Job 22:6
For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַחְבֹּ֣ל
For thou hast taken a pledge
H2254
תַחְבֹּ֣ל
For thou hast taken a pledge
Strong's:
H2254
Word #:
2 of 7
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
אַחֶ֣יךָ
from thy brother
H251
אַחֶ֣יךָ
from thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
3 of 7
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
Exodus 22:26If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:Ezekiel 18:16Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,Ezekiel 18:12Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,Job 24:3They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.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
Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Code of Hammurabi) regulated pledges and protected the poor. Eliphaz accuses Job of violating these basic moral standards without evidence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against assuming sin in others based on circumstances?
- What makes false spiritual accusation particularly harmful?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz invents sins: 'For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.' These specific accusations have no basis in the narrative. False witness under guise of spiritual concern becomes particularly insidious sin.