Deuteronomy 24:17
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It’s not just about not perverting justice; the command is to actively not twist it for the vulnerable. This implies a constant vigilance, as the temptation to twist justice, especially against those with no voice like widows and orphans, is ever-present and subtle.
“You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow’s garment in pledge,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 23-26) detailing laws for Israel's life in the Promised Land, focusing on justice and compassion. These commands directly follow instructions about treating workers fairly and precede laws concerning gleaning for the poor and the process of divorce. The laws emphasize protecting the vulnerable—strangers, orphans, and widows—reminding Israel of their own past vulnerability as foreigners and slaves in Egypt.
Why does the Bible repeatedly call out specific groups like strangers, orphans, and widows? It's more than just social policy; it points to the very character of God.
In Deuteronomy 24:17, God commands Israel not to 'pervert the justice' due to the sojourner (stranger), the fatherless, and the widow. These weren't abstract categories; they were real people in ancient Israel who lacked power and protection.
The Vulnerable Trio
God's explicit command to protect them reveals His deep compassion and concern for those on the fringes of society. He identifies with their plight and demands that His people reflect His heart.
What does it mean to take a widow's 'raiment in pledge'? This isn't just about unfair lending; it's about protecting fundamental human dignity.
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The second part of Deuteronomy 24:17 prohibits taking a widow's 'raiment' (clothing) in pledge. This prohibition is particularly striking.
More Than Just Clothes
This law underscores that economic justice includes safeguarding the basic necessities of life for those least able to fend for themselves.
Why would God remind the Israelites of their own slavery in Egypt when talking about justice? The past holds powerful lessons for present actions.
The underlying motivation for showing justice and mercy to the vulnerable, as emphasized in the context of Deuteronomy, is rooted in their shared history.
The Echo of Egypt
This principle is a timeless reminder: our own experiences of struggle and God’s deliverance should fuel our commitment to justice for others.
Understand the original words
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
Legal righteousness or fairness; the equitable administration of law and judgment based on God's character. In a biblical context, it involves protecting the vulnerable and upholding truth.
ger · Hebrew Noun
A resident alien or foreigner living within the land of Israel. The law commanded that they be treated with hospitality, fairness, and inclusion in the community's welfare provisions.
yatom · Hebrew Noun
One who has lost their father; in the biblical context, this represents a category of people lacking social and economic protection, whom God specifically commands the community to care for.
almanah · Hebrew Noun
A woman whose husband has died. Throughout Scripture, widows are highlighted as a vulnerable group subject to divine protection and a specific focus of social concern.
chabolah · Hebrew Noun
An object given as security for a loan. Biblical law placed strict limits on taking such items to ensure the borrower was not deprived of basic necessities like clothing or dignity.
This passage directly parallels the command not to oppress the vulnerable, specifically mentioning widows and orphans, highlighting the consistent concern for the defenseless throughout the Law.
Leviticus 19:33This verse expands on the theme by commanding Israelites to love the sojourner as themselves, reinforcing the deep empathy required towards those outside their immediate community.
Job 24:3This verse offers a poignant critique of those who oppress the vulnerable, mentioning the taking of a widow's livestock in pledge, which echoes the specific prohibition in Deuteronomy and illustrates the severe consequences of ignoring God's commands.
Malachi 3:5This prophetic passage warns against injustice, specifically mentioning the oppression of the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, showing how this concern for the vulnerable continued to be a hallmark of God's expectation for His people.
Luke 18:3Jesus' parable of the persistent widow seeking justice from an unjust judge illustrates the ongoing plight of those who lack power and the importance of perseverance in seeking righteousness, reflecting the very vulnerability addressed in Deuteronomy.
ellicottDeuteronomy 24:17: "Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:"
(17-22) The stranger, the fatherless, and the widow —are the subject of all the laws in these verses. For the first two ( Deuteronomy 24:17-18 ), see Exodus 22:22-24 . As to the harvest, see Leviticus 23:22 . It is noticeable that this law is connected with the Feast of Pentecost in that place. Never was such care for the widow and the poor manifested as after t…
bensonDeuteronomy 24:17: "Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:"
Deuteronomy 24:17 . Raiment — Not such as he hath daily and necessary use of, as being poor. But this concerns not rich persons, nor superfluous raiment.
It’s not just about not perverting justice; the command is to actively not twist it for the vulnerable. This implies a constant vigilance, as the temptation to twist justice, especially against those with no voice like widows and orphans, is ever-present and subtle.
This passage is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 23-26) detailing laws for Israel's life in the Promised Land, focusing on justice and compassion. These commands directly follow instructions about treating workers fairly and precede laws concerning gleaning for the poor and the process of divorce. The laws emphasize protecting the vulnerable—strangers, orphans, and widows—reminding Israel of their own past vulnerability as foreigners and slaves in Egypt.
This passage is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 23-26) detailing laws for Israel's life in the Promised Land, focusing on justice and compassion. These commands directly follow instructions about treating workers fairly and precede laws concerning gleaning for the poor and the process of divorce. The laws emphasize protecting the vulnerable—strangers, orphans, and widows—reminding Israel of their own past vulnerability as foreigners and slaves in Egypt.
"“You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow’s garment in pledge," — It’s not just about not perverting justice; the command is to actively not twist it for the vulnerable. This implies a constant vigilance, as the temptation to twist justice, especially against t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
