Exodus 22

All 31 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

Read Exodus 22 in the Bible reader, with audio →

1. 1"If someone steals an ox or a sheep and then kills it or sells it, he must pay back 5 oxen for the ox and 4 sheep for the sheep.
2. 2If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck and killed, the one who killed him is not guilty of murder.
3. 3But if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodshed for him; he must make full restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4. 4If the stolen animal — whether an ox, a donkey, or a sheep — is found alive and still in his possession, he must pay back double.
5. 5"If someone lets his animal loose and it grazes in another person's field or vineyard, he must make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.
6. 6"If a fire breaks out and spreads through thornbushes, burning up stacked grain, standing grain, or an entire field, the person who started the fire must pay full restitution.
7. 7"If someone gives money or goods to a neighbor for safekeeping and they are stolen from that neighbor's house, the thief — if caught — must pay back double.
8. 8If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house must appear before the judges so they can determine whether he helped himself to his neighbor's property.
9. 9In any dispute over ownership — whether it involves an ox, a donkey, a sheep, clothing, or anything else that someone claims as their own — both parties must bring their case before the judges. Whoever the judges find guilty must pay double to the other person.
10. 10"If someone entrusts a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any other animal to a neighbor's care, and the animal dies, is injured, or is driven off while no one is watching,
11. 11the matter must be settled by an oath before the LORD. The caretaker must swear that he did not take his neighbor's property. The owner must accept this oath, and no restitution will be required.
12. 12But if the animal was stolen while in his care, he must make restitution to the owner.
13. 13If it is torn in pieces, he should bring it as evidence, and he will not have to pay for what was torn.
14. 14"If someone borrows an animal from a neighbor and it gets injured or dies while the owner isn't present, the borrower must pay full restitution.
15. 15But if the owner was there with the animal, no restitution is required. If the animal was hired, the loss is covered by the rental fee.
16. 16"If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged and sleeps with her, he must pay the full bride price and marry her.
17. 17If her father absolutely refuses to let her marry him, the man must still pay the amount equal to the bride price for a virgin.
18. 18"You must not allow a sorceress to live.
19. 19"Anyone who has sex with an animal must be put to death.
20. 20"Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD alone must be completely destroyed.
21. 21"You must not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, because you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
22. 22"You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child."
23. 23If you mistreat them in any way and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.
24. 24My anger will burn hot, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your own wives will become widows and your own children will be fatherless.
25. 25"If you lend money to any of my people who are poor among you, don't act like a moneylender toward them. You must not charge them interest.
26. 26If you take your neighbor's garment as collateral for a loan, you must return it to him before the sun goes down.
27. 27For that is his only covering, his clothing for his skin. What will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear him, for I am gracious.
28. 28You must not speak against the gods, nor curse the leader of your people.
29. 29Do not delay in offering the first of your ripe fruits and your liquors. You must give me the firstborn of your sons.
30. 30Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let the firstborn stay with its mother for 7 days, and on the 8th day, give it to me.
31. 31You shall be holy people to me. Do not eat any meat from an animal torn by beasts in the field; throw it to the dogs.