Exodus Chapter 22 · Verse 26
If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תַּחְבֹּ֖ל
If thou at all
H2254
תַּחְבֹּ֖ל
If thou at all
Strong's:
H2254
Word #:
2 of 10
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
תַּחְבֹּ֖ל
If thou at all
H2254
תַּחְבֹּ֖ל
If thou at all
Strong's:
H2254
Word #:
3 of 10
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
עַד
it unto him by
H5704
עַד
it unto him by
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
that the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
that the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
8 of 10
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
Cross References
Proverbs 20:16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Amos 2:8And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.Deuteronomy 24:6No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge.
Historical Context
These civil regulations distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, creating a society reflecting God's justice. The laws balance individual rights with community welfare, property rights with compassion for the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Analysis & Commentary
If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
This ordinance reveals God's comprehensive justice—regulating economic transactions, property rights, and social relationships. The mishpatim create framework for covenant community to flourish. Each law applies broader principles: love God supremely, love neighbor practically. Modern believers aren't bound by ceremonial laws but should pursue their spirit—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). God's character revealed in law guides Christian ethics.