Exodus 22:1
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Exodus 22:1
**Meaning & Context** (200 words)
This law transitions to theft. If someone steals and kills or sells the stolen animal, restitution multiplies: five oxen for one ox, four sheep for one sheep. The multiplier signals the gravity of theft and serves as strong deterrent. It also provides a concrete remedy that could restore the victim’s economic position. Theft was a violation of communal trust and the basic livelihood of families who depended on livestock. The severity demonstrates that property rights matter in a society where resources were scarce and value was highly tangible.
**Theological Significance** (150 words)
Restitution with punitive multipliers ties to the biblical principle of fairness and justice reflecting God’s own holiness. It demonstrates the seriousness with which property rights and social order are treated as part of living in God’s world.
**Modern Application** (150 words)
This points to strong deterrence against theft and the importance of restitution and insurance-like compensation. In modern contexts, this could translate to penalties that reflect the value of the loss and reinforce accountability.
**Cross-References**: Exodus 22:4; Exodus 21:33-35; Leviticus 6:1-5; Luke 19:8; Proverbs 6:30-31