Exodus 22:3

If the Sunne be risen vpon him, there shall be blood shed for him: for hee should make full restitution: if he haue nothing, then he shall bee sold for his theft. Exodus 22:3 (KJV)

Exodus 22:3 belongs to the section of Exodus commonly called the “Book of the Covenant,” a collection of laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This portion of Scripture sets forth guidelines for how the people were to conduct themselves and interact with one another in the community.

In this verse God addresses the crime of theft. The text states that if a thief is caught after sunrise, “blood shall be shed for him,” indicating that a serious consequence—potentially the death penalty—was prescribed for a thief caught in the act during daylight. The verse then requires the thief to make full restitution for what was stolen. If the thief lacks the means to pay the restitution, the law provides that he shall be sold into servitude so that the debt can be satisfied. This provision reflects the ancient Israelite social and economic context, where indentured servitude was a common means of repaying debts.

The following verses (Exodus 22‑4‑5) expand the restitution principle, requiring the thief to compensate the victim, often by paying double the value of the stolen item, and confirming that a thief who cannot pay may be sold to fulfill the obligation. These regulations underscore the seriousness with which theft was treated and the community’s commitment to restoring the victim’s loss.

While the passage gives specific instructions for dealing with theft in ancient Israel, it must be read within the broader biblical narrative. The overarching principles of justice, mercy, and compassion that run throughout Scripture temper the application of these laws. Ultimately, Exodus 22:3 highlights personal responsibility and accountability, urging each individual to make amends for wrongdoing and to respect the property and well‑being of others in the covenant community.