As explained above, Revised Standard Version also places verse 4 before verse 2. If translates the word ʾim, which probably indicates that this is part of the law stated in verse 1. (See the discussion at 21.2.) If the stolen beast is found is literally “If being found what was stolen is found,” which places emphasis on is found. This is not easily translated, but Durham has “If the stolen animal is actually found.” The word beast is not in the Hebrew, but the following clause clearly indicates that what was stolen is an “animal” (Good News Translation).

Alive shows the alternative to verse 1, where the animal may have been killed. In his possession, literally “in his hand,” refers to the thief of verse 1. Whether it is an ox or an ass or a sheep refers to a bull (Good News Translation “cow”), a “donkey” (Good News Translation), and “a flock-animal” (Durham), in that order. The “flock-animal” may be either a sheep or a goat. (See the comment at verse 1.)

He shall pay double is literally “two he shall repay.” This means that the thief “shall restore two animals for each one stolen” (New American Bible), or “two for one” (Good News Translation). It also means that the owner will receive two additional animals plus the one that was stolen. This is a lesser penalty than the “five oxen for an ox” in verse 1, since in this case the animal is still alive.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .