Deuteronomy 24:10

KJV

When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou dost lend {H5383} thy brother {H7453} any {H3972} thing {H4859}, thou shalt not go {H935} into his house {H1004} to fetch {H5670} his pledge {H5667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you make any kind of loan to your neighbor, you are not to enter his house to take his collateral.

Berean Standard Bible

When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security.

American Standard Version

When thou dost lend thy neighbor any manner of loan, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 24:10 presents a specific legal instruction within the Deuteronomic Code, prohibiting a lender from entering a borrower's house to collect a pledge. This command underscores the divine imperative for compassion and justice in financial dealings, particularly concerning the vulnerable. It safeguards the borrower's dignity, privacy, and the sanctity of their home, ensuring that even in matters of debt, the manner of collection reflects God's character and the communal ethos of mutual respect among Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 24:10 is situated within a broader section of the Deuteronomic Code (chapters 23-25) that outlines a diverse array of social, ethical, and humanitarian laws governing the daily life of the Israelite community. These laws are presented as expressions of God's covenant relationship with Israel, designed to distinguish them from surrounding nations by fostering a society rooted in justice, mercy, and holiness. Specifically, this verse belongs to a cluster of regulations concerning lending and pledges, which include prohibitions against taking a millstone as a pledge ([Deuteronomy 24:6](/deuteronomy/24-6 "Deuteronomy 24:6 - Prohibition on Taking a Millstone as a Pledge")) and the requirement to return a poor person's garment pledge by sunset ([Deuteronomy 24:12-13](/deuteronomy/24-12 "Deuteronomy 24:12-13 - Returning a Garment Pledge") and [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Laws Concerning Pledges")). These interconnected statutes collectively aim to protect the most vulnerable members of society—the poor, the sojourner, the widow, and the orphan—from exploitation and maintain communal harmony and dignity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lending and the taking of pledges (collateral) were common economic practices. However, these often led to abuses of power by creditors, with the poor frequently falling into debt servitude. Israelite law, as revealed in Deuteronomy, stands in stark contrast to many contemporary legal codes by prioritizing the well-being and dignity of the debtor over the absolute rights of the creditor. The "house" (בַּיִת, *bayit*) in ancient Israel was more than just a dwelling; it was a private sanctuary, a symbol of personal security and family life. Uninvited entry, especially by a creditor for the purpose of seizing goods, would have been a profound invasion of privacy, a public humiliation, and a potential source of conflict. The law ensures that even when a pledge is due, the collection process respects the borrower's personal space and preserves their honor within the community, reflecting a unique divine concern for human dignity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it emphasizes **Respect for Privacy and Dignity**, highlighting the sanctity of an individual's home and personal space, even when they are in a vulnerable financial position. The prohibition against intrusive entry ensures that the borrower's honor is maintained. Secondly, it underscores **Compassion and Justice** as foundational principles of Israelite society. God's law actively intervenes to mitigate the potential for oppression inherent in power imbalances, commanding a merciful approach to those in debt. This aligns with the broader Deuteronomic call for Israel to reflect God's character of righteousness and care for the needy, as seen in laws concerning the poor ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Generosity to the Poor")) and the stranger ([Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - Love for the Sojourner")). Thirdly, it promotes **Ethical Business Practices**, setting a high standard for conduct in financial transactions. It teaches that legal rights must be exercised with moral consideration, preventing lenders from leveraging their position to humiliate or exploit borrowers, thereby fostering a community built on mutual trust and respect, where all are considered "brothers" within the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brother (אָח, _ʾaḥ_):** This term is significant, emphasizing the familial and covenantal relationship among Israelites. It implies a shared identity and mutual responsibility, elevating financial dealings beyond mere transactions to interactions between members of God's chosen family. The law here is not just about legal compliance but about upholding the integrity of the community.
* **House (בַּיִת, _bayit_):** More than a physical structure, the "house" represents the private domain, the personal sanctuary, and the locus of family life and dignity. The prohibition against entering it to fetch a pledge underscores the inviolability of this private sphere, protecting the borrower from the humiliation and intrusion of a public seizure of goods.
* **Pledge (חֲבֹל, _ḥabol_ from חָבַל, _ḥabal_):** This refers to an item taken as security for a loan. While taking a pledge was a legitimate part of ancient lending, the manner of its collection was regulated. The term highlights the collateral itself, which could be anything from a garment to tools, but the focus of the law is on the *process* of obtaining it, not the legitimacy of the pledge itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou dost lend thy brother any thing":** This clause establishes the context of the law: a loan made within the Israelite community, emphasizing the "brother" relationship. It acknowledges the legitimate practice of lending but immediately sets the stage for ethical parameters.
* **"thou shalt not go into his house":** This is the core prohibition. The direct, negative command ("thou shalt not") highlights the absolute nature of the injunction. It forbids the lender from physically entering the borrower's private dwelling for the purpose of collecting the pledge, thereby protecting the borrower's privacy and preventing potential conflict or humiliation.
* **"to fetch his pledge":** This phrase clarifies the specific *purpose* for which entry is forbidden. It is not a general prohibition against entering a brother's house, but specifically against entering it to forcibly or intrusively take the collateral, implying that the borrower was expected to bring the pledge out to the lender.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 24:10 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Legal Formulation**, specifically an **Apodictic Law** presented in a direct, unconditional negative command ("thou shalt not go"). This contrasts with casuistic law ("If... then..."), emphasizing the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this ethical principle. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through the direct prohibition, drawing attention to the sanctity of the borrower's home and dignity. The law also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the "house" symbolizes the individual's personal space, privacy, and inherent worth, which must be respected even in a situation of debt. The very act of forbidding entry for a pledge collection subtly **Foreshadows** a society where compassion tempers justice, and human dignity is prioritized over creditors' absolute rights, setting a moral standard for communal interactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple law reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His expectations for His covenant people. It demonstrates that God's justice is not merely retributive but restorative and compassionate, deeply concerned with the dignity and well-being of every individual, especially the vulnerable. The command to respect the borrower's privacy and dignity in the collection of a pledge reflects the divine attribute of *hesed* (loyal love/mercy) and *mishpat* (justice), showing that true righteousness involves not just adherence to rules but also the cultivation of empathy and consideration for others. God desires a society where economic interactions are tempered by love for neighbor, preventing exploitation and fostering a community that genuinely reflects His own merciful nature. This law, therefore, serves as a practical outworking of the Great Commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself, demonstrating how that love should manifest even in challenging financial circumstances.

* [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")
* [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Returning a Garment Pledge")
* [Proverbs 22:7](/proverbs/22-7 "Proverbs 22:7 - The Rich Rule Over the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 24:10 offers timeless principles that extend far beyond ancient lending practices. It calls us to cultivate a profound respect for the dignity and privacy of others, especially when we hold a position of power or advantage. In all our interactions, whether financial, professional, or personal, this verse challenges us to consider not just our rights or entitlements, but *how* we exercise them. Are we acting with empathy and compassion, or are we inadvertently causing humiliation or distress? This law encourages a posture of humility and consideration, reminding us that true ethical conduct is characterized by a concern for the other's well-being, even when they are in a vulnerable state. It prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those who owe us something—be it money, an apology, or a favor—and to ensure that our pursuit of what is due does not violate their inherent worth or personal boundaries. It's a call to embody the Golden Rule in our daily lives, treating others as we would wish to be treated, particularly when power dynamics are at play.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, even unintentionally, violate someone's dignity or privacy when I have a claim or expectation of them?**
* **How does this verse challenge my approach to financial dealings, particularly when I am the creditor or in a position of power?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my interactions with others, especially those in vulnerable positions, are characterized by compassion and respect for their boundaries?**
* **How can the principle of "loving your neighbor as yourself" guide my actions in situations where I have a right to something from another person?**

### FAQ
**Why was the lender forbidden from entering the borrower's house to collect the pledge?**

Answer: The prohibition was primarily to protect the borrower's dignity and privacy. In ancient Israel, the home was considered a private and sacred space. A lender entering the house to seize a pledge would have been a humiliating and intrusive act, potentially leading to public shame or even conflict. This law ensured that even in a situation of debt, the borrower's personal space and honor were respected. The expectation was that the borrower would bring the pledge out of the house to the lender, maintaining their dignity and preventing the lender from overstepping their bounds. This reflects God's deep concern for the vulnerable and His desire for a just and compassionate society, as seen throughout the Deuteronomic laws ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Generosity to the Poor")).

**What was the alternative way for the lender to collect the pledge?**

Answer: The law implies that the borrower was to bring the pledge out of their house to the lender. The lender was to wait outside the house for the borrower to present the collateral. This method allowed the borrower to retain control over their private space and avoid the humiliation of a forced entry or public seizure of their belongings. It shifted the responsibility of presenting the pledge to the borrower, while strictly limiting the intrusive power of the lender. This aligns with other laws that protect the poor, such as the requirement to return a poor man's garment pledge by sunset ([Deuteronomy 24:12-13](/deuteronomy/24-12 "Deuteronomy 24:12-13 - Returning a Garment Pledge")).

**Does this specific law apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal application of collecting pledges in ancient Israelite society is no longer directly binding for Christians today, the underlying ethical and theological principles are timeless and highly relevant. The law embodies principles of compassion, respect for human dignity, ethical conduct in financial dealings, and the avoidance of exploiting or humiliating the vulnerable. Christians are called to live by a higher standard of love and justice, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the Merciful")) and the Golden Rule ([Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")). Therefore, while we may not be collecting physical pledges, we are to apply the spirit of this law in all our interactions, especially in business and financial matters, ensuring we treat others with grace, fairness, and respect for their boundaries and dignity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 24:10, with its emphasis on compassion, dignity, and justice for the vulnerable, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law provided a shadow of God's perfect righteousness and love, Christ embodies and perfectly fulfills these attributes. Jesus consistently championed the cause of the poor, the marginalized, and the indebted, not merely through legal proscriptions but through radical acts of love and self-sacrifice. His teachings elevate the spirit of the law, moving beyond mere outward compliance to an internal transformation of the heart. The command to respect a borrower's dignity foreshadows Christ's own radical empathy and His call for His followers to love their neighbors as themselves ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")). Jesus teaches us to "do to others what you would have them do to you" ([Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")), a principle that far exceeds the Deuteronomic law by making compassion and self-giving the standard for all relationships, including those involving financial obligations. Furthermore, Christ himself became the ultimate "pledge" for humanity's debt of sin, offering His life to secure our redemption, yet doing so not through force or humiliation, but through humble self-giving on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). He invites us into a covenant of grace where our debt is not merely managed with dignity, but completely paid, demonstrating God's ultimate mercy and justice, which the Old Testament laws could only hint at. In Christ, the principles of Deuteronomy 24:10 are not just upheld, but infinitely surpassed and perfectly realized in a new covenant of grace and truth ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 22:27

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.

Deuteronomy 15:8

But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth.