Exodus 22:12

Exodus 22:12

Verse 12 shifts back to restitution for theft with explicit instruction: if something is stolen, the thief must restore the property to its rightful owner. The language emphasizes the moral economy of restitution and accountability. It’s a concrete response to wrong done: returning the stolen item plus any value losses aligns with the principle of restoring relationship and order in the community. It complements the earlier provisions about double compensation and oaths by confirming the thief’s obligation to repair the harm.

Restitution in Scripture reflects the integrity of creation and God’s ownership of all that is held in trust by humanity. The act of returning stolen goods embodies repentance in action and demonstrates humility before God and neighbor. It also foreshadows the gospel’s theme: God’s gracious restoration through Christ, where what was taken or broken is made whole through Jesus. The principle teaches that wrongdoing demands justice but also invites restoration.

Practically, this means if you are found to have taken something that isn’t yours, you should return it and make it right, including compensating for any loss or depreciation. For community life, it reinforces clear expectations about borrowing and theft, alongside insurance policies, neighborly agreements, and accountability structures. It encourages a culture where wrongdoing is addressed promptly and steps are taken to repair harm, not excuse it.

Cross-References: Leviticus 6:1-5; Luke 19:8; Romans 13:1-4; Proverbs 6:30-31; Ezekiel 33:15