Deuteronomy 24 11

Deuteronomy 24:11 kjv

Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.

Deuteronomy 24:11 nkjv

You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge out to you.

Deuteronomy 24:11 niv

Stay outside and let the neighbor to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you.

Deuteronomy 24:11 esv

You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you.

Deuteronomy 24:11 nlt

You must wait outside while he goes in and brings it out to you.

Deuteronomy 24 verses

Deuteronomy 24 11 Meaning

Deuteronomy 24:11 commands that when a creditor takes a pledge for a loan, they must not enter the debtor's house. Instead, the creditor is to remain outside, and the debtor must willingly bring the pledge out to them. This law upholds the debtor's dignity and privacy, prevents intimidation or forced entry by the creditor, and ensures the pledge is given voluntarily by the debtor, reflecting God's compassionate nature in justice.

Deuteronomy 24 11 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 24 sets forth a series of diverse social and civil laws designed to foster justice, compassion, and purity within the Israelite community, reflecting God's covenantal demands. These laws follow a pattern of specific applications of broader moral principles. Verses 10-13 specifically address lending and pledges, ensuring the poor are treated with dignity and protected from exploitation. Deuteronomy 24:11 is an integral part of this instruction, directly preceded by verse 10 (which generally prohibits entering a neighbor's house to seize a pledge) and followed by verses 12-13 (which require returning an essential pledge, like a cloak, by sunset). The historical context is Israel on the cusp of entering the promised land, establishing societal norms under Mosaic law. These commands differentiate Israel's legal system from other ancient Near Eastern codes, particularly in their emphasis on compassion and human dignity, directly opposing practices that could lead to oppression or invasion of privacy prevalent elsewhere.

Deuteronomy 24 11 Word analysis

• you shall stand outside (לַחוּץ תַּעֲמֹד - laḥūṣ taʿamōd):

  • Outside: Emphasizes physical separation and respect for boundaries. The creditor is explicitly denied entry to the debtor's private home.
  • You shall stand: A direct, imperative command, underscoring the absolute nature of the requirement for the creditor's conduct.
  • Significance: This command radically prioritizes the dignity and privacy of even the debtor, preventing the creditor from intimidating or arbitrarily seizing items. It legally limits the creditor's power.

• and the man to whom you lend (וְהָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּשֶּׁה בוֹ - wəhāʾîš ʾăšer tašše בוֹ):

  • Man: Refers to the borrower, highlighting the individual's inherent value and rights as a person within the community, rather than an abstract "debtor."
  • To whom you lend: Defines the relationship, clarifying that this applies to one who is indebted through a loan.
  • Significance: Acknowledges the debtor's agency and autonomy even in a vulnerable financial position. They remain a human being whose rights must be honored.

• shall bring the pledge out to you (יוֹצִא אֵלֶיךָ אֶת־הַעֲבֹט - yôṣîʾ ʾêleyḵā ʾeṯ-haʿăvōṭ):

  • Shall bring out: Indicates an action initiated voluntarily by the debtor. The power dynamic shifts from the creditor taking to the debtor offering.
  • Pledge (הַעֲבֹט - haʿăvōṭ): Refers to the item taken as collateral or security for the loan.
  • To you: Clearly designates the recipient as the creditor.
  • Significance: The debtor willingly surrenders the pledge, chosen by them (within lawful limits, considering other Deuteronomic stipulations against taking essential items). This prevents confrontational seizure, forced entry, or potential damage to reputation, upholding the sanctity of the private home.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "you shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend...": This structuring clearly defines the roles and the essential spatial boundaries of the transaction. It is an active prohibition on the creditor's part, contrasted with the active duty of the debtor. This distinction is vital for protecting against abuses of power in a vulnerable situation.
  • "...shall bring the pledge out to you.": This clause emphasizes the voluntary nature of surrendering the pledge from the debtor's perspective, fostering a more respectful and less oppressive interaction. It presumes the debtor's cooperation and implies trust that the debtor will fulfill their obligation, all while their personal dignity and privacy are meticulously preserved by divine law.

Deuteronomy 24 11 Bonus section

• The regulation in Deut 24:11 underscores the concept of mispat (justice) and tzedakah (righteousness) in the Israelite community, specifically applied to economic interactions. Justice was not merely about strict legal adherence but inherently included compassion and protection for the marginalized.
• This law, along with others concerning gleaning (Lev 19:9-10) or the release of debts (Deut 15), collectively portrays a holistic biblical ethic designed to mitigate poverty and oppression, reflecting God's providential care for all members of His people, especially the vulnerable.
• The home in ancient Israel was regarded as a private and often sacred space. Entering someone's dwelling without invitation, particularly to seize possessions, was a profound invasion. This law was crucial in protecting that sanctity and privacy.
• The principles embedded in this verse—respect for a person's dignity, protection from oppression, and ethical conduct in financial dealings—foreshadow later New Testament teachings on loving one's neighbor (Mk 12:31), ethical business practices (Lk 6:34-35), and practical generosity towards the poor, illustrating a continuous thread in God's character and His desire for His people to reflect His compassion.

Deuteronomy 24 11 Commentary

Deuteronomy 24:11 provides a pivotal instruction within the Mosaic law regarding the practice of taking pledges for loans. Its essence is to protect the dignity and privacy of the debtor. Unlike common practices in ancient Near Eastern societies where creditors often had significant power to enforce debts, sometimes involving aggressive collection methods or even involuntary servitude, this divine command limits the creditor's reach. By requiring the creditor to remain "outside" and the debtor to "bring the pledge out," the law prevents several abuses: invasion of a private home (considered a sanctuary), intimidation or harassment of the debtor, and arbitrary seizure of goods. It effectively places the initiative for presenting the pledge on the debtor, allowing them agency in choosing what to present (provided it wasn't essential like a millstone, per 24:6, or required back overnight like a cloak, per 24:12-13). This rule is a tangible expression of God's character as one who cares for the vulnerable and ensures justice is tempered with mercy, upholding the covenant community's ethical standards. This law promotes neighborly love and respect even in difficult economic transactions, safeguarding human dignity above mere economic gain.