Exodus 22:9 Explained in Context

Read It With

• Exodus 22:1–15

Read Exodus 22:9 with 22:1–15. Within Exodus 22:1–15, 22:9 contributes “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost…,” so the line belongs to “Theft, Property Damage, Deposits, and Borrowing” rather than an isolated slogan. The whole unit shows: Restitution cases address stolen livestock, burglary, grazing, fire, entrusted property, disputed custody, rented or borrowed animals, and degrees of responsibility.

Why This Verse Appears Here

Exodus 21:28–36 establishes the preceding movement: An ox that kills exposes distinctions between unknown and known danger, ransom, the lower valuation of enslaved victims, pits, and restitution between animals. This unit applies that movement: Restitution cases address stolen livestock, burglary, grazing, fire, entrusted property, disputed custody, rented or borrowed animals, and degrees of responsibility. At 22:9, the wording “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost…” makes this verse's contribution precise. Within Exodus 22:1–15, 22:9 contributes “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost…,” so the line belongs to “Theft, Property Damage, Deposits, and Borrowing” rather than an isolated slogan.