Exodus 22 in the early church

94 passages quote, allude to, or echo Exodus 22, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 13 · 16 · 18 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 28 · 29 · 30 · 31

Exodus 22:1

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:1Miscellanies 3.4.37 · Clement of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 22:1 (21:37 LXX)Preparation for the Gospel 12.40.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Exod 22:1Question 83, section 5 · Ambrosiasterallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–384
Exod 22:1On the Duties of the Clergy 3.3 · Ambroseallusion, low confidenceca. 386–390
Exod 22:1Homilies on Matthew 52.5 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 22:1Homilies on Matthew 85.4 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 22:1–4Exodus, lines 866–888 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.
Exod 22:1Part 2, chapter 1 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Exodus 22:2

If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:2 (22:1 LXX)Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 59 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Exod 22:2 (22:1 LXX)Preparation for the Gospel 12.41.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 22:3

But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:3 (22:2 LXX)Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 59 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)

Exodus 22:4

If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:4 (22:3 LXX)Preparation for the Gospel 12.40.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324

Exodus 22:5

If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:5–12Exodus, lines 889–912 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Exodus 22:6

If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:6 (22:5 LXX)Commentary on John 6.298 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248

Exodus 22:7

If a man gives his neighbor money or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:7–13Part 2, chapter 1 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Exodus 22:13

If the animal was torn to pieces, he shall bring it as evidence; he need not make restitution for the torn carcass.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:13Sermon 46.21 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, low confidenceca. 391-430
Exod 22:13–24Exodus, lines 913–937 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Exodus 22:16

If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:16Apostolic Canon 67 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380

Exodus 22:18

You must not allow a sorceress to live.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:18On the Good of Modesty 6 · Novatianecho, low confidencemid-3rd cent. (disputed)
Exod 22:18Apostolic Constitutions 2.62.2 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380
Exod 22:18Apostolic Constitutions 7.3.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Exod 22:18Eleven Tractates 1.28 · Priscillianquotation, high confidenceca. 380–385

Exodus 22:20

If anyone sacrifices to any god other than the LORD alone, he must be set apart for destruction.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:20On Dice-Players 8 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)
Exod 22:20Exhortation to Martyrdom 45 · Origenquotation, high confidence235
Exod 22:20Lines 741–764 · Commodianallusion, medium confidence3rd century (disputed)
Exod 22:20Letter 59.12 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Exod 22:20Letter 65.1 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Exod 22:20On the Lapsed 7 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence251
Exod 22:20To Demetrian 16 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence252–253
Exod 22:20To Fortunatus 3 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence253 or 257
Exod 22:20 (22:19 LXX)Passion of Montanus and Lucius 14 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence259
Exod 22:20 (22:19 LXX)Church History 8.10.10 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 300–325
Exod 22:20 (22:19 LXX)Passion of Irenaeus of Sirmium 2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence304 (6 April)
Exod 22:20Acts of Phileas and Philoromus 1.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 306-311
Exod 22:20Tractates 1.15.2 · Zeno of Veronaquotation, high confidenceca. 362-380
Exod 22:20Against Parmenian the Donatist 3.7 · Optatus of Milevisquotation, medium confidenceca. 366–385
Exod 22:20Question 102, section 7 · Ambrosiasterquotation, medium confidenceca. 370–384
Exod 22:20Question 102, section 20 · Ambrosiasterquotation, medium confidenceca. 370–384
Exod 22:20Book of Heresies 109.5 · Philastrius of Bresciaquotation, high confidenceca. 380s
Exod 22:20City of God 10.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Exod 22:20City of God 10.7 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Exod 22:20City of God 19.21 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Exod 22:20City of God 19.23 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426

Exodus 22:21

You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:21On the Christian Life 8 · Fastidiusquotation, high confidenceca. 411-430
Exod 22:21The Conferences 9.34 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Exodus 22:22

You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:22–24To Quirinus 3.113 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 248–250 (book 3 perhaps later)
Exod 22:22On the Christian Life 3 · Fastidiusquotation, high confidenceca. 411-430

Exodus 22:23

If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:23On the Christian Life 3 · Fastidiusquotation, high confidenceca. 411-430

Exodus 22:24

My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:24On 1 Cor 7:2, section 2 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 22:24On the Christian Life 3 · Fastidiusquotation, high confidenceca. 411-430

Exodus 22:25

If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:25Apocalypse of Peter (Akhmim fragment) 31 · Anonymousecho, medium confidenceca. 100–150
Exod 22:25Epitome of the Divine Institutes 59.2 · Lactantiusecho, medium confidenceca. 314–320
Exod 22:25Demonstration 14.3 · Aphrahatquotation, high confidence337-345
Exod 22:25Canon 13 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 345–348
Exod 22:25On Tobit 7 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 380-390
Exod 22:25On Tobit 46 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Exod 22:25On the Duties of the Clergy 3.3 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386–390
Exod 22:25Homilies on Matthew 56.6 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Exod 22:25Explanation of Twelve Psalms 36.62.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Exod 22:25–31Exodus, lines 938–962 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Exodus 22:26

If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:26On Tobit 46 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Exod 22:26On Tobit 47 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Exod 22:26Sermon 54 · Peter Chrysologusquotation, high confidenceca. 425-450
Exod 22:26Part 2, chapter 1 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Exodus 22:27

because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:27On Tobit 46 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Exod 22:27On Tobit 47 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Exod 22:27The Conferences 9.34 · John Cassianquotation, medium confidenceca. 426–429

Exodus 22:28

You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:28Homilies on Numbers 27.12 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Exod 22:28 (22:27 LXX)Against Celsus 4.31 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 248
Exod 22:28 (22:27 LXX)Against Celsus 8.38 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 248
Exod 22:28To Quirinus 3.13 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 248–250 (book 3 perhaps later)
Exod 22:28Letter 3.2 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Exod 22:28Letter 59.4 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Exod 22:28Letter 66.3 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Exod 22:28Homilies 16.6 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence4th century (reworking earlier material)
Exod 22:28Homilies 16.8 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence4th century (reworking earlier material)
Exod 22:28Recognitions 2.39 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceGreek original 3rd–4th century; Rufinus's Latin translation before 407
Exod 22:28Recognitions 2.42 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceGreek original 3rd–4th century; Rufinus's Latin translation before 407
Exod 22:28Apostolic Canon 55 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Exod 22:28 (22:27 LXX)Apostolic Constitutions 2.26.4 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Exod 22:28 (22:27 LXX)Apostolic Constitutions 2.31.3 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Exod 22:28Book of Heresies 147.1 · Philastrius of Bresciaquotation, high confidenceca. 380s
Exod 22:28Letter 138.13 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Exod 22:28The Lord's Sermon on the Mount 1.19 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 393–396

Exodus 22:29

You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:29Commentary on Romans 7.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Exod 22:29Oration 16.18 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, medium confidenceca. 362–383
Exod 22:29On Cain and Abel 2.5 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 375-378
Exod 22:29Life of Macrina, part 5 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, medium confidenceca. 380
Exod 22:29The Conferences 21.25 · John Cassianallusion, medium confidenceca. 426–429
Exod 22:29The Conferences 21.32 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Exodus 22:30

You shall do likewise with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but on the eighth day you are to give them to Me.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:30Miscellanies 2.18.92 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Exod 22:30Tractates on the Psalms 118.0.5 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, medium confidenceca. 360–367
Exod 22:30Exposition of Psalm 118 0.2.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397

Exodus 22:31

You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of a mauled animal found in the field; you are to throw it to the dogs.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Exod 22:31Commentary on Matthew 11.17 · Origenquotation, medium confidenceca. 246–248