Theft, Thief

By: James P. Boyd

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Duration: 1min

Exodus 22:1‑4

Punishment of theft was severe under the Mosaic law, as in all pastoral countries where the property was chiefly in flocks, more or less exposed to persons of felonious intent

The thief was compelled to make restitution, five-fold for a stolen ox and fourfold for a sheep. To kill a thief, caught in the act, was not a capital offense. If restitution was impossible a thief could be sold (Ex. 22:1-4¹If 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. (Exodus 22:1‑4)).

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Boyd's Bible Dictionary: T

• Theft, Thief