Pledge

Concept

A pledge (Hebrew 'arabon, habol; Greek arrabon) in biblical law was an article given as security for a loan or obligation. The Mosaic law carefully regulated the taking of pledges to protect the poor: a creditor was not allowed to enter a debtor's house to take a pledge but had to wait outside (Deut. 24:10–11). A widow's garment was not to be taken as pledge (Deut. 24:17), and the cloak taken as security had to be returned by nightfall since it served as bedcovering (Ex. 22:26–27; Deut. 24:13). The millstone — essential for daily food — could not be pledged (Deut. 24:6). The prophets condemned violations of these protections (Amos 2:8; Ezek. 18:12). In the New Testament the Greek arrabon ("pledge, guarantee") is used theologically for the Holy Spirit as God's down payment guaranteeing future redemption (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:14).