Deuteronomy 24:12

12 And if the man is poor, you shall not keep his pledge overnight.

Deuteronomy 24:12 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 24:12

And if the man [be] poor
Which may be thought to be the case of everyone that gives pledges for a debt he owes, or a sum of money he borrows; yet there might be a difference: some might be so very destitute of goods and raiment in their houses, that whatever they parted with was distressing to them, and they could not well do without it:

thou shalt not sleep with his pledge;
nor keep it a night; but deliver it to him, before he went to bed, and laid himself down to sleep.

Deuteronomy 24:12 In-Context

10 "When you lend your brother anything, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge.

11 You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge out to you.

12 And if the man is poor, you shall not keep his pledge overnight.

13 You shall in any case return the pledge to him again when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his own garment and bless you; and it shall be righteousness to you before the Lord your God.

14 "You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates.