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Proverbs 27:13

Proverbs 27:13 in Multiple Translations

Take the garment of him 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 a foreign woman.

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 an immoral woman!

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and a pledge of him for the stranger.

Take his garment, when a stranger hath been surety, And for a strange woman pledge it.

Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it 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 his garment that hath been surety for a stranger: and take from him a pledge for strangers.

You deserve to have your property taken from you if you foolishly promise to a stranger (OR, a strange woman) that you will pay what she owes if she is unable to pay it [DOU].

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:13

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 27:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB קַח בִּ֭גְד/וֹ כִּי עָ֣רַב זָ֑ר וּ/בְעַ֖ד נָכְרִיָּ֣ה חַבְלֵֽ/הוּ
קַח 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
נָכְרִיָּ֣ה nokrîy H5237 foreign Adj
חַבְלֵֽ/הוּ châbal H2254 to pledge V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:13

קַח 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.
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 27:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 20:16 Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
2 Proverbs 6:1–4 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger, if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor. Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids.
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 Exodus 22:26 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset,

Proverbs 27:13 Summary

Proverbs 27:13 is teaching us to be careful when lending money or guaranteeing loans for people we don't know well. It's like the Bible is saying, 'Be wise and take precautions to avoid financial trouble' (as also seen in Proverbs 22:26-27). This is important because it can help us avoid problems and difficulties, and instead live a life of financial stability and peace, as promised in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 6:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger' in Proverbs 27:13?

This phrase is a metaphor for taking collateral or security from someone who has guaranteed a loan for someone they don't know well, as advised in Proverbs 27:13, to avoid financial loss, similar to the warning in Proverbs 22:26-27.

Why is it important to be cautious when dealing with strangers or foreigners in financial matters?

The Bible warns against being too trusting with those we don't know well, as seen in Proverbs 27:13, because it can lead to financial trouble, as also cautioned in Proverbs 6:1-5 and 2 Kings 4:1-7.

How does this verse relate to the concept of wisdom and prudence?

Proverbs 27:13 emphasizes the importance of being wise and prudent in our financial dealings, as also taught in Proverbs 10:9 and 22:3, by being cautious and taking necessary precautions to avoid harm.

What is the significance of the distinction between a 'stranger' and a 'foreigner' in this verse?

The distinction may highlight the increased risk of dealing with someone who is not only unknown but also from a different cultural or geographical context, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:3 and Nehemiah 5:7-8, emphasizing the need for extra caution.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some situations in my life where I may be tempted to trust someone I don't know well with my finances or resources?
  2. How can I apply the principle of prudence and caution in my financial dealings, as taught in Proverbs 27:13?
  3. What are some potential consequences of not being wise and prudent in my financial decisions, as warned in Proverbs 27:13 and other scriptures?
  4. How can I balance being wise and cautious with being generous and trusting, as taught in scriptures like Proverbs 19:17 and Acts 2:45?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:13

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. [See comments on Proverbs 20:16], where the same proverb is, and is expressed in the same words as here.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:13

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. Note, Proverbs 20:16.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:13

Possibly this is here repeated as a part of the father’ s counsel to his son, begun , to avoid rash suretiship, to which young men are most prone, and by which they are exposed in the beginning of their days to many sins and miseries, which they carry with them to their graves.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:13

Proverbs 27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Ver. 13. Take his garment that is surety.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:13

(13) Take a pledge of him for a strange woman.—See above on Proverbs 20:16; and for “strange woman” comp. note on Proverbs 2:16.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:13

Verse 13. Take his garment] The same as Proverbs 20:16.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:13

13. See Proverbs 20:16 and notes.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:13

13. The same as Proverbs 20:16, which see. Compare Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 11:15.

Sermons on Proverbs 27:13

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Proverbs 6-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher gives two exhortations to his son. The first exhortation is against guaranteeing for somebody else, emphasizing the danger of striking hands with a str
George Mueller 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.
Roy Hession (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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