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Laws Concerning Preservation of Life

22 When you see[a] your neighbor’s[b] ox or sheep going astray, do not ignore it;[c] you must return it without fail[d] to your neighbor. If the owner[e] does not live near[f] you or you do not know who the owner is,[g] then you must corral the animal[h] at your house and let it stay with you until the owner looks for it; then you must return it to him.

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 22:1 tn Heb “you must not see,” but, if translated literally into English, the statement is misleading.
  2. Deuteronomy 22:1 tn Heb “brother’s” (also later in this verse). In this context it is not limited to one’s siblings, however; cf. NAB “your kinsman’s.”
  3. Deuteronomy 22:1 tn Heb “hide yourself.”
  4. Deuteronomy 22:1 tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with the words “without fail.”
  5. Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “your brother” (also later in this verse).
  6. Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “is not.” The idea of “residing” is implied.
  7. Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “and you do not know him.”
  8. Deuteronomy 22:2 tn Heb “it”; the referent (the ox or sheep mentioned in v. 1) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

22 If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner.(A) If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back.

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