Deuteronomy 24:10 - Respect borrower's dignity always.

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Hebrew Text

כִּי־תַשֶּׁה בְרֵעֲךָ מַשַּׁאת מְאוּמָה לֹא־תָבֹא אֶל־בֵּיתוֹ לַעֲבֹט עֲבֹטוֹ׃

English Translation

When thou dost lend thy brother anything, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.

Transliteration

Ki-tashe vere'ekha mashat me'uma lo-tavo el-beito la'avot avoto.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־תַשֶּׁ֥ה בְרֵֽעֲךָ֖ מַשַּׁ֣את מְא֑וּמָה לֹא־תָבֹ֥א אֶל־בֵּית֖וֹ לַעֲבֹ֥ט עֲבֹטֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 24:10) addresses the ethical obligations of a lender when collecting a pledge (עֲבוֹט) from a borrower. The Torah prohibits the lender from entering the borrower's home to seize collateral, emphasizing the dignity and privacy of the borrower.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא־תָבֹא אֶל־בֵּיתוֹ" ("you shall not enter his house") teaches that the lender must wait outside while the borrower brings out the pledge. This ensures the borrower retains dignity and is not humiliated in their own home. Rashi further notes that this applies even if the borrower is wealthy—highlighting that financial status does not negate the requirement for respectful treatment.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchos Malveh v'Loveh (Laws of Lenders and Borrowers 3:1), the Rambam codifies this mitzvah, stating that a lender who enters the borrower's home to take a pledge violates a negative commandment. He emphasizes that the pledge must be given voluntarily by the borrower outside the home. This reflects the Torah's broader principle of כְּבוֹד הַבְּרִיּוֹת (human dignity).

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 113a) derives from this verse that a lender may not take utensils used for food preparation (e.g., a millstone) as collateral, as this would deprive the borrower of basic necessities (based on Devarim 24:6).
Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 9) connects this law to the broader ethical framework of the Torah, teaching that financial dealings must be conducted with compassion and sensitivity to another's emotional and physical well-being.

Practical Halachic Implications

Poskim (halachic decisors) rule that this prohibition applies even if the borrower owes money and the lender has legal rights to the collateral. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 97:6) reiterates that the lender must not enter the borrower's property without permission, reinforcing the Torah's emphasis on ethical conduct in financial matters.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 113a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding taking a pledge from a borrower, emphasizing the prohibition against entering the borrower's house to take the pledge.

📖 Makkot 3b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of transgressing biblical commandments, including those related to loans and pledges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 24:10 teaches that when you lend money or items to someone, you must not enter their home to take a pledge (collateral) by force. The lender must wait outside, and the borrower brings the pledge out to them. This shows respect for the borrower's dignity and privacy (Rashi, based on Talmud Bava Metzia 113a).

Q: Why is this law about taking a pledge important?
A: This law is important because it protects the dignity of the borrower. The Torah emphasizes treating others with sensitivity, especially when they are in a vulnerable position like needing a loan. Forcing entry into someone's home would shame them, which goes against Torah values (Rambam, Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 3:1).

Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: We learn that financial dealings must be conducted with kindness and respect. Even when someone owes us something, we must not humiliate them. This applies today when collecting debts or handling loans—always preserve the other person's dignity (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 580).

Q: Does this verse apply to all types of loans?
A: Yes, this applies to any loan where collateral is taken, whether money, objects, or other valuables. The principle remains the same: the lender may not enter the borrower's home to seize the pledge (Talmud Bava Metzia 113a, Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 97:6).

Q: What if the borrower refuses to bring out the pledge?
A: If the borrower refuses to bring the pledge, the lender must take the matter to a Beit Din (Jewish court) rather than acting forcefully. The Torah prioritizes peaceful and fair resolution over taking the law into one's own hands (Rambam, Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 3:6).