The Hebrew word ʻărâbôwn, represented by H6162, refers to a pawn or pledge given as security. It is derived from a root word meaning exchange. It appears only 3 times in the Bible, all within 3 unique verses, highlighting its specific application in the context of securing a promise.
The sole biblical narrative using H6162 is the account of Judah and Tamar in Genesis. When Judah promises to send Tamar a young goat H1423 H5795 from the flock H6629, she demands security for his word, asking, "Wilt thou give H5414 me a pledge H6162, till thou send H7971 it?" Genesis 38:17. The items given as the pledge H6162—Judah's signet H2368, bracelets H6616, and staff H4294—are items of significant personal identity Genesis 38:18. The story concludes with Judah sending his friend H7453 to retrieve the pledge H6162, underscoring its value and the binding nature of the agreement Genesis 38:20.
Several related words provide context for the concept of a pledge and the objects used as security:
- H2368 chôwthâm (seal, signet): One of the items Judah gave as his pledge, representing his personal identity and authority Genesis 38:18.
- H6616 pâthîyl (twine; bracelet): The cord or "bracelets" given alongside the signet as part of the pledge, an item of personal value Genesis 38:18.
- H4294 maṭṭeh (rod, staff, tribe): The staff from Judah's hand H3027 was the final piece of the pledge, another symbol of his identity and standing Genesis 38:18.
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This verb is central to the transaction, as Tamar asks Judah to give her a pledge, and he gave it to her Genesis 38:17-18.
- H3947 lâqach (to take, receive): This word describes the intended recovery of the pledge, when Judah sends his friend to receive it from the woman's hand Genesis 38:20.
The concept of H6162 carries significant weight within its narrative context, illustrating key principles:
- Guarantee of a Promise: The primary role of the pledge is to serve as a tangible security deposit, ensuring the fulfillment of a spoken promise. Tamar holds it until Judah sends the promised payment Genesis 38:17.
- Binding by Identity: The items given as the pledge are not generic but are extensions of Judah's own identity—his seal H2368 and staff H4294. This ties the guarantee directly to his name and honor, making the commitment deeply personal Genesis 38:18.
- Proof and Accountability: The pledge ultimately serves as irrefutable proof. Judah's attempt to recover his items shows his acknowledgment of the debt, and the items themselves hold him accountable for his actions Genesis 38:20.
In summary, H6162 is a highly specific term for a pawn or pledge that, while used infrequently, provides a powerful illustration of securing a commitment. In its only biblical context, it is not merely a financial deposit but a guarantee backed by items of deep personal identity. The story demonstrates how a pledge functions as a binding guarantee, holding an individual accountable to their word through the deposit of their own reputation and authority.
TRV