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.

DEUTERONOMY 24:13KJV
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Deuteronomy 24:13 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 24:13 mean?

Deuteronomy 24:13 commands that if someone has taken a poor person's garment as a pledge for a loan, the lender must return it by sunset so the borrower can sleep in their own clothing and bless the lender, which will be considered righteous before God. This law highlights compassion and fairness in dealing with those in need.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, giving them specific instructions about lending practices. The situation involves a poor person who has given their clothing as a guarantee for a debt. The verse stresses the importance of returning the garment each evening, showing respect for the dignity and basic needs of the poor, and reminding the community that true righteousness involves practical kindness.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 24:13

  • "Deliver" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means "to return" or "to restore." The use of this word emphasizes that the lender must actively give back the pledge, not just allow the borrower to retrieve it.
  • "Pledge" (עֲבוֹט, avot): This refers to something given as security for a debt, in this case, a piece of clothing. The law specifically addresses the vulnerability of those who have little to offer as collateral.
  • "Raiment" (שִׂמְלָה, simlah): This word means "garment" or "clothing." In ancient times, a person's outer garment was essential for warmth at night, so keeping it overnight would cause real hardship.
  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah): This word is often translated as "righteousness" or "justice," but it can also carry the sense of "charity" or "doing what is right." Here, returning the pledge is not just a legal duty but a moral act recognized by God.

Why Deuteronomy 24:13 matters

  • Deuteronomy 24:13 clarifies that God's law cares about the dignity and daily needs of the poor, not just legal transactions.
  • The verse shows that righteousness before God is measured by how people treat others, especially the vulnerable, in practical ways.
  • This instruction fits into a wider passage about justice and mercy in community life, reminding readers that faithfulness to God includes compassion in everyday dealings.

Where else these words appear

“pledge” Hebrew H5667 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 24:10 When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.
  • Deuteronomy 24:11 Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.
  • Deuteronomy 24:12 And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:

“raiment” Hebrew H8008 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 22:9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
  • Joshua 22:8 And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.
  • Nehemiah 9:21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.