Exodus 22

Laws About Theft

1 ‘If somebody steals an ox or a sheep and then kills or sells it, they must pay back five oxen for one ox and four sheep for one sheep.’

2 ‘If a thief gets caught breaking into a house at night and gets killed, the person who killed him is not guilty.’

3 ‘But if it happens in daylight, then it is murder. A thief must pay back what they stole. If they do not have the money, they must sell themselves as a servant to pay it off.’

4 ‘If the stolen ox, donkey, or sheep is found alive, the thief must pay double.’

Laws About Property Damage

5 ‘If somebody lets their animal loose and it eats up someone else’s field or vineyard, they must pay back with the best of their own crops.’

6 ‘If a fire breaks out and burns up a field or crops, the one who started it has to pay for the damage.’

Laws About Borrowing & Lending

7 ‘If someone gives silver or valuables to a neighbor for safekeeping and it gets stolen from their house, the thief (if caught) must pay back double.’

8 ‘If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house has to swear before God that they did not take it.’

9 ‘If there is a dispute about lost property, an ox, donkey, sheep, clothes, or anything, both parties must come before God. Whoever is guilty must pay back double.’

10 ‘If someone asks their neighbor to watch over their animal and it dies, gets hurt, or goes missing with no witnesses,’

11 ‘Then the owner must accept an oath from the neighbor that they did not steal it. No one has to pay anything.’

12 ‘But if the animal was stolen while under their watch, they must pay for it.’

13 ‘If a wild animal attacked it and killed it, they must bring the remains as proof, and they do not have to pay.’

14 ‘If someone borrows an animal and it gets hurt or dies while the owner is not there, they must pay for it.’

15 ‘But if the owner was there when it happened, no payment is needed. If it was rented, the loss is covered by the rental fee.’

Laws About Respect and Morality

16 ‘If a man sleeps with a virgin who is not engaged, he must pay the bride price and marry her.’

17 ‘If her father refuses to let her marry him, the man still must pay the bride price.’

18 ‘You are not letting any witch live.’

19 ‘Anyone caught sleeping with an animal must be put to death.’

20 ‘Anyone worshiping other gods instead of the Lord must be destroyed.’

Laws About Treating Others Right

21 ‘Do not mistreat or take advantage of foreigners living among you. Remember, you all were foreigners in Egypt.’

22 ‘Do not mess with widows or orphans.’

23 ‘If you do, and they cry out to Me, you better believe I am coming for you.’

24 ‘I will make sure you all end up as widows and orphans yourselves.’

Laws About Lending and Money

25 ‘If you lend money to another Israelite, do not act like a greedy loan shark, no charging interest.’

26 ‘If you take someone’s coat as a security deposit, give it back before sunset.’

27 ‘That might be the only thing they got to sleep in. If they cry out to Me, I will listen, because I am merciful.’

Respect for Leaders and Offerings

28 ‘Do not disrespect God or talk trash about your leaders.’

29 ‘Give Me the best of your first harvest and your firstborn sons.’

30 ‘Do the same with your firstborn cattle and sheep. Let them stay with their mom for seven days, then give them to Me on the eighth day.’

31 ‘You all are holy people, set apart for Me. So do not eat meat torn up by wild animals, throw it to the dogs.’