Deuteronomy 24:11
Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
הַחֽוּצָה׃
abroad
H2351
הַחֽוּצָה׃
abroad
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
תַּֽעֲמֹ֑ד
Thou shalt stand
H5975
תַּֽעֲמֹ֑ד
Thou shalt stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
2 of 12
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וְהָאִ֗ישׁ
and the man
H376
וְהָאִ֗ישׁ
and the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֹשֶׁ֣ה
to whom thou dost lend
H5383
נֹשֶׁ֣ה
to whom thou dost lend
Strong's:
H5383
Word #:
6 of 12
to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest
יוֹצִ֥יא
shall bring out
H3318
יוֹצִ֥יא
shall bring out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
In patriarchal households, the home was private domain where the man exercised authority. Forcing entry violated this domestic sovereignty and humiliated the household head.
Public transactions created witnesses who could testify about terms and items involved, preventing later disputes or fraudulent claims.
Questions for Reflection
- What does allowing the debtor to choose the pledge teach about preserving autonomy?
- How do these procedural protections prevent abuse while permitting legitimate collateral?
- Why is public witnessing of transactions important for preventing disputes?
- What does God's concern for procedural details teach about comprehensive justice?
- How might contemporary lending practices honor or violate these dignity-preserving principles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee. The creditor must stand abroad (outside) while the debtor selects and brings the pledge. This preserves the debtor's autonomy and prevents the creditor from demanding specific items or ransacking the house.
Allowing the man...shall bring out the pledge gives the debtor control over what is pledged. He can choose items least essential to daily life rather than having creditors seize what they prefer. This protects the debtor's ability to function while providing security for the loan.
The public nature abroad unto thee creates witnesses to the transaction. Conducting pledge-taking publicly prevents secret extortion or disputed claims about what was taken.
This procedural detail demonstrates God's comprehensive concern for justice - even small matters like where parties stand during transactions matter for preserving dignity and preventing abuse.