Damages and Compensation
/DAM-ij-ez/
Summary
The biblical principles governing restitution and repayment for loss or injury caused to another person or their property.
☩Property Damage
The law required compensation for damage to another's property. If fire spread and burned grain or a field, the one who kindled it must make restitution. If an ox gored a man to death, its owner could face death if warned previously. If a man's ox killed another's ox, the live ox was sold and the proceeds divided.
Key verses:Exodus 22:5-6Exodus 21:28-32Exodus 21:35-36
☩Theft and Restitution
A thief who stole an ox and killed or sold it must restore five oxen; for a sheep, four sheep. If the stolen animal was found alive, double restitution was required. If unable to pay, the thief could be sold. Zacchaeus voluntarily promised fourfold restoration for any fraud.
Key verses:Exodus 22:1-4Luke 19:8Leviticus 6:4-5Numbers 5:7
Related Verses8 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Damages," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Damages," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).