If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:

EXODUS 22:26KJV
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Exodus 22:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:26 mean?

Exodus 22:26 says that if someone takes their neighbor’s clothing as a pledge for a debt, they must return it before sunset. This rule is about making sure that even when debts are involved, people are treated with dignity and their basic needs are respected.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about fair treatment in lending situations. The “raiment” (clothing) was often a person’s outer garment, which also served as their blanket at night. By requiring its return before sundown, the law protects the poor from unnecessary hardship and shows concern for their well-being.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:26

  • רֵעֶה (rēa‘, “neighbour”): This word means a fellow member of the community, not just any person. The law is about relationships within the Israelite society, emphasizing mutual care.
  • שִׂמְלָה (simlāh, “raiment”): This refers to a cloak or outer garment, which was essential for warmth at night. Taking it as a pledge but returning it by sunset shows sensitivity to the borrower’s needs.
  • עֵרָבוֹן (pledge): The idea of a pledge here is a temporary guarantee for a loan, not a permanent transfer of property. The law limits the lender’s rights to ensure compassion.

Why Exodus 22:26 matters

  • Exodus 22:26 clarifies that justice in Israel was not just about strict repayment, but also about mercy and practical care for the vulnerable.
  • This law highlights God’s concern for the dignity of every person, especially the poor, by making sure no one is left without basic necessities.
  • The verse fits into a larger section of Exodus where God gives specific examples of how to live out justice and kindness in everyday community life.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“all” Hebrew H2254 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 24:6 No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge.
  • 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.

“by” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

“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.