Deuteronomy 22:1

Laws Concerning Preservation of Life

22:1 When you see your neighbor’s ox or sheep going astray, do not ignore it; you must return it without fail to your neighbor.

Deuteronomy 22:4

22:4 When you see your neighbor’s donkey or ox fallen along the road, do not ignore it; instead, you must be sure to help him get the animal on its feet again.


tn Heb “you must not see,” but, if translated literally into English, the statement is misleading.

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.”

tn Heb “hide yourself.”

tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with the words “without fail.”

tn Heb “you must not see.” See note at 22:1.

tn Heb “and (must not) hide yourself from them.”

tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with “be sure.”

tn Heb “help him to lift them up.” In keeping with English style the singular is used in the translation, and the referent (“the animal”) has been specified for clarity.