Deuteronomy 24:12
Deuteronomy 24:12 in Multiple Translations
If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession;
And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:
And if he be a poor man, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge;
If he is a poor man, do not keep his property all night;
If he is a poor man he may give his cloak as security, but you must not keep it when you go to sleep.
Furthermore if it be a poore body, thou shalt not sleepe with his pledge,
'And if he is a poor man, thou dost not lie down with his pledge;
If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge.
And if the man is poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:
But if he be poor, the pledge shall not lodge with thee that night,
But if he is poor, do not keep that cloak all night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 24:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 24:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
אִ֥ישׁ
עָנִ֖י
ה֑וּא
לֹ֥א
תִשְׁכַּ֖ב
בַּ/עֲבֹטֽ/וֹ
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עָנִ֖י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשְׁכַּ֖ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בַּ/עֲבֹטֽ/וֹ
ʻăbôwṭ
H5667
pledge
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 24:12
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עָנִ֖י
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁכַּ֖ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
בַּ/עֲבֹטֽ/וֹ
ʻăbôwṭ
H5667
"pledge"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A pledge is a security deposit given for a debt, like a pawned item. This word is used to describe something given as a guarantee of payment or obligation.
Definition: pledge, a thing given as security, article pledged as security for debt
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: pledge. See also: Deuteronomy 24:10; Deuteronomy 24:12; Deuteronomy 24:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 24:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 24:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 24:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
Context — Additional Laws
10When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security.
11You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you.
12If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession;
13be sure to return it to him by sunset, so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you, and this will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God. 14Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 24:17 | Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. |
| 2 | Job 22:6 | For you needlessly demanded security from your brothers and deprived the naked of their clothing. |
| 3 | Job 24:3 | They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox in pledge. |
| 4 | Job 24:9 | The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt. |
Deuteronomy 24:12 Summary
[Deuteronomy 24:12 teaches us to be kind and considerate towards those who are struggling financially, making sure not to take advantage of their situation. This is in line with God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39. By returning the security promptly, we demonstrate our commitment to caring for the poor and vulnerable, just as God cares for us. This act of kindness is a testament to our faith and obedience to God's commands, as noted in James 1:27.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:12?
This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 24:10-14 that discusses lending and borrowing, emphasizing the importance of treating the poor with kindness and respect, as seen in Exodus 22:26-27 and Deuteronomy 24:13.
Why is it significant that the security cannot be kept overnight?
Keeping the security overnight would deprive the poor man of his necessary belongings, causing him undue hardship, as noted in Deuteronomy 24:13, and this is not in line with God's commands to love and care for the poor, as stated in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:40.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of caring for the poor?
Deuteronomy 24:12 reflects the biblical principle of caring for the poor and vulnerable, as seen in Leviticus 25:35-37 and Psalm 41:1, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
What is the spiritual significance of returning the security by sunset?
Returning the security by sunset, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 24:13, allows the poor man to sleep in his own cloak, demonstrating a tangible act of love and mercy, and this is credited to the lender as righteousness before the Lord, as stated in Deuteronomy 24:13 and Jeremiah 22:13.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of caring for the poor in my daily life, especially in my interactions with those who are less fortunate than me?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate love and compassion to those in need, just as God commands in Deuteronomy 24:12 and other passages?
- How does this verse challenge my attitudes towards wealth and material possessions, and what changes can I make to align my heart with God's commands?
- In what ways can I prioritize the well-being of others, especially the poor and vulnerable, in my community and beyond?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 24:12
And if the man [be] poor,.... Which may be thought to be the case of everyone that gives pledges for a debt he owes, or a sum of money he borrows; yet there might be a difference: some might be so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 24:12
And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge: Thou shalt not sleep with his pledge.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
But restore it before night, which intimates that he should take no such thing for pledge, without which a man cannot sleep, since it were an idle thing to fetch it and carry it every day. See Poole ",27".
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
Deuteronomy 24:12 And if the man [be] poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:Ver. 12. Thou shalt not sleep with his pledge.] As those cruel crafties did, that "sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes."
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
(10-13) When thou dost lend.—The law in these verses is evidently the production of primitive and simple times, when men had little more than the bare necessaries of life to offer as security—their own clothing, or the mill-stones used to prepare their daily food, being almost their only portable property. (See Exodus 22:26-27.) It shall be righteousness.—LXX., it shall be alms, or mercy. In other words, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
Verse 12. And if the man be poor, c.] Did not this law preclude pledging entirely, especially in case of the abjectly poor? For who would take a pledge in the morning which he knew, if not redeemed, he must restore at night? However, he might resume his claim in the morning, and have the pledge daily returned, and thus keep up his property in it till the debt was discharged See Clarke on Exodus 22:26. The Jews in several cases did act contrary to this rule, and we find them cuttingly reproved for it by the Prophet Amos, Amos 2:8.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 24:12
Deuteronomy 24:5 to Deuteronomy 25:4. Thirteen Laws of Equity and Humanity Besides the humane temper common to most of them, and a few cue-words, there are no apparent reasons for their being grouped or for the order in which they occur. They have various openings, mostly conditional, otherwise negative. Three are not in the direct form of address, and two only close with this; the rest are in the Sg. form, except one mixed of Sg. and Pl. Some are peculiar to D, others have parallels in E and H. In particular note the separation of the three laws on pledges, and their use of two different terms for ‘pledge.’ All this suggests a compilation from different sources.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:12
12. Thou shalt not sleep with his pledge — As the poor debtor might have nothing to cover him but his outer garment, which served him for his bed. This the creditor was not to keep at night. Comp. Exodus 22:25-26.