Deuteronomy 24:13 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Return the pledge at sunset so he can sleep in his own garment; this shows righteousness before God.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:13
The moral and spiritual reward of compassionate debt practices.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:13 Mean?
The law ties the timing of return (sunset, when the poor man needs warmth) to a specific need, making this not merely a rule but a recognition of human dignity and dependence. Returning the pledge at day's end allows him to rest in comfort and peace.
The promise that he will 'bless thee' suggests that acts of restraint and mercy, rooted in the law, generate goodwill and divine favor rather than resentment—righteousness before God includes how we treat those in financial hardship.
Deuteronomy 24:13 in the Original Language
צְדָקָה (tzedakah), 'righteousness'—often translated as charity, but here meaning right action aligned with divine will.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:13
What does Deuteronomy 24:13 mean?
Return the pledge at sunset so he can sleep in his own garment; this shows righteousness before God.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:13?
The moral and spiritual reward of compassionate debt practices.