Exodus 22:3 - Exposition

If the sun be risen upon him . If the entry is attempted after daybreak. In this case it is charitably assumed that the thief does not contemplate murder. There shall be blood shed for him . Or, "the blood-feud shall hold good in his case"— i.e; his slayer shall be liable to be put to death by the next of kin. For he should make full restitution . Rather, "He shall make full restitution." The punishment of the housebreaker, who enters a house by day, shall be like that of other thieves—to restore double . If he have nothing . Rather, "if he have not enough"— i.e; if he cannot make the restitution required, then he shall be sold for his theft. It is somewhat fanciful to suppose, that this punishment aimed at enforcing labour on those who preferred stealing to working for their own living (Kalisch). Probably the idea was simply the compensation of the injured party, who no doubt received the proceeds of the man's sale.