Exodus 22:26 kjv

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

Exodus 22:26 nkjv

If you ever take your neighbor's garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down.

Exodus 22:26 niv

If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset,

Exodus 22:26 esv

If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down,

Exodus 22:26 nlt

If you take your neighbor's cloak as security for a loan, you must return it before sunset.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 26 Meaning

Exodus 22:26 mandates that if a person takes a neighbor's outer garment as a pledge for a loan, they must return it to the owner by sunset on the same day. This law establishes a crucial principle of compassion and justice, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable are not deprived of essential necessities for survival, even when they are debtors. It emphasizes human dignity and protection against oppression.

Exodus 22 26 Context

Exodus 22:26 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22–23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai. Following immediately after the Decalogue, these laws provide specific judicial and social regulations for the nascent Israelite society. This particular verse falls within a section dealing with laws concerning loans, pledges, usury, and the treatment of the vulnerable in society, including the poor, widows, and orphans. The overarching theme is the establishment of a righteous and compassionate community that reflects God's own character. Historically and culturally, a cloak (or outer garment) in the ancient Near East served not only as clothing during the day but also as a blanket at night, especially for the poor who often lacked other coverings. The temporary nature of this loan, as a pledge, demonstrates a crucial distinction from general ancient Near Eastern laws, which often permitted indefinite retention of such collateral. This law indirectly polemicizes against more ruthless practices common in surrounding cultures that might exploit the desperate situation of the poor, highlighting Yahweh's concern for justice and human welfare.

Exodus 22 26 Word analysis

• If: (Hebrew: ’im - אִם) – Introduces a conditional statement, implying a specific scenario that may occur rather than a general command, "do not take." It sets a practical legal precedent for what happens if one takes a pledge, emphasizing that the action itself might be permissible, but strict humane conditions apply.
• you take: (Hebrew: tiḳḳaḥ - תִקַּח) – From the root laqah (לָקַח), meaning "to take, seize, receive." In this context, it refers specifically to taking something as a pledge or collateral for a loan, a common practice in ancient economies.
• your neighbor’s: (Hebrew: rê‘êkā - רֵעֶךָ) – From rea‘ (רֵעַ), meaning "companion, friend, fellow, neighbor." It denotes not merely someone living next door but any fellow Israelite or even, broadly, another person with whom one interacts, emphasizing communal responsibility within God's covenant people.
• cloak: (Hebrew: śaləmātô - שַׂלְמָתוֹ) – From śalmah or simlah (שִׂמְלָה), referring to the outer garment, often a large rectangular piece of cloth. This was a crucial possession, serving as both clothing during the day and a blanket for sleeping at night, especially for the poor. It represents a vital necessity for survival and dignity.
• as a pledge: (Hebrew: ḥāḇōl - חֲבֹל) – From the verb ḥābal (חָבַל), "to take a pledge." A ḥāḇōl is something taken as collateral or security for a loan. Unlike simple items, the cloak here is considered unique due to its essential nature. The act of taking a pledge was legitimate in principle, but regulated for justice.
• you must return it: (Hebrew: tašîḇennu - תְּשִׁיבֶנּוּ) – From the verb shuv (שׁוּב), "to return, turn back, restore." The imperative form here underscores the unconditional obligation to give it back. It's not a suggestion but a divine command, reflecting God's demand for immediate restitution of essential items.
• to him: (Hebrew: lô - לֹו) – Simply "to him," indicating the original owner.
• before sunset: (Hebrew: kĕḇō’ haš-šemeš - כְּבֹא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ) – Literally "at the coming in of the sun." This specifies a strict deadline, marking the transition from day to night. It signifies the urgency and humanitarian concern, ensuring the poor person would have their cloak back for the cool night, without enduring a single cold night due to its absence.
• Word-Group Analysis:
  • "If you take...as a pledge": This phrase highlights the context of a legitimate transaction (lending with collateral) that nonetheless needs divine oversight due to the potential for exploitation, especially of the vulnerable.
  • "neighbor’s cloak": Identifies the item and its owner, emphasizing the personal, intimate nature of the debt and the critical importance of the garment. It's not just any pledge but a life-sustaining item from a fellow covenant member.
  • "you must return it to him before sunset": This is the core command, providing both the required action and the specific temporal boundary. The emphasis is on immediate and timely restitution for the sake of the debtor's well-being and life itself, embodying God's compassionate justice.

Exodus 22 26 Bonus section

This particular law concerning the pledged cloak is considered one of the "laws of compassion" within the Torah, highlighting God's distinctive ethical demands on His covenant people. Its uniqueness lies in its specific prohibition against retaining an essential item even when it serves as legitimate collateral. Most other ancient Near Eastern law codes, like those of Hammurabi, dealt extensively with debt but rarely, if ever, showed such an explicit humanitarian concern for the immediate well-being of the debtor. This points to a foundational difference in worldview: for Israel, God's character as a deliverer and protector of the oppressed directly influenced their social ethics, making care for the vulnerable a hallmark of their faith. The spiritual significance transcends the financial transaction, as the returning of the cloak allows the poor person to sleep in comfort and "bless you" (Deut 24:13), suggesting a spiritual reciprocal blessing from the debtor to the compassionate lender, and ultimately, from God.

Exodus 22 26 Commentary

Exodus 22:26 stands as a profound illustration of God's heart for justice and compassion embedded within Israel's legal framework. While taking a pledge for a loan was a common and accepted economic practice, this particular statute introduces a crucial humanitarian limitation, elevating the dignity and well-being of the poor above strict financial entitlement. The "cloak" was more than just a piece of clothing; for many, it was their only shelter from the night's cold. To withhold it overnight was effectively to deprive them of warmth, sleep, and potentially, health, demonstrating a complete disregard for their basic human needs.

This law reveals several key theological truths: God prioritizes life and compassion over property rights when those rights directly imperil a human life. It demands a responsible and merciful approach to lending, reminding the lender that their wealth should not lead to the oppression or suffering of others. The specified time limit, "before sunset," is precise and demonstrates the urgent nature of this compassion. It ensures that the borrower is not forced to endure even one night of hardship. This statute is not merely a legalistic rule but an expression of what it means to love one's neighbor as oneself (Lev 19:18) and to reflect the merciful character of Yahweh, who cares for the vulnerable (Deut 10:18). It laid the groundwork for a society where justice was tempered with mercy, establishing a unique standard in the ancient Near East that directly opposed exploitative financial practices. This principle echoes throughout Scripture, demanding tangible actions of love and generosity towards those in need (e.g., Jas 2:15-16, 1 Jn 3:17-18).

Examples:

• A Christian lender today ensuring repayment terms do not compromise a borrower's basic necessities for life.
• Churches or aid organizations prioritizing immediate practical relief (like warm blankets for the homeless) alongside long-term support.
• Individuals showing leniency and understanding to friends or family who are indebted and facing hardship, prioritizing their well-being over strict debt collection.