For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.

EXODUS 22:27KJV
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Exodus 22:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:27 mean?

Exodus 22:27 says that if someone takes a poor person’s cloak as a pledge, it must be returned by sunset because it is the only covering the person has to sleep in, and God will listen with compassion if the poor person cries out. The verse highlights God’s concern for the vulnerable and His readiness to respond graciously when they are wronged.

In this verse, God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, giving laws about fair treatment and compassion, especially toward the poor. The setting is a list of rules about lending and pledges, where a person’s outer garment might be used as collateral. The verse emphasizes that such a garment is essential for warmth and dignity, and God Himself promises to hear the cry (a plea for help) of anyone mistreated in this way.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:27

  • "Covering" (כְּסוּת, kesut) refers to something that covers or protects, often a cloak or outer garment. In ancient times, this was often a person’s only protection from the cold at night, making the law about returning it especially compassionate.
  • "Raiment" (שַׂלְמָה, salmah) means clothing or garment. The use of this word underlines that the item taken as a pledge is not a luxury, but basic clothing needed for survival.
  • "Crieth" (צָעַק, tsa‘aq) means to cry out or call for help, usually in distress. The verse assures that God is attentive to such cries, especially from those who are powerless.
  • "Gracious" (חָנּוּן, channun) means showing favor or compassion. God’s character here is described as merciful and attentive, especially to those who suffer injustice.

Why Exodus 22:27 matters

  • Exodus 22:27 clears up any idea that pledges or debts are more important than a person’s basic needs; it shows that compassion must come before strict business practices.
  • The verse reveals God’s personal concern for the poor and His willingness to intervene directly if they are mistreated, setting a tone for justice and mercy in the community.
  • This law connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s laws are not just about rituals, but about protecting dignity and ensuring fairness, especially for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Where else these words appear

“covering” Hebrew H3682 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Deuteronomy 22:12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
  • Job 26:6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.

“gracious” Hebrew H2587 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
  • Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
  • Psalms 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

“raiment” Hebrew H8071 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
  • Exodus 19:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,
  • Judges 8:25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.

“crieth” Hebrew H6817 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Joshua 24:7 And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season.
  • 2 Kings 8:5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.