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Deuteronomy 22:1-4
New English Translation
Deuteronomy 22:1-4
New English Translation
Laws Concerning Preservation of Life
22 When you see[a] your neighbor’s[b] ox or sheep going astray, do not ignore it;[c] you must return it without fail[d] to your neighbor. 2 If the owner[e] does not live near[f] you or you do not know who the owner is,[g] then you must corral the animal[h] at your house and let it stay with you until the owner looks for it; then you must return it to him. 3 You shall do the same to his donkey, his clothes, or anything else your neighbor[i] has lost and you have found; you must not refuse to get involved.[j] 4 When you see[k] your neighbor’s donkey or ox fallen along the road, do not ignore it;[l] instead, you must be sure[m] to help him get the animal on its feet again.[n]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Deuteronomy 22:1 tn Heb “you must not see,” but, if translated literally into English, the statement is misleading.
- Deuteronomy 22:1 tn Heb “brother’s” (also later in this verse). In this context it is not limited to one’s siblings, however; cf. NAB “your kinsman’s.”
- Deuteronomy 22:1 tn Heb “hide yourself.”
- Deuteronomy 22:1 tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with the words “without fail.”
- Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “your brother” (also later in this verse).
- Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “is not.” The idea of “residing” is implied.
- Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “and you do not know him.”
- Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “it”; the referent (the ox or sheep mentioned in v. 1) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
- Deuteronomy 22:3 tn Heb “your brother” (also in v. 4).
- Deuteronomy 22:3 tn Heb “you must not hide yourself.”
- Deuteronomy 22:4 tn Heb “you must not see.” See note at 22:1.
- Deuteronomy 22:4 tn Heb “and (must not) hide yourself from them.”
- Deuteronomy 22:4 tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with “be sure.”
- Deuteronomy 22:4 tn Heb “help him to lift them up.” In keeping with English style the singular is used in the translation, and the referent (“the animal”) has been specified for clarity.
Deuteronomy 22:1-4
New International Version
Deuteronomy 22:1-4
New International Version
22 If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner.(A) 2 If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. 3 Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it.
4 If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey(B) or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.(C)
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