“And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.”
This verse is found in the Book of Exodus, which is part of the Pentateuch or the Torah-the first five books of the Bible. Exodus specifically focuses on the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land.
In Exodus 22:14, we encounter a law related to borrowing and the responsibility of the borrower. Let’s explore the verse in more detail and consider its context within the larger passage.
Borrowing: The verse begins with the phrase, “And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor.” This implies a situation where someone borrows an item from their neighbor. Borrowing was a common practice in ancient times, and this verse addresses the responsibilities and liabilities associated with such transactions.
Damage or Loss: The verse continues, stating, “and it be hurt, or die.” Here, the verse presents two possibilities: if the borrowed item is damaged or if it perishes completely. The focus is on the condition of the borrowed item and what happens to it during the time it is in the borrower’s possession.
Absence of the Owner: The verse further specifies, “the owner thereof being not with it.” This phrase indicates that the owner of the borrowed item was not present when the damage or loss occurred. It emphasizes that the borrower had full responsibility for the item’s well-being during its use.
Restitution: The final part of the verse states, “he shall surely make it good.” This phrase highlights the accountability of the borrower. If any harm befalls the borrowed item, the borrower is obligated to compensate the owner fully. The borrower is expected to restore or replace the damaged or lost item, ensuring that the owner is not left with any loss.
This verse reflects a principle of fairness and personal responsibility in borrowing. It highlights the importance of treating others’ property with care and integrity. By holding borrowers accountable for the condition of borrowed items, this law promotes trust and encourages responsible behavior within the community.
It’s important to note that while Exodus 22:14 provides a specific legal instruction relevant to borrowing, the broader context of the passage includes various other laws and guidelines given by God to the Israelites through Moses. These laws encompass diverse aspects of life, such as social justice, moral conduct, and worship, among others.
Studying the surrounding verses and the entire book of Exodus provides a comprehensive understanding of the laws and principles God established for the Israelites. It offers insights into how God desired the Israelites to live in relationship with Him and with one another.
Remember, the Bible is a rich and interconnected collection of texts, and studying individual verses within their broader context helps us grasp their intended meaning more accurately.
