Text -- Deuteronomy 22:1-4 (NET)

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. 22:2 If the owner does not live near you or you do not know who the owner is, then you must corral the animal at your house and let it stay with you until the owner looks for it; then you must return it to him. 22:3 You shall do the same to his donkey, his clothes, or anything else your neighbor has lost and you have found; you must not refuse to get involved. 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.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Deu 22:1

¹ tn Heb “you must not see,” but, if translated literally into English, the statement is misleading.

² 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 tn Heb “hide yourself.”

⁴ tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with the words “without fail.”

NET Notes: Deu 22:2

¹ tn Heb “your brother” (also later in this verse).

² tn Heb “is not.” The idea of “residing” is implied.

³ tn Heb “and you do not know him.”

⁴ tn Heb “it”; the referent (the ox or sheep mentioned in v. 1) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: Deu 22:3

¹ tn Heb “your brother” (also in v. 4).

² tn Heb “you must not hide yourself.”

NET Notes: Deu 22:4

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

² tn Heb “and (must not) hide yourself from them.”

³ tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive absolute for emphasis, which the translation indicates with “be sure.”

⁴ 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.