Guided first edition · Exodus 22:1–31
Central truth
Follow the commands and community responsibilities that shape mercy, justice, purity, work, and neighbor love in Exodus.
Read the complete assigned passage before isolating a phrase or answering a question. Identify the speakers, setting, repeated words, problem, response, and the change that occurs by the end of the unit.
Immediate context
Read Exodus 22:1–31 with the paragraphs before and after it. Identify the opening situation, turning point, and outcome.
Exodus context
Justice and life together: Follow the commands and community responsibilities that shape mercy, justice, purity, work, and neighbor love in Exodus.
Whole-Bible context
Identify the covenant audience, the reason for the command, and its place in rescue, worship, holiness, justice, and communal life.
King James Version · 31 verses
Scripture text
Read the complete assigned text. The KJV text is presented here so that every observation can be checked against the passage.
Exodus 22
King James Version1If 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.
2If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
3If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
5If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
6If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
8If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods.
9For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
10If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
11Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
12And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
13If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.
14And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
15But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
16And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
17If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
18Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
19Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
20He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
26If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
28Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
30Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
31And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
Central truth
Follow the commands and community responsibilities that shape mercy, justice, purity, work, and neighbor love in Exodus.
Guided close reading
Work through every reading block in order. The prompts identify what to examine without replacing the words of Scripture.
Chapter summary · 22
Exodus 22
Exodus 22 opens in verse 1 with “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five...”, reaches its middle movement near verse 16 with “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely...”, and closes in verse 31 with “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts...”. Repeated or prominent terms include shalt, make, sheep, field, surely. Read these details within the lesson focus: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”.
Exodus 22:1–8
1–8: If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he...
Section summary
Exodus 22:1–8 opens with “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for...” and reaches “If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see...” by its final verse. That textual movement develops the lesson focus: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, with special attention to the recurring or prominent terms field, found, sheep.
Deep dive
Verse 1 establishes the section with “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen...”. Near verse 4, the wording reads “If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he...”. The final verse closes this reading block with “If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to...”. The wording should be traced through its subjects, actions, connecting terms, and stated consequences before an interpretation is proposed.
Identify the covenant audience, the stated reason for each command, and how worship, holiness, justice, mercy, and communal responsibility relate to one another. Trace the words field, found, sheep, make, restitution, thief across the complete block. Connect every claim to the lesson focus, Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, and label conclusions honestly as explicit statement, Scripture-supported conclusion, strong inference, or interpretation.
Words to trace: field, found, sheep, make, restitution, thief
Verse-by-verse path
Use these notes to slow down and examine how each verse contributes to the section. Return to the exact wording before drawing a conclusion.
- Exodus 22:1
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:2
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:3
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:4
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:5
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:6
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:7
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:8
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
Exodus 22:9–16
9–16: For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep,...
Section summary
Exodus 22:9–16 opens with “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any...” and reaches “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to...” by its final verse. That textual movement develops the lesson focus: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, with special attention to the recurring or prominent terms make, good, owner.
Deep dive
Verse 9 establishes the section with “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for...”. Near verse 12, the wording reads “And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.”. The final verse closes this reading block with “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow...”. The wording also contains 1 stated contrast, 1 verse naming the LORD or God, giving the reader concrete features to test in context.
Identify the covenant audience, the stated reason for each command, and how worship, holiness, justice, mercy, and communal responsibility relate to one another. Trace the words make, good, owner, thereof, neighbour, both across the complete block. Connect every claim to the lesson focus, Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, and label conclusions honestly as explicit statement, Scripture-supported conclusion, strong inference, or interpretation.
Words to trace: make, good, owner, thereof, neighbour, both
Verse-by-verse path
Use these notes to slow down and examine how each verse contributes to the section. Return to the exact wording before drawing a conclusion.
- Exodus 22:9
Reason or consequence: connect this verse to the claim or action immediately before it.
- Exodus 22:10
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:11
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:12
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:13
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:14
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:15
Turn or contrast: name what stands on each side of the contrast and how it changes the passage’s direction.
- Exodus 22:16
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
Exodus 22:17–24
17–24: If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money...
Section summary
Exodus 22:17–24 opens with “If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of...” and reaches “And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows,...” by its final verse. That textual movement develops the lesson focus: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, with special attention to the recurring or prominent terms afflict, fatherless, shalt.
Deep dive
Verse 17 establishes the section with “If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry...”. Near verse 20, the wording reads “He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.”. The final verse closes this reading block with “And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be...”. The wording also contains 1 verse naming the LORD or God, giving the reader concrete features to test in context.
Identify the covenant audience, the stated reason for each command, and how worship, holiness, justice, mercy, and communal responsibility relate to one another. Trace the words afflict, fatherless, shalt, surely, utterly, according across the complete block. Connect every claim to the lesson focus, Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, and label conclusions honestly as explicit statement, Scripture-supported conclusion, strong inference, or interpretation.
Words to trace: afflict, fatherless, shalt, surely, utterly, according
Verse-by-verse path
Use these notes to slow down and examine how each verse contributes to the section. Return to the exact wording before drawing a conclusion.
- Exodus 22:17
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:18
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:19
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:20
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:21
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:22
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:23
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:24
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
Exodus 22:25–31
25–31: If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt...
Section summary
Exodus 22:25–31 opens with “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an...” and reaches “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the...” by its final verse. That textual movement develops the lesson focus: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, with special attention to the recurring or prominent terms shalt, give, people.
Deep dive
Verse 25 establishes the section with “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an...”. Near verse 28, the wording reads “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”. The final verse closes this reading block with “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in...”. The wording also contains 1 question, giving the reader concrete features to test in context.
Identify the covenant audience, the stated reason for each command, and how worship, holiness, justice, mercy, and communal responsibility relate to one another. Trace the words shalt, give, people, raiment, beasts, cast across the complete block. Connect every claim to the lesson focus, Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”, and label conclusions honestly as explicit statement, Scripture-supported conclusion, strong inference, or interpretation.
Words to trace: shalt, give, people, raiment, beasts, cast
Verse-by-verse path
Use these notes to slow down and examine how each verse contributes to the section. Return to the exact wording before drawing a conclusion.
- Exodus 22:25
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:26
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:27
Reason or consequence: connect this verse to the claim or action immediately before it.
- Exodus 22:28
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:29
Textual detail: identify the action, the people affected, and the change this verse introduces.
- Exodus 22:30
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
- Exodus 22:31
Command and responsibility: identify who receives the instruction, what it requires, and the purpose supplied by the context.
Observation and teaching prompt
- Identify the people addressed and the covenant setting.
- Distinguish rescue, worship, holiness, justice, and community responsibility.
- Read commands in their literary and covenant context before making a modern application.
Learning objectives
- Place Exodus 22:1–31 within Justice and life together and explain its role in Exodus.
- Describe from the text how the passage develops this focus: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”.
- Distinguish an explicit statement, a Scripture-supported conclusion, and an interpretation.
- Explain how law and covenant shapes a responsible reading of this unit.
- Compare a related song or video with the passage, then return to the text to test it.
- Form a personal and communal response that does not exceed the evidence of Scripture.
Teacher preparation
- Read Exodus 22:1–31 twice, then read the material immediately before and after it.
- Review the book movement: Justice and life together (Exodus · 03).
- Mark speakers, actions, repeated words, commands, contrasts, promises, and consequences.
- Preview each related song or video and note where it condenses, interprets, or dramatizes the text.
- Prepare a participation option that lets learners respond without forced personal disclosure.
Evidence and interpretation checks
Explicit
Record two claims that Exodus 22:1–31 states directly and cite the verses.
Scripture-supported
Form one conclusion that joins several parts of Exodus 22:1–31. Show each step.
Strong inference
Identify a conclusion that follows the text closely even though it is not stated in one sentence.
Possible or traditional reading
Where responsible readings differ, present the difference without turning it into certainty.
Limit
Do not use speculation as a teaching conclusion.
Discussion with answer guidance
1. What does Exodus 22:1–31 state directly about God, people, or the situation?
Show teacher guidance
Begin with the passage’s words and actions. Require an exact verse before accepting a conclusion.
2. How does this focus develop across the passage: Exodus 22:1–31 moves from “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore...” to “And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of....”?
Show teacher guidance
Trace the opening, change, and outcome. Do not rely on one sentence when the unit presents a sequence.
3. Which word, action, contrast, or response repeats, and what work does it do?
Show teacher guidance
Repetition may signal structure or emphasis, but explain its meaning inside the immediate context.
4. How does this unit contribute to the Justice and life together movement?
Show teacher guidance
Compare the unit with what comes before and after it in the same book.
5. What interpretive caution does law and covenant require here?
Show teacher guidance
Identify the covenant audience, the reason for the command, and its place in rescue, worship, holiness, justice, and communal life.
6. What faithful response follows for an individual and for a community?
Show teacher guidance
Form a concrete, proportionate response. Do not turn a description into a command without evidence.
Responsible application
Heart and habits
Name one belief, desire, or practice that Exodus 22:1–31 corrects, strengthens, or redirects.
Relationships and community
Form one action that protects dignity, truth, justice, mercy, or faithfulness in a real relationship.
Worship and prayer
Write a prayer using the vocabulary and concerns of the passage.
Service and witness
Choose one observable response for this week and one person who can support accountability.
Audience adaptations
Children
Use a short reading block, a people-and-actions map, and one concrete response. Explain difficult vocabulary before reading.
Youth
Ask learners to identify pressure, loyalty, power, and consequences. Permit written responses without public disclosure.
Adults
Add literary and historical context, compare responsible readings, and require evidence for each claim.
Intergenerational group
Pair different ages, assign observation before interpretation, and close with a shared prayer.
Online or at home
Send the reference in advance, use media as an observation pause, and gather responses in a shared document.
Complete 75-minute teaching path
A shorter group can omit the extended discussion while preserving the Scripture reading, evidence check, and closing response.
Orient the group
Name the book, Exodus 22:1–31, genre, and central question. Explain that every conclusion will be checked against the text.
Read the complete unit
Read aloud or silently. Learners mark speakers, repetitions, commands, contrasts, and changes.
Work through the reading blocks
Summarize each block in one sentence and record the verse that supports the summary.
Use a song or video
Play one related resource. Compare its emphasis and omissions with the passage.
Discuss from evidence
Use the questions and require a Scripture reference for every major answer.
Form responsible application
Develop one personal and one communal response. Avoid promises or commands that the text does not establish.
Summarize and pray
Let each learner complete one sentence about the passage. Pray with its vocabulary and concerns.
Song and video learning lab
Use the media after the passage has been read. A song or video may interpret, compress, or dramatize the text, so learners should compare it with Scripture rather than treat it as Scripture.
- Before: read the exact passage and name its central movement.
- During: note which words, people, events, or emotions the artist emphasizes.
- After: identify what the media clarifies, what it leaves out, and what must be checked in the text.
Listen and watch alongside the passage
Related media appears only when its Scripture reference overlaps this study unit. Use music and video as companions, then return to the biblical text.
Blood of the CovenantExodus 21:1-24:18Listen to related music →
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