Deuteronomy 24:13
In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.
Original Language Analysis
תָּשִׁ֨יב
In any case
H7725
תָּשִׁ֨יב
In any case
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
תָּשִׁ֨יב
In any case
H7725
תָּשִׁ֨יב
In any case
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּב֣וֹא
goeth down
H935
כְּב֣וֹא
goeth down
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
when the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
when the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
7 of 16
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
וְשָׁכַ֥ב
that he may sleep
H7901
וְשָׁכַ֥ב
that he may sleep
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
8 of 16
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
וּבֵֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ
and bless
H1288
וּבֵֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ
and bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
10 of 16
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
צְדָקָ֔ה
thee and it shall be righteousness
H6666
צְדָקָ֔ה
thee and it shall be righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
13 of 16
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
לִפְנֵ֖י
unto thee before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
unto thee before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:25And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.Deuteronomy 24:15At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.
Historical Context
This daily return and recollection of the pledge became regular reminder of the debt while ensuring the poor person's nightly comfort. The ritual reinforced accountability while protecting the debtor.
That God counts this as righteousness demonstrates His value system - merciful economic practices matter as much as ceremonial and moral obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What does mandatory return of the pledge teach about human needs over economic rights?
- How does mercy toward the poor generate blessing for the merciful?
- Why does God count compassionate creditor practices as righteousness?
- What does this teach about God's evaluation of how we treat the vulnerable?
- How should awareness that God observes economic relationships shape our business practices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God. The emphatic in any case makes returning the cloak mandatory, not optional. Regardless of the debt, the creditor must not let the poor debtor spend the night without his garment.
The purpose that he may sleep in his own raiment shows God's concern for the poor's basic comfort. Economic rights do not override human needs - the creditor's claim on the pledge is subordinate to the debtor's need for warmth.
The promise and bless thee indicates the grateful debtor will call down God's favor on the compassionate creditor. Mercy toward the poor generates blessing, creating positive relationship despite the debt.
The declaration it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD counts compassionate creditor practice as righteousness. God evaluates how we treat the poor, and mercy in economic relationships constitutes righteous behavior.