Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 50: Fivefold for a calf, fourfold for a sheep
Why was the one who had stolen a calf ordered to repay fivefold, but the one who had stolen a sheep fourfold?
Because the greater sins deserve greater penalties. So also the Lord taught: “For to the one to whom much will be given,” he says, “much will also be required from him.”
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.