Deuteronomy 22:1
Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.
Deuteronomy 22:1 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Deuteronomy instructs believers to act with compassion and responsibility towards their fellow brothers and sisters by not ignoring their need for help. In the context of the verse, seeing someone's livestock go astray and choosing to ignore it would be considered neglectful and unloving. The verse serves as a reminder to always be watchful and considerate of others' well-being, even when it may be inconvenient or burdensome. By bringing back the stray animals to their owner, believers are not only fulfilling their duty but also expressing their care and concern for the livelihood of their neighbors. This commandment emphasizes the importance of community, brotherly love, and taking responsibility for one another in both practical and symbolic ways. It encourages believers to be proactive in helping those in need and to always be mindful of the well-being of others around them.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the verse "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother." emphasizes the importance of responsibility, compassion, and brotherly love within the community of believers. This commandment reflects God's concern for justice and care for others, demonstrating the principle of looking out for one another and helping those in need. By not ignoring a lost animal belonging to a brother, individuals are reminded of their duty to actively seek to restore what has been lost and to act with integrity and kindness towards others. This verse also conveys the idea of accountability, highlighting the need for individuals to take ownership of their actions and to uphold the values of honesty and communal support in accordance with God's will.
Deuteronomy 22:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely bring them again unto thy brother.
World English Bible
You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother.
Douay-Rheims
Thou shalt not pass by if thou seest thy brother's ox, or his sheep go astray: but thou shalt bring them back to thy brother.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou shalt not see thy brothers oxe nor his sheepe go astray, and withdraw thy selfe from them, but shalt bring the againe vnto thy brother.