Deuteronomy 24:6
No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חֹבֵֽל׃
No man shall take
H2254
חֹבֵֽל׃
No man shall take
Strong's:
H2254
Word #:
2 of 8
to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur
וָרָ֑כֶב
or the upper millstone
H7393
וָרָ֑כֶב
or the upper millstone
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
4 of 8
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
a man's life
H5315
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
a man's life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Genesis 44:30Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life;Deuteronomy 20:19When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field is man's life) to employ them in the siege:Luke 12:15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Historical Context
Millstones were found in every household, used daily to grind grain for bread. Taking them as pledge would make food preparation impossible, forcing the family into desperate circumstances.
This law prevented exploitation where creditors could leverage debts to create complete dependency, reducing debtors to servile status.
Questions for Reflection
- What does prohibition against taking essential items teach about economic justice?
- How should creditor rights be balanced with debtor dignity and welfare?
- Why must economic relationships respect basic human needs and flourishing?
- What modern equivalents exist to taking items essential for survival as collateral?
- How should Christian economic ethics prioritize human welfare over profit maximization?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge. Millstones were essential for grinding grain into flour - necessary daily for food preparation. Taking them as collateral would prevent the debtor from making bread, threatening survival.
The equation he taketh a man's life to pledge reveals that some collateral violates human dignity by threatening basic subsistence. Creditors cannot demand security that endangers the debtor's fundamental needs. Economic relationships must respect human welfare.
This law balances creditor rights with debtor protection. While lending and collateral are permitted, some items are off-limits because they are essential for life. Economic justice requires preserving people's ability to survive and work.
Reformed theology sees here the principle that economic systems must serve human flourishing, not merely maximize profit. Compassion and justice must temper economic relationships.