According to Exodus 22, if a thief is caught and the stolen goods are recovered, then the thief must return the stolen item and, in addition, give the owner another item just like it (verse 4). However, if the thief no longer has the stolen item, then the thief must give the owner four or five items like it (verse 1). So, if I steal your car stereo and I’m caught before I can pawn it, then I must return your stereo and also give you another stereo as my punishment. However, if I’m caught and I’ve already sold your stereo, then I must give you four or five stereos in compensation for my theft.