King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:13 in the King James Version says “In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and b...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.”

Deuteronomy 24:13 · KJV

Context

11

Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.

12

And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:

13

In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.

14

Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:

15

At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee. setteth: Heb. lifteth his soul unto it

Read Deuteronomy 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God. The emphatic in any case makes returning the cloak mandatory, not optional. Regardless of the debt, the creditor must not let the poor debtor spend the night without his garment.

The purpose that he may sleep in his own raiment shows God's concern for the poor's basic comfort. Economic rights do not override human needs - the creditor's claim on the pledge is subordinate to the debtor's need for warmth.

The promise and bless thee indicates the grateful debtor will call down God's favor on the compassionate creditor. Mercy toward the poor generates blessing, creating positive relationship despite the debt.

The declaration it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD counts compassionate creditor practice as righteousness. God evaluates how we treat the poor, and mercy in economic relationships constitutes righteous behavior.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This daily return and recollection of the pledge became regular reminder of the debt while ensuring the poor person's nightly comfort. The ritual reinforced accountability while protecting the debtor.

That God counts this as righteousness demonstrates His value system - merciful economic practices matter as much as ceremonial and moral obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does mandatory return of the pledge teach about human needs over economic rights?
  2. How does mercy toward the poor generate blessing for the merciful?
  3. Why does God count compassionate creditor practices as righteousness?
  4. What does this teach about God's evaluation of how we treat the vulnerable?
  5. How should awareness that God observes economic relationships shape our business practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
תָּשִׁ֨יב1 of 16

“In any case”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

תָּשִׁ֨יב2 of 16

“In any case”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

ל֤וֹ3 of 16
H0
אֶֽת4 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַעֲבוֹט֙5 of 16

“him the pledge”

H5667

a pawn

כְּב֣וֹא6 of 16

“goeth down”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ7 of 16

“when the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וְשָׁכַ֥ב8 of 16

“that he may sleep”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹ9 of 16

“in his own raiment”

H8008

a dress

וּבֵֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ10 of 16

“and bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

וּלְךָ֙11 of 16
H0
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה12 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

צְדָקָ֔ה13 of 16

“thee and it shall be righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

לִפְנֵ֖י14 of 16

“unto thee before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃16 of 16

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 24:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 24:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6:25Daniel 4:27Exodus 22:26-27Deuteronomy 24:15Deuteronomy 15:9-10James 1:27

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Deuteronomy 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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