Translations
KJVPrimary
King James VersionIf the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
F.O.G.Secondary
The F.O.GIf the stolen animal is found alive in his possession—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—he shall pay double.
F.O.G.M.
F.O.G MessageBut if the stolen animal is found alive in his hands—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—he must repay double.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleIf what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.
Footnotes
"הִמָּצֵא תִמָּצֵא" is an infinitive absolute: "if it is truly/certainly found." The word "חַיִּים" (chayyim, "alive") is the pivot: the animal has not been disposed of, so less harm was done. Double restitution—rather than the four- or fivefold of v.1—reflects proportional justice calibrated to actual damage caused.
