The Meaning of Exodus 23:4 Explained

Exodus 23:4

KJV: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

YLT: 'When thou meetest thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou dost certainly turn it back to him;

Darby: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt certainly bring it back to him.

ASV: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

If thou meet  thine enemy's  ox  or his ass  going astray,  thou shalt surely  bring it back  to him again. 

What does Exodus 23:4 Mean?

Context Summary

Exodus 23:1-17 - Laws Of Conduct And Worship
We may apply these various precepts to our own hearts. Many of them breathe the very spirit of Christ. We must watch our speech, so that no man's character may suffer by our gossip or slander. We must dare to stand for the truth, though we stand absolutely alone. With all kindness and good will we must save our neighbor from damage, even though he has vented on us his spleen. It is never for us to take advantage of him; God will deal with him on our behalf, and in His own time and way. Let us not fret ourselves to do evil. David's example in refusing to injure Saul when his bitter enemy was within his reach is an inspiring example for us to follow. We must hold an even balance for just and honorable dealing with all men; and cultivate the Sabbath-keeping of the heart. In every life, also, there should be perpetual memory of Calvary, the Resurrection and Pentecost-the three feasts of the soul! [source]

Chapter Summary: Exodus 23

1  Of slander, false witness, and partiality
4  Of charitableness
6  Of justice in judgment
8  Of taking bribes
9  Of oppressing a stranger
10  Of the year of rest
12  Of the Sabbath
13  Of idolatry
14  Of the three feasts
18  Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice
20  An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him

What do the individual words in Exodus 23:4 mean?

If you meet ox of your enemy or his donkey going astray surely you shall bring it back again to him -
כִּ֣י תִפְגַּ֞ע שׁ֧וֹר אֹֽיִבְךָ֛ א֥וֹ חֲמֹר֖וֹ תֹּעֶ֑ה הָשֵׁ֥ב תְּשִׁיבֶ֖נּוּ לֽוֹ ס

תִפְגַּ֞ע  you  meet 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, second person masculine singular
Root: פָּגַע  
Sense: to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession.
שׁ֧וֹר  ox 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: שֹׁור  
Sense: ox, bull, a head of cattle.
אֹֽיִבְךָ֛  of  your  enemy 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine singular construct, second person masculine singular
Root: אֹיֵב  
Sense: (Qal) enemy.
חֲמֹר֖וֹ  his  donkey 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, third person masculine singular
Root: חֲמֹור 
Sense: (he)ass.
תֹּעֶ֑ה  going  astray 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine singular
Root: תָּעָה  
Sense: to err, wander, go astray, stagger.
הָשֵׁ֥ב  surely 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Infinitive absolute
Root: שׁוּב  
Sense: to return, turn back.
תְּשִׁיבֶ֖נּוּ  you  shall  bring  it  back  again 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Imperfect, second person masculine singular, third person masculine singular
Root: שׁוּב  
Sense: to return, turn back.
לֽוֹ  to  him 
Parse: Preposition, third person masculine singular
ס  - 
Parse: Punctuation