Exodus 22:2 - Exposition

If a thief be found breaking up . Rather, "Breaking in"— i.e; making forcible entry into a house. The ordinary mode of "breaking in" seems to have been by a breach in the wall. Hence the word here used, which is derived from khathar , "to dig." There shall no blood be shed for him . Rather, "the blood-feud shall not lie upon him"— i.e; the avenger of blood shall not be entitled to proceed against his slayer. The principle here laid down has had the sanction of Solon, of the Roman law, and of the law of England. It rests upon the probability that those who break into a house by night bare a murderous intent, or at least have the design, if occasion arise, to commit murder.