The Church Fathers on this verse

Exodus 22:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But if the owner be present, he shall not make restitution, especially if it were hired, and came for the hire of his work.

Douay-Rheims

וְכִֽי־יְפַתֶּ֣ה אִ֗ישׁ בְּתוּלָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־אֹרָ֖שָׂה וְשָׁכַ֣ב עִמָּ֑הּ מָהֹ֛ר יִמְהָרֶ֥נָּה לּ֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Wlastow G.K.

19th centuryCommentator

Certainly, here is the paraphrased text in accordance with your requirements:

Livestock were naturally kept for both labor and as a source of manure. When the owner was present, he could easily prevent any harm or mistreatment that might befall the animals. However, in the absence of the owner, the individual responsible for the livestock was expected to care for them as if they were his own. Negligence regarding someone else’s animals, which had been entrusted for personal use, resulted in a requirement to compensate for any damages incurred.

Read more (48 words)

Conversely, if the individual who provided the livestock did so with the intent of profit rather than from goodwill, having received payment for the service, he was not entitled to seek recompense for any harm to or death of the animals, unless it was due to intentional actions.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.