### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5667 (ʻăbôwṭ), often transliterated as ʻabowt or ʻabōṭ, refers to a "pledge" or "pawn." It is derived from the verbal root עָבַט (ʻābaṭ), which means "to give a pledge," "to borrow," or "to lend." As a noun, ʻăbôwṭ designates the tangible item or security given to guarantee a loan, a promise, or the fulfillment of an obligation. Its semantic range encompasses the concepts of collateral, security, or a deposit held until a condition is met. The term inherently implies a temporary transfer of an item, with the expectation of its return upon the satisfaction of the underlying debt or agreement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H5667 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within legal and ethical contexts, underscoring its significance in the social and economic life of ancient Israel.
In [[Deuteronomy 24:10-13]], ʻăbôwṭ is central to a series of humanitarian laws concerning lending:
* [[Deuteronomy 24:10]]: "When you make your neighbor any kind of loan, you shall not go into his house to take his pledge." This injunction prevents the creditor from invading the debtor's privacy or exercising undue power, mandating that the debtor bring the pledge out.
* [[Deuteronomy 24:11]]: "You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge out to you." This reinforces the debtor's agency and dignity.
* [[Deuteronomy 24:12]]: "And if the man is poor, you shall not sleep with his pledge." This verse, along with the next, specifically addresses the common practice of taking a poor person's outer garment as a pledge. Such a garment was often essential for warmth at night.
* [[Deuteronomy 24:13]]: "You shall restore the pledge to him when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his garment and bless you." This compassionate command ensures that the poor debtor is not deprived of essential protection, even while a debt is outstanding. The act of returning the pledge is presented as a deed that elicits blessing.
In [[Job 22:6]], ʻăbôwṭ is used in a different context, as part of Eliphaz's accusation against Job:
* [[Job 22:6]]: "For you have taken pledges from your brothers for no reason and stripped the naked of their clothing." Here, the taking of ʻăbôwṭ is portrayed as an act of injustice and oppression, particularly when done "for no reason" or from those already vulnerable ("stripped the naked"). This highlights the ethical misuse of the practice.
These occurrences demonstrate that while taking a pledge was a legitimate economic practice, the Mosaic Law placed strict regulations on it to prevent exploitation and ensure the well-being of the poor, contrasting sharply with unjust practices condemned elsewhere.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ʻăbôwṭ is intertwined with several related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **עָבַט (ʻābaṭ)**: The verbal root `{{H5670}}` from which ʻăbôwṭ is derived. It signifies the action of giving, borrowing, or lending with a pledge, forming the foundation of the noun's meaning.
* **חָבַל (ḥābal)**: This verb `{{H2254}}` means "to take a pledge," "to bind," or "to destroy." The noun form חֶבֶל (ḥebel) `{{H2256}}` can also mean "pledge" or "rope." This word often appears in parallel with or in conjunction with laws concerning pledges (e.g., [[Ezekiel 18:7]], [[Ezekiel 33:15]]), emphasizing the act of securing and holding a pledge.
* **עָרַב (ʻārab)**: This verb `{{H6148}}` means "to be surety for" or "to stand as guarantor." While broader than ʻăbôwṭ (which refers to a tangible item), it shares the concept of providing security for an obligation. The related noun עֲרֻבָּה (ʻărubbāh) `{{H6160}}` also signifies a "pledge" or "security," often in a more general sense of a guarantee or earnest.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית - bᵉrît)**: Although not a direct linguistic relation, the concept of a pledge resonates with the broader biblical theme of covenant `{{H1285}}`. Just as a pledge secures a human agreement, God's covenant with Israel involves divine promises and sometimes human obligations, establishing a framework of trust and faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The laws and ethical discussions surrounding ʻăbôwṭ reveal profound theological principles within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Justice and Compassion**: The meticulous regulations regarding pledges in the Torah (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 24:6-13]]) are a powerful testament to God's character as a just and compassionate Creator. These laws are not merely legal codes but expressions of divine ethics that prioritize the dignity and survival of the vulnerable over strict economic gain. The requirement to return a poor person's garment by nightfall exemplifies a radical empathy that seeks to prevent suffering and ensure basic human needs are met, even in the context of debt.
* **Righteousness in Economic Practice**: The condemnation of unjust taking or withholding of pledges (e.g., [[Job 22:6]], [[Ezekiel 18:7]]) underscores that true righteousness extends beyond ritual observance to encompass ethical conduct in all spheres of life, especially economic interactions. Exploiting the poor through the misuse of pledges is presented as a serious offense against God's standards of justice.
* **Trust and Community**: The system of pledges, when rightly administered, relies on and fosters trust within the community. It allows for economic transactions while providing security. Conversely, the abuse of pledges erodes trust and breaks down the fabric of communal relationships, reflecting a departure from the covenantal ideal of a just and loving society.
* **God's Example**: By legislating such protections for the poor, God sets an example for His people, calling them to reflect His own merciful and just character in their dealings with one another. The economic laws of Israel were designed not merely for efficiency but to embody the moral and spiritual values of the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5667 (ʻăbôwṭ) refers to a "pledge" or "pawn," an item given as security for a loan or obligation. Derived from the verb עָבַט (ʻābaṭ), its biblical occurrences are primarily found within the legal framework of the Mosaic Law in Deuteronomy and in ethical critiques in Job. The use of ʻăbôwṭ is deeply intertwined with principles of justice and compassion, especially concerning the poor and vulnerable. The Torah mandates specific regulations for taking and returning pledges, such as the requirement to return a poor person's garment by nightfall ([[Deuteronomy 24:12-13]]), preventing exploitation and ensuring basic human dignity. Conversely, the unjust taking or withholding of pledges is consistently condemned as a violation of divine righteousness. Thus, ʻăbôwṭ serves as a significant term illustrating God's profound concern for ethical economic practices and the well-being of the vulnerable within the covenant community, reflecting His own righteous and merciful character.
TRV