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Deuteronomy 24:13 - Return pledge before nightfall.

Deuteronomy 24:13 - דברים 24:13

Hebrew Text

הָשֵׁב תָּשִׁיב לוֹ אֶת־הַעֲבוֹט כְּבֹא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְשָׁכַב בְּשַׂלְמָתוֹ וּבֵרֲכֶךָּ וּלְךָ תִּהְיֶה צְדָקָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

thou shalt surely deliver him the pledge again when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his own garment, and bless thee: and it shall be as righteousness to thee before the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Hashev tashiv lo et-ha'avot kvo hashemesh v'shavach b'salmato u'verachecha ul'cha tihyeh tzedakah lifnei Adonai Eloheicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

הָשֵׁב֩ תָּשִׁ֨יב ל֤וֹ אֶֽת־הַעֲבוֹט֙ כְּב֣וֹא הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וְשָׁכַ֥ב בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹ וּבֵֽרְכֶ֑ךָּ וּלְךָ֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה צְדָקָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
הָשֵׁב֩ תָּשִׁ֨יב ל֤וֹ אֶֽת־הַעֲבוֹט֙ כְּב֣וֹא הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וְשָׁכַ֥ב בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹ וּבֵֽרְכֶ֑ךָּ וּלְךָ֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה צְדָקָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 24:13) is part of the Torah's laws regarding loans and pledges. It instructs a lender to return a borrower's pledged garment by nightfall so the borrower may sleep with it, emphasizing compassion and righteousness in financial dealings.

Explanation of the Command

Rashi explains that the double language of "הָשֵׁב תָּשִׁיב" (thou shalt surely deliver) teaches that even if the borrower repeatedly takes back the pledge and returns it as collateral, the lender must continue returning it each evening. This underscores the importance of sensitivity to the borrower's basic needs.

The Significance of the Garment

According to the Talmud (Bava Metzia 113b), this mitzvah applies specifically to a garment used as a pledge because:

  • It is a basic necessity for warmth and dignity.
  • Sleeping without it would cause undue hardship.

Rambam (Hilchos Malveh v'Loveh 3:7) extends this principle to any essential item needed for daily living.

Spiritual Reward

The verse concludes that returning the pledge will be "צְדָקָה לִפְנֵי ה'" (righteousness before Hashem). The Sforno explains that this act is considered true righteousness because:

  • It demonstrates compassion beyond legal obligation.
  • It reflects proper fear of Heaven in monetary matters.

Broader Ethical Lessons

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 6:1) connects this mitzvah to the concept of chessed (kindness) in all interpersonal dealings. Even in a lender-borrower relationship, where the lender has the upper hand, one must act with mercy and consideration for the other's dignity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 113b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding returning a pledge to a poor person by sunset, emphasizing the ethical and religious obligation to do so.
📖 Makkot 24a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of performing acts of kindness and righteousness as fundamental principles of the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:13 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 24:13 teaches the mitzvah (commandment) of returning a poor person's collateral (like a garment taken as a pledge for a loan) before sunset. This allows them to sleep with their own covering at night, showing compassion. Rashi explains that this act leads to blessings and is considered an act of righteousness before Hashem.
Q: Why is returning a pledge before sunset important in Judaism?
A: Returning a pledge before sunset is important because it demonstrates kindness and sensitivity to another person's basic needs. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 113a) emphasizes that keeping someone's essential items (like a blanket) overnight causes unnecessary suffering. Rambam (Hilchos Malveh V'Loveh 3:7) rules that this applies even if the borrower hasn't repaid the loan yet.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 24:13 today?
A: We learn that financial dealings must be conducted with compassion. Even when owed money, we must consider the other person's dignity and basic needs. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this verse to the broader Torah principle of 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Today, this teaches us to be flexible and humane in business or loan agreements.
Q: How does 'it shall be as righteousness' apply in this verse?
A: The phrase 'it shall be as righteousness' means that fulfilling this mitzvah is credited as a special merit. The Chofetz Chaim explains that true righteousness (tzedakah) isn't just giving charity, but also acting with fairness and empathy in all interactions, especially when we have the upper hand financially.
Q: Does this law apply to all types of collateral?
A: No, this specifically applies to essential items needed for daily living, like clothing or bedding. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 97:6) rules that non-essential collateral (like jewelry) doesn't need to be returned nightly, but the lender must still avoid causing undue hardship, reflecting the Torah's broader ethical standards.