### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăbôwṭ**, represented by `{{H5667}}`, means a **pawn** or **pledge**. It is derived from the root word `ʻâbaṭ` and appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, relating to items held as security for a loan within the legal framework provided in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{H5667}}` are found in Deuteronomy, where it is central to laws governing lending and protecting the poor. These regulations dictate the proper handling of a **pledge**. A lender is forbidden from entering a borrower's house to take a **pledge**; instead, the borrower must bring it out [[Deuteronomy 24:10-11]]. Furthermore, if the borrower is poor, the lender is not permitted to keep his **pledge** overnight [[Deuteronomy 24:12]]. The law commands that the **pledge** must be returned at sunset, so the man can sleep in his own raiment, an act which is considered righteousness before God [[Deuteronomy 24:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of taking and returning a pledge:
* `{{H5670}}` **ʻâbaṭ** (to pawn; lend; borrow): As the root of `{{H5667}}`, this verb describes the action of securing a loan. It is used for the act of a lender going to **fetch** a pledge [[Deuteronomy 24:10]] and more broadly to describe the promise that Israel will **lend** to many nations but not **borrow** [[Deuteronomy 15:6]].
* `{{H5383}}` **nâshâh** (to lend or borrow on security or interest): This term identifies the creditor or the one who **lends** in the transaction requiring a pledge [[Deuteronomy 24:10]]. It highlights the financial relationship that gives rise to the need for collateral.
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back; restore; return): This verb is crucial to the law, as it commands the lender to **deliver again** or restore the pledge to the poor man [[Deuteronomy 24:13]]. It underscores the temporary nature of the pledge and the obligation to return it.
### Theological Significance
The laws surrounding `{{H5667}}` carry significant theological weight, revealing core principles of biblical justice.
* **Protection of the Vulnerable:** The regulations explicitly protect the poor. Forbidding a lender from keeping a poor man's **pledge** overnight ensures his basic needs, like warmth and covering, are met [[Deuteronomy 24:12-13]].
* **Preservation of Dignity:** By requiring the lender to stand outside while the borrower brings out the **pledge**, the law respects the sanctity and privacy of the debtor's home [[Deuteronomy 24:11]].
* **Righteousness in Practice:** The act of returning a **pledge** is not merely a social kindness but is defined as "righteousness" before God [[Deuteronomy 24:13]]. This directly connects just economic behavior to one's spiritual standing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5667}}` is a term that operates at the intersection of law, finance, and ethics. While its literal meaning is a **pawn** or **pledge**, its biblical usage in Deuteronomy 24 transforms it into a powerful illustration of God's concern for justice, dignity, and compassion. It shows that righteousness is not an abstract concept but is demonstrated through concrete actions of fairness toward the poor and vulnerable in the community.
TRV