Deuteronomy 24:12
And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אִ֥ישׁ
And if the man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
And if the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
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)
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The outer cloak was essential for warmth, especially for the poor who lacked other bedding. Retaining it overnight would leave the debtor exposed to cold, potentially life-threatening in winter.
Exodus 22:26-27 similarly commands returning cloaks before sunset, demonstrating God's consistent concern for the poor's basic needs despite creditor rights.
Questions for Reflection
- What does prohibition against sleeping with the pledge teach about callousness to suffering?
- How should economic transactions account for power imbalances?
- Why do the poor require special protective measures to ensure justice?
- What does preferential concern for the poor reveal about God's character?
- How might contemporary lending practices show similar concern for borrowers' basic needs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge. Special protection applies to poor debtors - creditors cannot retain overnight something the poor person needs. This likely refers to the cloak mentioned in verse 13, which served as both daytime garment and nighttime blanket.
The prohibition thou shalt not sleep with his pledge creates vivid imagery - the creditor comfortably sleeping while holding the pledge, while the poor debtor shivers without his cloak. God forbids such callous disregard for the poor's suffering.
This demonstrates that economic transactions must account for power imbalances. Special protections apply when dealing with the poor, who lack resources to protect themselves from exploitation. Justice requires considering the vulnerable party's position.
Reformed theology affirms preferential concern for the poor - not that God loves them more, but that their vulnerability requires additional protective measures to ensure justice.