Loss
Loss (prop. some form of the verb אָבִד ἀπόλλυμι, but likewise a frequent rendering of several other Heb. and Gr. terms which usually imply an idea of damage). According to the Mosaic law, whoever among the Hebrews found any lost article (אֲבֵדָה) was required to take it to his home, and then endeavor to discover the proper owner (De 22:1-3). This would, of course, particularly apply to stray animals, and Josephus gives some special details with respect to money so found (Ant. 4:8. 29; compare the Mishna, Shekal. 7:2). In case of the abstraction of property while in the possession of the finder, the latter had not only to make it good. but also to add one fifth of its value, and even to make a sin-offering likewise (Le 6:3 sq.). The Mishna makes many casuistical distinctions on this subject (Baba Mezia, 1:2), especially with regard to advertising (הכריז i.e., κηρύττειν) the discovered property. SEE DAMAGE.
