Exodus 21:33-Exodus 22:15 - Laws About Restitution

33 If a man opens a pit or digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or donkey falls into it, 34 the owner of the pit is to make restitution. He is to pay money to its owner, and the dead animal will become his.

35 "If a man's ox strikes his neighbor's ox and it dies, they are to sell the live ox and divide the money. They also are to divide the dead animal. 36 But if it was known that the ox had gored previously, and its owner didn't restrain it, he shall certainly repay ox for ox, and the dead ox will become his."

1 "If a man steals an ox or sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he is to repay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. 2 "If a thief is found while breaking into a house, and is struck down and dies, it is not a capital crime in that case, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, then it is a capital crime in that case. A thief shall certainly make restitution, but if he has nothing, he is to be sold for his theft. 4 If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox, a donkey or a sheep, he is to repay double.

5 "When a man lets a field or vineyard be grazed over or releases his livestock so that they graze in another man's field, he is to make restitution from the best of his field or vineyard.

6 "When a fire breaks out and spreads into thorn bushes and consumes stacked grain or standing grain or the field, the one who started the fire certainly is to make restitution.

7 "When a man gives his neighbor money or goods for safekeeping and it's stolen from the neighbor's house, the thief, if found, is to repay double. 8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house is to appear before the judges to see whether or not the thief took his neighbor's property. 9 "In every ownership dispute involving an ox, donkey, sheep, garment, or anything that is lost where a person says, "This is mine,' the case between the two of them is to come before the judges, and the one that the judges declare guilty is to repay double to his neighbor.

10 "When a man gives a donkey, ox, sheep, or any animal to his neighbor for safe keeping, and it dies or is injured or is driven away when no one is looking, 11 the two of them are to take an oath in the LORD's presence that the accused has not taken his neighbor's property. Its owner is to accept this, and the neighbor is not to make restitution. 12 But if it was actually stolen from him, the neighbor is to make restitution to its owner. 13 If it was torn to pieces, let the neighbor bring the remains as evidence, and he is not to make restitution for what was torn apart.

14 "When a man borrows an animal from his neighbor, and it's injured or dies while its owner was not with it, he is certainly to make restitution. 15 If its owner was with it, he is not to make restitution. If it was hired, its fee covers the loss."


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