Translations
Modern
If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him.
Traditional
And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.
Literal
And if your brother is not near to you, or if you do not know him, you shall bring it to the middle of your own house, and it shall remain with you until your brother seeks it—and you shall restore it to him.
Latin
…etiamsi non est propinquus frater tuus, nec nosti eum: duces in domum tuam, et erunt apud te quamdiu quærat ea frater tuus, et recipiat.
Original
Hebrew
English
If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him.
Notes
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Neighbor
Topics
Kindness: General Scriptures Concerning Neighbor: General Scriptures Concerning Property: Personal: Strayed, to be Returned to Owner Stray: Straying Animals to be Returned the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Astray, to be Taken Care of Till Its Owner Appeared The Ox: Laws Respecting: Straying to be Brought Back to Its Owner