Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

DEUTERONOMY 24:17KJV
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Deuteronomy 24:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 24:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 24:17 commands the Israelites not to twist or corrupt justice for foreigners or orphans, and not to take a widow’s clothing as security for a loan. The verse protects vulnerable people from unfair treatment and harsh demands, especially in legal and financial matters.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to live in the promised land, giving them laws to shape a just society. This verse specifically addresses how Israelites should treat those who have little power or support: foreigners (non-Israelites living among them), orphans, and widows. The law insists that even the most vulnerable must be treated with fairness and dignity.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 24:17

  • "Pervert" (נָטָה, natah) means to bend or twist, here referring to distorting justice. The word suggests an active turning aside from what is right, not just a passive neglect.
  • "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) means a legal decision or justice. This word emphasizes that the command is about fair treatment in courts or disputes.
  • "Stranger" (גֵּר, ger) refers to a foreigner or resident alien, someone not native to Israel but living among them. The law’s protection extends beyond ethnic Israelites.
  • "Pledge" (חָבַל, chaval) means to take something as security for a debt. The verse singles out a widow’s clothing, showing special concern for not taking away what little a vulnerable person may have.

Why Deuteronomy 24:17 matters

  • Deuteronomy 24:17 makes clear that justice is not just for the powerful or well-connected, but must include those most at risk of being overlooked or mistreated.
  • The verse highlights that God’s law cares about practical daily life, including how debts and loans are handled with the poor.
  • This law fits into a larger section where Moses gives instructions to ensure Israel’s society is marked by compassion, fairness, and protection for those who might otherwise be exploited.

Where else these words appear

“take” Hebrew H2254 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 22:26 If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
  • Psalms 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
  • Isaiah 13:5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

“fatherless” Hebrew H3490 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
  • Job 22:9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
  • Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

“widow's” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

“stranger” Hebrew H1616 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.