Exodus 22:1-4

New International Reader's Version

Laws About Keeping Property Safe

22 “Suppose someone steals an ox or a sheep. And suppose that person kills it or sells it. Then the thief must pay back five oxen for the ox. Or the thief must pay back four sheep for the sheep.

² “Suppose you catch a thief breaking into your house at night. And suppose you hit the thief and the thief dies. Then you are not guilty of murder. ³ But suppose it happens after the sun has come up. Then you are guilty of murder.

“Anyone who steals must pay for whatever they steal. But suppose the thief does not have anything. Then the thief must be sold to pay for what was stolen. ⁴ What if the stolen ox, donkey or sheep is found alive with the thief? Then the thief must pay back twice as much.