Definition: If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, [to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 22:8. It’s a pretty serious rule about how to handle theft and protecting property. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about protecting the property of your owner. It’s saying that if someone steals something from your house, you have a responsibility to investigate to see if they’ve actually done anything wrong. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "If the thief be not found..." : This is the crucial part – it only applies if the thief doesn't show up or get caught. It’s a chance for you to take action before they can cause further harm. "...then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges..." : This means your owner (the master of the house) is summoned to a place where authorities (judges) will investigate. "[to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods." : This is the key part that explains why they're being brought before the judges. It means the owner needs to confirm if the thief has actually taken anything from someone else. The word "hand" here refers to property . So, it’s asking: “Has this person actually touched or stolen anything belonging to another person?” In a nutshell: If you find someone stealing, your owner has a duty to investigate and determine if they've committed a crime against another person’s property. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of respecting property rights and upholding justice within a community. It shows that the owner has a responsibility to protect what their home and possessions are worth. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar or biblical expert. This explanation is based on generally accepted interpretations of the text. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?