Exodus 23:4

If you come across the ox or the ass of one who is no friend to you wandering from its way, you are to take it back to him.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

In Context

3But, on the other hand, do not be turned from what is right in order to give support to a poor man's cause.

5If you see the ass of one who has no love for you bent down to the earth under the weight which is put on it, you are to come to its help, even against your desire.

Read all of Exodus 23

Cross References

Deuteronomy 22:1If you see your brother's ox or his sheep wandering, do not go by without helping, but take them back to your brother.

Proverbs 24:17Do not be glad at the fall of your hater, and let not your heart have joy at his downfall:

Matthew 5:44But I say to you, Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you;

Romans 12:17Do not give evil for evil to any man. Let all your business be well ordered in the eyes of all men.

Matthew Henry on Exodus 23:2-10

Judicial Laws. ( b. c. 1491.) 1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: 3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. 4 If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. 5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Exodus 23:4