Exodus 22:2
Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)
[2-4] As julle die dief vang en die dier wat hy gesteel het, lewe nog, dan moet die dief vir die eienaar van die diere twee diere gee vir elke dier wat hy gesteel het. Dit maak nie saak of dit 'n bees of 'n donkie of 'n skaap is nie. Die dief moet vir alles betaal. As hy niks het nie, dan moet julle die dief verkoop om te betaal vir die diere wat hy gesteel het. As iemand 'n dief vang terwyl hy in die nag inbreek, en hy slaan die dief dood, dan moet julle nie die man doodmaak wat hom geslaan het nie. Maar as dit in die dag gebeur, dan moet julle die man wat die dief doodgeslaan het, ook doodmaak.”
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Exodus says that if a thief is caught breaking into a home and is killed, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder. Moses is speaking on behalf of God, and the key message is about self-defense in extreme circumstances.
Explained for Children
Imagine if someone tried to break into your treehouse and you had to protect yourself. If something happens to them because they were trying to hurt you, you're not in trouble for protecting yourself.
Historical Background
This verse was written by Moses around 1446 B.C. to the Israelites, outlining laws and guidelines. At the time, self-defense was a serious concern, and this law provided clarity on what was justified.
Living It Out Today
Imagine a scenario where a person breaks into your home at night. If you protect yourself and the intruder is fatally injured, this verse suggests that you are not responsible for the outcome, as you were defending yourself against a criminal act.
Topics
justiceself-defenselawtheftconsequencesprotection
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this verse still relevant today?
Yes, this verse is still relevant as it speaks to the idea of self-defense and the protection of one's property, which are universal concerns.
What is the main message of this verse?
The main message is that one is not held responsible for the death of a thief caught in the act of breaking in, emphasizing the right to self-defense.
Can this verse be used to justify any kind of violence?
No, this verse specifically addresses the context of a thief breaking in and is not a blanket justification for violence in other situations.
How does this verse relate to laws in other parts of the Bible?
This verse aligns with other biblical teachings on justice and self-defense, such as in Deuteronomy and Numbers, providing a consistent message across texts.