Proverbs 20:16
Proverbs 20:16 in Multiple Translations
Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners.
Take a man's clothing if he makes himself responsible for a strange man, and get an undertaking from him who gives his word for strange men.
If someone guarantees a stranger's debt with their cloak, be sure to take it! Make sure you have whatever is pledged to foreigners!
Take his garment, that is suretie for a stranger, and a pledge of him for the stranger.
Take his garment when a stranger hath been surety, And for strangers pledge it.
Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Take away the garment of him that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge from him for strangers.
If you foolishly promise to a stranger that you will pay what he owes if he is unable to pay it [DOU], you deserve to have someone take your coat from you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:16
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.
Proverbs 20:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְֽקַח
בִּ֭גְד/וֹ
כִּי
עָ֣רַב
זָ֑ר
וּ/בְעַ֖ד
נכרים
נָכְרִיָּ֣ה
חַבְלֵֽ/הוּ
לְֽקַח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בִּ֭גְד/וֹ
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָ֣רַב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
זָ֑ר
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
וּ/בְעַ֖ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Conj | Prep
נכרים
nokrîy
H5237
foreign
Adj
נָכְרִיָּ֣ה
nokrîy
H5237
foreign
Adj
חַבְלֵֽ/הוּ
châbal
H2254
to pledge
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:16
לְֽקַח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
בִּ֭גְד/וֹ
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָ֣רַב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
זָ֑ר
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
וּ/בְעַ֖ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Conj | Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
נכרים
nokrîy
H5237
"foreign"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.
נָכְרִיָּ֣ה
nokrîy
H5237
"foreign"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.
חַבְלֵֽ/הוּ
châbal
H2254
"to pledge"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to be in labor or to twist in pain, like a woman giving birth. It can also mean to corrupt or destroy something. In the KJV, it is translated in various ways, including 'travail' or 'corrupt'.
Definition: 1) to bind 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind 2) to take a pledge, lay to pledge 2a) (Qal) to hold by a pledge, take in pledge, hold in pledge 2b) (Niphal) to give a pledge, become pledged
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, band, bring forth, (deal) corrupt(-ly), destroy, offend, lay to (take a) pledge, spoil, travail, [idiom] very, withhold. See also: Exodus 22:25; Proverbs 20:16; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:16
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.
15There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
16Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. 18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:13 | Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. |
| 2 | Exodus 22:26–27 | If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:26–27 | Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? |
| 4 | Proverbs 11:15 | He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure. |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:16 | It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words |
| 6 | Proverbs 23:27 | For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well. |
| 7 | Proverbs 7:5 | that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words. |
| 8 | Proverbs 5:3 | Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, |
| 9 | Proverbs 7:10 | Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. |
Proverbs 20:16 Summary
Proverbs 20:16 is warning us about the dangers of lending money to people we don't know well, or to those who may not be able to pay us back. It's like when you lend something to a friend, you want to make sure you get it back, and it's the same with money. The Bible teaches us to be wise and responsible with our finances, as seen in Proverbs 22:7 and Matthew 25:14-30, which emphasize the importance of stewarding our resources well. By being careful and thoughtful in our financial decisions, we can avoid unnecessary trouble and build stronger relationships with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger' in Proverbs 20:16?
This phrase is a metaphor for holding someone accountable for their actions, similar to how Exodus 22:26-27 describes taking a pledge as a form of security, and Deuteronomy 24:13 and 17 discuss the importance of returning a pledge to its owner.
Why is it advised to 'get collateral if it is for a foreigner'?
This warning is given because foreigners may not be bound by the same social and cultural norms as the community, making it more difficult to recover a debt, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:3 which discusses the treatment of foreign debts.
Is this verse promoting usury or taking advantage of others?
No, this verse is actually warning against the dangers of unchecked debt and the importance of responsible lending, as also taught in Psalms 37:21 and Ezekiel 18:13, which emphasize the importance of fairness and justice in financial dealings.
How does this verse relate to our modern concept of credit and loans?
While the context is different, the principle remains the same: be cautious when lending or borrowing, and make sure there are clear agreements and consequences in place, as advised in Romans 13:8 and Matthew 25:27, which discuss the importance of responsible financial management.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of responsible lending in my own life, and how can I prioritize fairness and justice in my financial dealings?
- How can I balance the need to help others with the need to protect myself from potential financial harm, and what role does wisdom and discernment play in this process?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring the advice given in Proverbs 20:16, and how can I learn from the examples of others who have experienced financial difficulties?
- In what ways can I use my financial resources to build strong, healthy relationships with others, rather than creating unnecessary risk or burden?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:16
Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger,.... Which a man is cautioned against, Proverbs 6:1; but if a man will be so weak and foolish, others ought to take care of him, and be cautious how
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:16
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. Take his garment that is surety (for) a stranger - addressed to the creditor.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
Take his garment, to wit, as a pledge, without which he ought not to be trusted, because by this action he showeth himself to be a fool, and he taketh the ready way to beggary. Object. This precept contradicts that law which forbade the taking of a garment for a pledge, . Answ. It doth not contradict it, for the cases vastly differ; for that law concerned only the poor, who were forced to borrow for their own necessity, and therefore deserve pity; whereas this teacheth only those who are or would be thought rich and sufficient security for others, and who borrow not for their own need, but for a mere stranger, for which folly they deserve to be severely punished. Besides, this may be only a prediction, though it be delivered in the form of a precept, as many predictions are; and so shows what may be expected by him that is guilty of such folly, even that he shall be stripped of his garments and other necessaries. For a stranger; for a foreigner, or a person unknown to him. Take a pledge of him that is surety; which words are to be understood out of the foregoing clause. For a strange woman; for a harlot, who is so called, , and elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
Proverbs 20:16 Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Ver. 16. Take his garment.] And so provide for their own indemnity. And take a pledge of him for a strange woman,] i.e., For a whorish woman, utcunque tibi sit cognita, vel etiam cognata. He that will undertake for such a one’ s debts, or run in debt to gratify her, should be carefully looked to, and not trusted without a sufficient pawn. How can he be faithful to me that is unfaithful to God? said Constantinus Chlorus to his courtiers and counsellors. Euseb. in Vit. Constant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
(16) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger.—Another warning against suretiship. (See above on Proverbs 6:1.) If a man is rash enough to become surety for another, he must suffer for his imprudence, and learn wisdom by feeling the effects of his folly. And take a pledge of him for a strange woman.—Rather, take him as a pledge (seize upon his person who has become surety) for a strange woman, (according to the margin) or, for strangers (as the text reads).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
Verse 16. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger] I suppose the meaning to be, If a stranger or unknown person become surety in a case, greater caution should be used, and such security taken from this stranger as would prevent him from running away from his engagements.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:16
16. Take his garment] The Law of Moses recognised and regulated distraint on clothing as security for the repayment of a loan or debt (Exodus 22:26-27; Deuteronomy 24:10-13. Comp. Matthew 5:40). The proverb represents vividly the certainty that the surety will smart for his folly. Treat him at once, it says to the creditor, as though he were the actual debtor; for there is no escape for him. Hold him in pledge (R.V.), as the parallel clause of the verse puts it, for his assuredly, and not the stranger’s, is the liability he has so foolishly incurred. a strange woman] The Heb. text is strangers; though there is another reading, a strange woman, as in Proverbs 27:13, where the proverb recurs. The addition, that is surety, R.V., is not necessary to the sense. We may render, with Maurer, Hold him in pledge for (in place of) the strangers (for whom he has made himself liable).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:16
The warning against suretiship and lust are here repeated and combined (compare Proverbs 27:13).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:16
16. Take his garment that is surety — There is in this verse a various reading which produces some difficulty in interpretation.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 4. the Needy When He Crieth by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's laws and regulations, particularly in relation to treating others with kindness and compassion. He emphasizes |
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Debt and Being Surety by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. |
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Have You Heard? There Is Bread in Bethlehem by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a story from the Bible about a woman who had access to her possessions taken away by another man. The Kingsman Redeemer steps in and confronts |
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The Knowledge of God by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not just passively listening to sermons, but actively applying the teachings of God to our lives. The speaker encourages tr |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn |
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Run for Your Life by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a passionate call to the church to run for their lives from false teachings, prosperity-driven messages, and immoral practices. The speaker urges believers to dig th |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |