Deuteronomy 24 13

Deuteronomy 24:13 kjv

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 24:13 nkjv

You shall in any case return the pledge to him again when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his own garment and bless you; and it shall be righteousness to you before the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 24:13 niv

Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it. Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 24:13 esv

You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 24:13 nlt

Return the cloak to its owner by sunset so he can stay warm through the night and bless you, and the LORD your God will count you as righteous.

Deuteronomy 24 verses

Deuteronomy 24 13 Meaning

Deuteronomy 24:13 commands the timely return of a pledge, specifically a cloak taken from a poor person, by sunset of the same day. This ensures the debtor has an essential covering for the night. The act of returning it is declared as a practical expression of righteousness in the eyes of the LORD and will lead to the debtor blessing the creditor.

Deuteronomy 24 13 Context

Deuteronomy Chapter 24 sets forth a series of laws primarily focused on upholding justice, fairness, and compassion within the Israelite community, especially towards the vulnerable. It covers regulations on divorce, protecting the lives of former slaves, and various laws concerning debts and pledges. Verses 6-13 specifically address the ethical collection of debts, prohibiting creditors from exploiting debtors, particularly the poor and needy. The particular injunction in verse 13 emphasizes human dignity over mere economic transaction, preventing a creditor from causing hardship to a debtor by depriving them of essential clothing for survival during the night. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern societies, such leniency regarding collateral was not universal, making this law distinct as a reflection of Yahweh's compassionate character for His people.

Deuteronomy 24 13 Word analysis

• You shall restore it to him (וַהֲשֵׁבֹתוֹ לוֹ – va-hǎ-šê-ḇō-ṯōw lōw)

  • restore (וַהֲשֵׁבֹתוֹ - va-hǎ-šê-ḇō-ṯōw): From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to turn back, return, restore." This word emphasizes a moral obligation and active duty on the part of the creditor to give back the item. It’s not an option but a command. This verb highlights the importance of re-establishing the proper state or order, which in this context means providing warmth and dignity.
  • to him (לוֹ - lōw): Specifies the person who rightfully owns and needs the item, indicating the personal responsibility of the creditor towards the debtor.

• when the sun goes down (כְּבֹא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ – kə-ḇō haš-šemes)

  • when...goes down (כְּבֹא - kə-ḇō): Literally "at the coming (of)." This denotes a precise and unmissable deadline, emphasizing immediacy and strict adherence. It highlights the critical need for the cloak as night approaches, especially in desert climates where temperatures drop significantly. The specified timing underscores the life-preserving nature of the command.
  • the sun (הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ - haš-šemeš): The clear marker for the day's end, universally understood, leaves no room for ambiguity or delay.

• that he may sleep (וְשָׁכַב – wə-šā-ḵaḇ)

  • sleep (וְשָׁכַב - wə-šā-ḵaḇ): From the root שָׁכַב (shakav), "to lie down, sleep." This emphasizes the practical necessity for the poor person's rest and physical well-being. It is about their ability to sustain life through the night, directly linking the law to fundamental human needs.

• in his cloak (בְּשַׂלְמָתוֹ – bə-śal-mā-ṯōw)

  • cloak (בְּשַׂלְמָתוֹ - bə-śal-mā-ṯōw): The word שִׂמְלָה (simlah) refers to an outer garment, often a large rectangular piece of cloth used both for covering during the day and as a blanket at night. It was an essential, multi-purpose item for the poor, often their only significant piece of bedding and warmth. Its significance highlights the law's protection against severe deprivation.

• and bless you (וּבֵרַכְךָ – ū-ḇê-raḵ-ḵā)

  • bless you (וּבֵרַכְךָ - ū-ḇê-raḵ-ḵā): From the root בָּרַךְ (barakh), "to bless." This is not a commanded action by the debtor, but a spontaneous outflow of gratitude. The law provides for human dignity, which in turn leads to the debtor’s heartfelt appreciation, becoming a source of honor for the creditor. It indicates the moral reward and social recognition of an ethical act.

• and it will be righteousness (וּלְךָ תִּהְיֶה צְדָקָה – ū-lə-ḵā tih-yeh ṣə-ḏā-qāh)

  • righteousness (צְדָקָה - ṣə-ḏā-qāh): A core biblical concept, often translated as "righteousness" or "justice." It refers to right conduct in line with God's moral standards. Here, it is an action of concrete compassion, emphasizing that genuine faith involves just and merciful deeds towards others, especially the vulnerable. This deed is counted as an act that is right in God's eyes. It highlights that tzedaqah is not merely avoiding evil, but actively doing good and promoting justice.

• for you before the LORD your God. (לְךָ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ – lə-ḵā li-p̄nê YHWH ’ĕ-lō-he-ḵā)

  • before the LORD your God (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - li-p̄nê YHWH ’ĕ-lō-he-ḵā): "Before the face of the LORD." This phrase underscores that the act of returning the cloak is not merely a social obligation but one performed in the direct presence and full awareness of God. It brings spiritual merit and favor, making it an act of worship and obedience. This phrase connects human ethical conduct directly to a relationship with the divine. It implies divine approval and record-keeping of such deeds.

Deuteronomy 24 13 Bonus section

The specific mentioning of the "cloak" (simlah) highlights its critical nature in ancient Israelite daily life. Unlike land or other assets that could be pledged without immediate, life-threatening consequence, the cloak functioned simultaneously as clothing, a bedroll, and often the sole protection from cold desert nights. Withholding it could directly threaten life or health, which made such an action severely oppressive in God’s eyes. This particular law served as a specific, clear boundary against a common form of economic oppression of the vulnerable. It echoes God's compassion demonstrated in the Exodus, where He liberates the enslaved and establishes laws to protect the oppressed in their new society. This precept also serves as a subtle polemic against the more impersonal and potentially exploitative commercial laws found in some contemporary Near Eastern cultures.

Deuteronomy 24 13 Commentary

Deuteronomy 24:13 stands as a profound illustration of Mosaic law's emphasis on compassion and human dignity, prioritizing the life and well-being of the poor over the immediate economic interests of the creditor. This commandment goes beyond simple contractual obligation, asserting that certain fundamental human needs cannot be compromised, even in matters of debt. The cloak, often a poor person's only means of warmth and shelter, highlights the extreme vulnerability addressed. By mandating its return by sunset, the law protects the individual from potential hypothermia or suffering during the night, demonstrating a practical application of the broader principle to "love your neighbor as yourself."

The consequence described – that the debtor "blesses you" and the act is counted as "righteousness before the LORD your God" – reveals a profound spiritual dimension to social justice. It implies that true tzedaqah (righteousness/justice) is not merely adherence to rituals, but an active pursuit of human welfare, reflecting God's own character of compassion. Such an act is not just seen by fellow humans but is registered and valued by God Himself. This command differs from common ancient Near Eastern practices, where harsher terms for debt and collateral were often permitted, underscoring Israel's unique covenant relationship with a God who champions the vulnerable. It's a reminder that caring for "the least of these" is inextricably linked to one's standing and relationship with the Almighty, anticipating later teachings that highlight mercy and justice as foundational elements of faith.

Examples for practical usage:

• Businesses ensuring fair working conditions and wages for their employees, even if it cuts into profit margins.
• Lenders ensuring repayment terms are not predatory and consider the debtor's overall well-being.
• Individuals showing practical generosity and consideration to those in need, even when legally not obligated.