promoting a standard of conduct beyond vengeance or indifference. It signifies God's expectation for His people to actively do good and show responsibility regardless of existing interpersonal strife.

Exodus 23 4 Context

Exodus 23:4 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exo 20:22-23:33), which serves as a detailed elaboration of the Ten Commandments given at Sinai. This section contains specific laws concerning civil, social, and moral life in ancient Israel, instructing the people on how to live righteously as God's covenant nation. Chapters 21-23 focus on judicial laws, property rights, and humanitarian statutes. Verses 4 and 5 form a pair, introducing an ethical principle that goes beyond merely obeying negative prohibitions (like "do not steal") to actively performing good deeds. These verses highlight a foundational aspect of Israelite society: justice, mercy, and responsibility towards all members of the community, including those with whom one has a dispute. They emphasize that personal feelings of enmity should not override the moral obligation to assist others, reflecting a divinely ordained standard of righteousness and compassion that sets Israel apart.

Exodus 23 4 Word analysis

• If (כִּי ki): Conveys a conditional statement, implying a potential situation that will occur and for which a definite response is required.
• thou meet (תִּפְגַּע tifga - from פָּגַע paga): To encounter, to happen upon, to light upon. Implies a chance meeting, emphasizing that the command applies to unforeseen circumstances rather than planned actions.
• thine enemy's (אֹיִבְךָ oyivka - from אֹיֵב 'oyeb): Adversary, foe, one who hates or is hostile towards you. This is significant because it directs compassion towards someone with whom one has personal conflict or animosity, rather than just any stranger or a neutral party.
• ox (שׁוֹר shor) or his donkey (חֲמוֹרוֹ chamoro - from חֲמוֹר chamor): These animals were vital economic assets in ancient agrarian societies, used for farming, transport, and as pack animals. Their loss would be a significant hardship or even financial ruin for a household. The mention of specific animals grounds the law in the practical realities of daily life.
• going astray (תֹּעֶה to'eh - from תָּעָה ta'ah): To wander off, to be lost, to go astray. This participle describes the state of the animal as lost and vulnerable, creating an immediate need for intervention and emphasizing the owner's potential distress.
• thou shalt surely bring it back (הָשֵׁב תְּשִׁיבֶנּוּ hashib teshivennu - from שׁוּב shuv): A forceful emphatic construction in Hebrew (infinitive absolute followed by imperfect verb of the same root). It means "you shall return, indeed return it" or "you shall absolutely bring it back." This strong grammatical form underscores the non-negotiable, compulsory nature of the command, allowing for no excuses or prevarication due to personal animosity.

Exodus 23 4 Bonus section

This command implicitly counteracts the common "eye for an eye" principle (Lex Talionis) if interpreted as unrestricted personal vengeance rather than proportionate judicial punishment. It sets a higher standard, indicating that while justice is essential, it must be tempered with compassion and an active desire for the well-being of all, even adversaries. The focus is on preserving life and livelihood, even if it benefits one's "enemy." The command also signifies a unique aspect of Israel's covenant with God – not merely to be righteous in a detached manner but to embody a righteous character in practical, difficult circumstances. It highlights that God values human welfare and peaceful co-existence over perpetuated conflict, teaching His people to be merciful as He is merciful.

Exodus 23 4 Commentary

Exodus 23:4 is a profoundly ethical command that reveals God's character and His standard for His people. It challenges the natural human inclination towards retaliation or indifference towards those considered adversaries. Instead of permitting harm or ignoring distress, God demands active, selfless aid. This goes beyond the absence of hostility; it requires tangible acts of goodwill. The law highlights the sanctity of property, regardless of ownership, and more importantly, elevates compassion above personal grievances. It acknowledges that human conflict should not preclude basic humane acts of service and responsibility. This ancient legal instruction, placed within the context of communal justice, lays a foundational ethical framework for loving one's neighbor—even when that "neighbor" is an enemy. Its essence foreshadows the radical commands of Christ to love enemies and do good to those who persecute, showcasing a consistent divine principle across testaments. Practically, this implies looking beyond one's own hurt or bias to address a real need, demonstrating God's justice mixed with mercy.