Exodus 22:15 Meaning: What Does "It Came for Its Hire" Mean?
If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.
But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
If the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be a hired thing, it came for its hire.
if its owner is with it, he doth not repay, --if it is a hired thing, it hath come for its hire.
if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make [it] good; if it be a hired [thing], it came for its hire.
Meaning in one sentence
God's law in Exodus 22:15 shows that when you hire something, the payment already accounts for accidents. A principle of fairness.
Context
This verse is part of the Book of the Covenant, a collection of laws God gave Israel after the Ten Commandments. These rules covered everyday life: how to treat servants, handle property, and settle disputes. In the immediate section, God addresses what happens when someone borrows or hires an animal. If the owner is not present when it is injured or dies, the borrower must pay. But if the owner is there, the borrower is free. Then the law adds a second case: when the animal is hired rather than borrowed. The payment for hiring already includes the risk, so no extra compensation is due. It is a small but thoughtful rule that protects both parties from unfair demands.
Key Words
The key phrase is “it came for its hire.” The word “hire” refers to the payment made for using another’s property. Commentators explain that this payment was understood to cover the risk of accidents. If a hired ox dies while working, the owner has already been paid for that possibility. The borrower does not owe extra. This is not a loophole; it is a recognition that a fair price includes reasonable risks. For us today, this principle encourages honesty in agreements: when we pay for something, we trust the arrangement is just, and when we receive payment, we do not double-charge for mishaps.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as part of God’s moral law, showing His concern for fairness in business dealings. Matthew Henry, a Reformed pastor, saw it as relieving the borrower from undue burden. Jewish tradition, reflected in the Mishnah, added details about when the owner’s presence matters. While the specific law about hired animals does not directly govern modern contracts, the principle of clear responsibility and honest pricing remains. All agree that God cares about how we handle property, and agreements should be fair to both sides.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think “it came for its hire” refers to a hired servant who must work off damages he caused to the animal. In fact, the context shows it is about the hire payment for the animal itself. The phrase simply means the fee for hiring already accounts for any damage. The owner has been compensated in advance, so no further restitution is needed.
Living This Out
This verse can shape how you approach lending and borrowing this week. If you lend a tool or a car, consider agreeing upfront about what happens if it is damaged. If you hire someone’s services or rent their property, remember that the price you pay covers certain risks. Be fair: don’t demand extra for small mishaps already accounted for. And if you are the one borrowing, handle the item with care, but don’t live in fear of every scratch. Trust that a fair agreement protects both sides. God’s law here invites us to be thoughtful and generous in our dealings.
Main takeaway: When you hire something, the payment already covers the risk of accidents, so both parties can trust the arrangement is fair.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When you borrow a friend’s toy, if it breaks and your friend is with you, they saw it happen and you don’t need to worry too much. But if they weren’t there, you should do your best to make it right.
For ages 9, 12
In Bible times, people often borrowed or hired animals for work. This law says that if you hire an animal, the money you paid already covers the risk of it getting hurt. So the owner can’t ask for more money if something happens. It’s a way of being fair. When you agree to borrow or hire something, think about what is fair for both sides.
Questions People Ask
What does "it came for its hire" mean in Exodus 22:15?
It means that the payment you make to hire an animal already covers the risk of accidental damage or death. The owner has been compensated in advance, so you don't owe anything extra if something happens while you're using it.
Why does this law mention the owner being present in the first part of the verse?
If the owner is with the animal when it is borrowed, he can see what happens and protect it. The borrower isn't held responsible because the owner could have prevented the accident. This encourages shared responsibility and trust.
Does Exodus 22:15 apply to Christians today?
While the specific law about hired animals isn't binding, the principle behind it remains: fairness in agreements, honest pricing, and clear responsibility. Christians can apply these values in contracts, borrowing, and lending.
What is the difference between borrowing and hiring in this verse?
When you borrow, you don't pay; but if the animal is hurt when the owner isn't there, you must pay. When you hire, you pay a fee; that fee includes the risk, so even if the animal is hurt, you owe nothing extra. The hire fee covers the risk.
How does Exodus 22:15 show God's character?
It shows that God cares about justice in everyday transactions. He protects both the poor borrower and the owner from unfair loss. His laws are thoughtful and practical, designed to create peace and trust in community life.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study