12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
12 But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner.
12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.
12 But if it turns out it was stolen, the owner must be compensated.
12 But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it.
12 But if the animal was indeed stolen, the guilty person must pay compensation to the owner.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:12
Chapter Contents
Judicial laws.
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.