Exodus 22:8

If the thief isn't caught the owner of the house must appear before the judges to find out whether he took his neighbor's property.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods.

In Context

7If someone gives his neighbor money or possessions to be kept safe and they are stolen from the neighbor's house, if the thief is caught they must pay back double.

9If there's an argument over the ownership of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or anything that was lost that someone says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their case before the judges. The one whom the judges find in the wrong must pay the other back double.

Read all of Exodus 22

Cross References

Exodus 21:6then his master is to take him before the judges. Then he shall have him stand against the door or doorpost and use a metal tool to make a hole in his ear. Then he shall work for his master for life.

Exodus 22:28You must not despise God or curse your people's leader.

Deuteronomy 17:8If there's a case before your town court that is too problematic for you to settle, whether the argument is over murder or manslaughter, one legal decision against another, or different degrees of assault, you must take the issue to the place the Lord your God will choose.

1 Chronicles 23:4“Of these 24,000 will be in charge of the work of the house of the Lord, while 6,000 will be officers and judges,” David instructed.

Matthew Henry on Exodus 22:8-16

7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double. 8 If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods. 9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges;… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Exodus 22:8