Exodus 22:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. He shall restore double - In no case of theft was the life of the offender taken away; the utmost that the law says on this point is, that, if when found breaking into a house, he should be smitten so as to die, no blood should be shed for him; Exodus 22:2. If he had stolen and sold the property, then he was to restore four or fivefold, Exodus 22:1; but if the animal was found alive in his possession, he was to restore double.