Deuteronomy 24:10
When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַשֶּׁ֥ה
When thou dost lend
H5383
תַשֶּׁ֥ה
When thou dost lend
Strong's:
H5383
Word #:
2 of 11
to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest
מְא֑וּמָה
any
H3972
מְא֑וּמָה
any
Strong's:
H3972
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָבֹ֥א
thou shalt not go
H935
תָבֹ֥א
thou shalt not go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּית֖וֹ
into his house
H1004
בֵּית֖וֹ
into his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Exodus 22:27For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.Deuteronomy 15:8But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
Historical Context
Ancient creditors often seized collateral forcibly, humiliating debtors and asserting dominance. This law prevented such displays of power, requiring respect even in asymmetrical economic relationships.
The principle protected the poor from degradation while still permitting legitimate debt collection and collateral security.
Questions for Reflection
- What does prohibition against entering the debtor's house teach about dignity in economic relationships?
- How do procedural protections demonstrate that how we collect debts matters?
- Why must economic relationships respect personal boundaries and privacy?
- What does this teach about balancing creditor rights with debtor dignity?
- How might contemporary debt collection practices violate or uphold these principles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge. This law protects debtor dignity by preventing creditors from entering homes to seize collateral. The creditor must wait outside while the debtor brings the pledge, preserving privacy and preventing humiliation.
The prohibition thou shalt not go into his house establishes boundaries that economic relationships must not cross. Even legitimate debt collection must respect personal space and dignity. Creditors' rights do not extend to violating debtors' homes.
This demonstrates that economic justice includes procedural protections, not just substantive fairness. How debts are collected matters as much as whether they are collected. Preserving human dignity in economic transactions reflects God's concern for the whole person.
Reformed theology affirms that all relationships, including economic ones, must honor human dignity as image-bearers. No economic advantage justifies treating people degradingly.