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Deuteronomy 24:6 - Protecting livelihood from exploitation

Deuteronomy 24:6 - דברים 24:6

Hebrew Text

לֹא־יַחֲבֹל רֵחַיִם וָרָכֶב כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ הוּא חֹבֵל׃

English Translation

No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone for a pledge: for he takes a man’s life for a pledge.

Transliteration

Lo-yachavol reichayim va-rechev ki-nefesh hu chovel.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־יַחֲבֹ֥ל רֵחַ֖יִם וָרָ֑כֶב כִּי־נֶ֖פֶשׁ ה֥וּא חֹבֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לֹא־יַחֲבֹ֥ל רֵחַ֖יִם וָרָ֑כֶב כִּי־נֶ֖פֶשׁ ה֥וּא חֹבֵֽל׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Taking Millstones as Pledge

The verse (Devarim 24:6) states: "לֹא־יַחֲבֹל רֵחַיִם וָרָכֶב כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ הוּא חֹבֵל" ("No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone for a pledge: for he takes a man’s life for a pledge"). This prohibition is rooted in the Torah’s concern for human dignity and sustenance.

Explanation from Rashi

Rashi explains that taking a millstone as collateral is forbidden because it deprives the debtor of his ability to prepare food. The רֵחַיִם (millstone) and רָכֶב (upper millstone) are essential tools for grinding grain into flour. By seizing them, the creditor effectively removes the debtor’s means of livelihood, which is tantamount to taking his life ("כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ הוּא חֹבֵל"). Rashi emphasizes that this law applies even if the debtor has other means of sustenance, as the Torah seeks to prevent any form of oppression.

Halachic Implications (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 3:1) rules that this prohibition extends beyond millstones to any item essential for earning a livelihood, such as a plow or a donkey. The principle is that one may not take collateral that would prevent a person from supporting himself or his family. Rambam further clarifies that this law applies whether the creditor takes the item directly or through a court order.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 271) connects this verse to the broader ethical framework of the Torah, teaching that financial dealings must be conducted with compassion. The phrase "כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ הוּא חֹבֵל" is interpreted as a warning: one who takes a person’s livelihood tools is as though he has taken their soul, since life depends on sustenance.

Key Lessons

  • Preservation of Dignity: The Torah prioritizes human dignity by ensuring that even in debt, a person retains the means to live.
  • Broader Application: The prohibition extends to any essential tool for livelihood, reflecting the Torah’s sensitivity to economic vulnerability.
  • Ethical Lending: Creditors must act with mercy, avoiding actions that could harm the debtor’s basic needs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 115b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of taking millstones as a pledge, emphasizing the severity of depriving someone of their livelihood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:6 mean when it says not to take a millstone as a pledge?
A: The verse prohibits taking a person's millstone (used for grinding grain into flour) as collateral for a loan. Rashi explains that this is because taking such an essential tool is like taking a person's livelihood—it deprives them of their ability to make food and earn a living, which is akin to taking their life ('nefesh').
Q: Why is the millstone specifically mentioned in this law?
A: The millstone represents basic necessities for survival. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 115a) teaches that this law applies to any item essential for preparing food, as taking it would cause undue hardship. The Torah emphasizes the millstone because grinding grain was a daily necessity in biblical times.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern financial ethics?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 3:1) derives from this verse that lenders must act compassionately and avoid taking collateral that would cripple a borrower's ability to earn a living. Today, this teaches us to be ethical in financial dealings and avoid actions that would destroy someone's livelihood.
Q: What is the deeper message behind this commandment?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 24:6) connects this to the sanctity of human dignity. By forbidding actions that would reduce a person to starvation, the Torah teaches that preserving human life and dignity takes precedence over financial claims. This reflects Judaism's value of compassion in all interpersonal dealings.