Exodus 22:11
Then shall an othe of the Lord be betweene them both, that hee hath not put his hand vnto his neighbours goods: and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good. Exodus 22:11 (KJV)
It should be noted that the exact wording of this verse is not found in many standard editions of Exodus 22:7‑15, and some readers consider the application to a scenario of safekeeping to be speculative rather than directly supported by the canonical text. Nevertheless, the verse as presented offers a clear framework for dealing with trust between neighbours.
The passage begins, “Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both,” indicating that both parties are to invoke the name of God in a solemn promise. By calling upon the Lord, the oath carries the weight of divine witness, binding each participant to act with integrity before God. The next clause, “that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods,” affirms that the caretaker has not taken or used the neighbour’s property for personal benefit. This statement underscores the biblical emphasis on respecting another’s possessions and maintaining trustworthy relationships.
The verse continues, “and the owner thereof shall accept it,” meaning the owner is to receive the oath as evidence of the caretaker’s honesty. Acceptance of the oath signals the owner’s recognition of the caretaker’s integrity and willingness to be held accountable. Finally, “and he shall not make it good” declares that, when the oath is accepted and no misuse has occurred, the caretaker is not required to provide restitution or compensation for any alleged loss. In effect, the oath serves as a protective measure that clears the caretaker of false accusations when the terms are fulfilled.
Overall, this verse highlights core biblical values: trust, honesty, and personal responsibility in the stewardship of another’s property. By invoking the Lord’s name, believers are reminded that their word is binding before God, and that faithful conduct in everyday dealings reflects a deeper commitment to divine principles. The passage encourages believers to honor their commitments, respect the belongings of others, and seek reconciliation through sincere, God‑centered promises rather than through coercive demands for compensation.
