But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole; he must give up everything he owns in his house.
This verse is saying that a thief who gets caught must pay severe consequences - returning much more than what was stolen, even if it costs him everything.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite society, as described in the Book of Proverbs, theft was a serious offense that required restitution to uphold justice and maintain community order, reflecting the wisdom traditions of the time. This verse is part of a broader passage in Proverbs 6 that warns against various sins, including laziness and adultery, using everyday examples to teach moral lessons. It draws from Old Testament laws, such as those in Exodus 22, where a thief caught in the act must repay what was stolen, often multiple times, to emphasize accountability.
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