Exodus 23:4

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

King James Version

In Context

3Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

5If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

Read all of Exodus 23

Cross References

Deuteronomy 22:1Thou shalt not see the brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

Proverbs 24:17Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Romans 12:17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight 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