If you see your brother’s ox or sheep strayingThis phrase emphasizes the importance of community responsibility and care for one another's property. In ancient Israel, livestock was a significant part of a person's wealth and livelihood. The term "brother" here extends beyond immediate family to fellow Israelites, highlighting the communal nature of society. The law reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (
Leviticus 19:18) and is echoed in the New Testament teaching of bearing one another's burdens (
Galatians 6:2). The imagery of straying animals can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual wandering, with God as the shepherd seeking to bring His people back to Himself (Psalm 23,
Luke 15:4-7).
you must not ignore it
This command underscores the moral obligation to act when witnessing a neighbor's loss. Ignoring the situation would be akin to neglecting one's duty to love and serve others. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on communal responsibility, and this law reinforces the idea that one should not turn a blind eye to the needs of others. This principle is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized active compassion and intervention in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
be sure to return it to your brother
The directive to return the stray animal highlights the value of restitution and reconciliation. It reflects the biblical theme of restoration, which is central to God's relationship with humanity. The act of returning the animal is not just about property rights but about maintaining harmony and trust within the community. This principle is mirrored in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to restore those who have strayed from the faith (Galatians 6:1). The act of returning what is lost can also be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He restores what was lost through sin.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe audience receiving the law, God's chosen people, who are being prepared to live in the Promised Land.
3.
Ox and SheepCommon livestock in ancient Israel, representing valuable property and livelihood.
4.
BrotherRefers to fellow Israelites, emphasizing community and kinship.
5.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws.
Teaching Points
Community ResponsibilityThe verse emphasizes the importance of looking out for one another within the community. It teaches that we are not to be indifferent to the needs or losses of others.
Integrity and HonestyReturning a stray animal reflects a commitment to integrity and honesty. It is a practical application of the commandment against stealing.
Love in ActionThis law is an expression of love in action, demonstrating care and concern for a neighbor's well-being and property.
Obedience to God’s LawFollowing this command is an act of obedience to God, showing respect for His instructions and trust in His wisdom for community living.
Practical KindnessThe verse encourages practical acts of kindness, which can build trust and strengthen relationships within the community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 22:1?
2.How does Deuteronomy 22:1 encourage responsibility towards our neighbor's property?
3.What actions are required when finding a stray ox or sheep?
4.How does this verse reflect the commandment to love your neighbor?
5.In what ways can we apply Deuteronomy 22:1 in modern society?
6.How does this verse connect with Jesus' teachings on loving others?
7.How does Deuteronomy 22:1 reflect God's concern for community responsibility and neighborly love?
8.What historical context influenced the command in Deuteronomy 22:1?
9.How does Deuteronomy 22:1 align with the broader themes of the Old Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 22?
11.What does the Bible say about Christian debt?
12.Why do many biblical laws appear to be copied from earlier legal codes like the Code of Hammurabi?
13.How does Deuteronomy 22:5’s prohibition against cross-dressing align with modern cultural norms and gender expressions?
14.Why do 1 Samuel 9:3–4’s details about searching for lost donkeys seem contradictory with other instances in the Old Testament where animals are quickly found or retrieved?What Does Deuteronomy 22:1 Mean
If you see- The command begins with personal observation—“If you see.” God assumes His people are attentive, not detached.
-Exodus 23:4 shows the same principle applied even to an enemy: “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, you must return it to him”.
-Philippians 2:4 echoes the heart attitude: “Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”. Godly living starts with open eyes and active concern.
your brother’s ox or sheep- “Brother” highlights covenant family; the livestock mention makes the principle tangible.
-Leviticus 19:18 roots neighbor-love in God’s law: “Love your neighbor as yourself”.
-Galatians 6:10 extends the circle: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”. Care for a brother’s property flows from love for the brother himself.
straying- Animals wander; people do too. This visual reminds us that possessions (and souls) easily drift off course.
-Isaiah 53:6 admits, “We all like sheep have gone astray”.
-Matthew 18:12 pictures the shepherd leaving ninety-nine to find one lost sheep. The verse invites us to mirror God’s rescuing heart whenever we spot loss in progress.
you must not ignore it- The negative command removes excuses. Indifference is disobedience.
-James 4:17 presses the point: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin”.
-1 John 3:17 challenges complacency toward a brother’s need; walking past a straying ox is a smaller-scale version of the same neglect.
be sure to return it to your brother- God requires restorative action, not mere sympathy.
-Luke 10:34 shows the Good Samaritan moving toward full restoration—bandaging wounds, transporting, paying costs.
- In practical terms:
• Secure the wandering animal.
• Track down the owner.
• Persist until reunion happens.
- The command promotes community trust, protects livelihood, and reflects God’s own commitment to reclaim what is lost.
summaryDeuteronomy 22:1 calls believers to alert compassion that moves from seeing to restoring. By noticing a brother’s loss, refusing apathy, and actively returning what has strayed, we model God’s caring nature, strengthen fellowship, and obey His plainly stated will.
XXII.Deuteronomy 22:1-4.LOST PROPERTY.
(1)Go astray.--Literally,being driven away,as by wild beasts (Jeremiah 1:17), or by robbers. It is not simply straying. "I will seek that which was lost and bring again that whichwas driven away" (Ezekiel 34:16), and so in many other passages.
Thou shalt not . . . hide thyself from them.--Comp.Proverbs 24:12. "If thou sayest, Behold we knew it not . . . doth not He know it?" AndIsaiah 58:7, "that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh." . . .
Verse 1. -
Go astray; wandering at large. The Hebrew verb means primarily to seduce, draw aside, or entice (cf.
Deuteronomy 13:6); and in the passive conveys the idea of wandering through being drawn away by some enticement.
Hide thyself from them;
i.
e. withdraw thyself from them, avoid noticing them or having to do with them. In any case; certainly, without fail.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
If you seeתִרְאֶה֩(ṯir·’eh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeyour brother’sאָחִ֜יךָ(’ā·ḥî·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )oxשׁ֨וֹר(šō·wr)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7794:A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)orא֤וֹ(’ōw)Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, ifsheepשֵׂיוֹ֙(śê·yōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7716:A member of a, flock, a sheep, goatstraying,נִדָּחִ֔ים(nid·dā·ḥîm)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5080:To impel, thrust, banishyou must notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noignore it;וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖(wə·hiṯ·‘al·lam·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5956:To veil from sight, concealbe sure to return itהָשֵׁ֥ב(hā·šêḇ)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againto your brother.לְאָחִֽיךָ׃(lə·’ā·ḥî·ḵā)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 22:1 You shall not see your brother's ox (Deut. De Du)