Job 22:6 - For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Job 22:6" mean?
Job 22:6, in its original context, is part of Eliphaz's accusation against Job. Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, believes that Job is suffering because he has committed some great sin. He's laying out a list of possible transgressions. Understanding the verse requires looking at the societal context of the time:
Taking Pledges "for nothing": In ancient Near Eastern society, lending to the poor was often done with the understanding that a pledge (collateral) would be held until the debt was repaid. Common pledges were items of value to the borrower, such as tools, clothing, or even land. Taking pledges "for nothing" likely implies one or more of the following:
Unnecessary Harshness: Demanding a pledge when the debt was small or when the borrower was clearly unable to repay. It suggests taking advantage of the poor, even though they weren't necessarily in default.
Taking pledges when no debt existed: Falsely accusing someone of being in debt, so you could take what little possessions they had.
Taking pledges from those who couldn't afford to lose them: Even if there was a legitimate debt, taking a pledge that was essential for survival (e.g., the tools needed for work) was considered unjust.
Stripped the Naked of their Clothing: This is a more direct accusation. Clothing was vital for warmth, protection, and dignity. Taking clothing from someone who was already poor and vulnerable was an act of extreme cruelty. It suggests a complete disregard for the basic needs and rights of the less fortunate. Deuteronomy 24:10-13 specifically forbids keeping a garment taken as a pledge overnight, implying a common practice of using clothing as collateral and a need to protect the borrower's dignity.
In Summary:
Eliphaz is accusing Job of being a cruel and unjust lender. He suggests that Job has:
1. Oppressed the poor by taking pledges even when it wasn't justified.
2. Taken essential clothing from the impoverished, leaving them exposed and vulnerable.
The Irony:
The irony is that these accusations are false. Job is suffering despite being righteous, not because he is wicked. The Book of Job is exploring the complexities of suffering and challenging the simplistic idea that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin. Eliphaz and the other friends wrongly apply this principle to Job.
Job 22:6 - For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
What does "Job 22:6" mean?
Job 22:6, in its original context, is part of Eliphaz's accusation against Job. Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, believes that Job is suffering because he has committed some great sin. He's laying out a list of possible transgressions. Understanding the verse requires looking at the societal context of the time:
Taking Pledges "for nothing": In ancient Near Eastern society, lending to the poor was often done with the understanding that a pledge (collateral) would be held until the debt was repaid. Common pledges were items of value to the borrower, such as tools, clothing, or even land. Taking pledges "for nothing" likely implies one or more of the following:
Unnecessary Harshness: Demanding a pledge when the debt was small or when the borrower was clearly unable to repay. It suggests taking advantage of the poor, even though they weren't necessarily in default.
Taking pledges when no debt existed: Falsely accusing someone of being in debt, so you could take what little possessions they had.
Taking pledges from those who couldn't afford to lose them: Even if there was a legitimate debt, taking a pledge that was essential for survival (e.g., the tools needed for work) was considered unjust.
Stripped the Naked of their Clothing: This is a more direct accusation. Clothing was vital for warmth, protection, and dignity. Taking clothing from someone who was already poor and vulnerable was an act of extreme cruelty. It suggests a complete disregard for the basic needs and rights of the less fortunate. Deuteronomy 24:10-13 specifically forbids keeping a garment taken as a pledge overnight, implying a common practice of using clothing as collateral and a need to protect the borrower's dignity.
In Summary:
Eliphaz is accusing Job of being a cruel and unjust lender. He suggests that Job has:
1. Oppressed the poor by taking pledges even when it wasn't justified.
2. Taken essential clothing from the impoverished, leaving them exposed and vulnerable.
The Irony:
The irony is that these accusations are false. Job is suffering despite being righteous, not because he is wicked. The Book of Job is exploring the complexities of suffering and challenging the simplistic idea that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin. Eliphaz and the other friends wrongly apply this principle to Job.