Proverbs 27:13
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָ֣רַב
that is surety
H6148
עָ֣רַב
that is surety
Strong's:
H6148
Word #:
4 of 8
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
זָ֑ר
for a stranger
H2114
זָ֑ר
for a stranger
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
5 of 8
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
וּבְעַ֖ד
H1157
וּבְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
6 of 8
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
Historical Context
Ancient credit systems relied on personal guarantees and collateral. Taking someone's garment as pledge was regulated by Mosaic law (Exodus 22:26-27). Debt slavery was real, making reckless financial commitments potentially disastrous for entire families.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you evaluate requests to co-sign loans or become financially responsible for others?
- What does Christ's willingness to be 'surety' for unworthy sinners teach about the costliness of redemption?
- Are there areas where you've made commitments without adequate discernment of the risks involved?
Analysis & Commentary
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger—This legal advice warns against careless financial guarantees. Hebrew ʿārab (עָרַב, surety) means pledging oneself for another's debt. Take a pledge (ḥābal, חָבַל) means seize collateral. For a strange woman (nokrîyâ, נָכְרִיָּה) may refer to a foreigner or adulteress—both suggesting foolish judgment.
This verse (repeated in 20:16) protects lenders from those with poor judgment. Someone willing to guarantee debts for unknown strangers or immoral relationships lacks discernment. The New Testament echoes this caution about hasty suretyship (Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15), while Christ's substitutionary atonement inverts it—He became surety for His people (Hebrews 7:22).