Topical Encyclopedia Collateral, in the biblical context, refers to a pledge or security given to ensure the fulfillment of an obligation or repayment of a debt. The concept of collateral is addressed in various passages of the Bible, primarily within the legal and ethical instructions given to the Israelites. These passages provide insight into the social and economic practices of ancient Israel and reflect the broader principles of justice, mercy, and compassion that underpin biblical law.Old Testament References The Mosaic Law contains specific regulations regarding the use of collateral, particularly in the context of loans to fellow Israelites. In Exodus 22:25-27, the law stipulates: "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate." This passage highlights the importance of compassion and fairness in financial dealings, especially towards the poor. The cloak, a basic necessity for warmth and protection, is not to be withheld overnight, emphasizing the priority of human dignity over financial gain. Deuteronomy 24:10-13 further elaborates on the ethical treatment of debtors: "When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you. If he is a poor man, do not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you. And it will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God." These instructions underscore the respect for personal privacy and the avoidance of humiliation in the process of securing a loan. The return of collateral by sunset is again emphasized, reinforcing the principle of mercy. Prophetic Warnings The prophets also address the misuse of collateral as part of their broader critique of social injustice. In Amos 2:6-8, the prophet condemns those who exploit the poor and pervert justice: "They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the poor on the dust of the earth and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane My holy name. They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their god, they drink wine obtained through fines." Here, the taking of garments in pledge is associated with broader acts of exploitation and idolatry, illustrating how the abuse of collateral can be symptomatic of a deeper moral decay. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Bible also offers guidance on the prudent use of collateral. Proverbs 22:26-27 advises caution in financial commitments: "Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts. If you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you." This proverb warns against the risks of overextending oneself financially and the potential consequences of failing to honor one's obligations. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly address the concept of collateral, the principles of love, mercy, and generosity found in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide a framework for understanding financial ethics. The call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) and the exhortation to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) suggest a community-oriented approach to financial dealings, where the well-being of others is prioritized over personal gain. In summary, the biblical treatment of collateral reflects a balance between justice and compassion, emphasizing the protection of the vulnerable and the ethical responsibilities of lenders. These principles continue to inform Christian perspectives on financial practices and social justice. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Coming from, being on, or directed toward, the side; as, collateral pressure.2. (a.) Acting in an indirect way. 3. (a.) Related to, but not strictly a part of, the main thing or matter under consideration; hence, subordinate; not chief or principal; as, collateral interest; collateral issues. 4. (a.) Tending toward the same conclusion or result as something else; additional; as, collateral evidence. 5. (a.) Descending from the same stock or ancestor, but not in the same line or branch or one from the other; -- opposed to lineal. 6. (n.) A collateral relative. 7. (n.) Collateral security; that which is pledged or deposited as collateral security. Greek 4921. sunistemi and sunistano -- to commend, establish, stand near ... ... Or (strengthened) sunistano (soon-is-tan'-o), or sunistemi (soon-is'-tay-mee) from sun and histemi (including its collateral forms); to set together, ie (by ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4921.htm - 8k 259. halosis -- a taking, capture 5277. hupolimpano -- to leave behind 5597. psocho -- to rub 3349. meteorizo -- to raise on high, fig. to be in suspense 5176. trogo -- to gnaw, munch, crunch Strong's Hebrew 2735. Chor Haggidgad -- "hollow of Gidgad," a place in the S. ...... Word Origin from an unused word and a collateral form of Gudgodah Definition "hollow of Gidgad," a place in the S. desert NASB Word Usage Hor-haggidgad (2). ... /hebrew/2735.htm - 6k 2426. chel -- rampart, fortress 2454. chokmoth -- wisdom, every wise woman 2933. tamah -- to be stopped up, stupid 6959. qoba -- a helmet 2789. cheres -- earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd 2684. chotsen -- bosom 2975. yeor -- stream (of the Nile), stream, canal 857. athah -- to come 2741. Charuphi -- descendant of Hariph Library Whether Consanguinity is Fittingly Distinguished by Degrees and ... Introduction It Cannot Possibly be Proved from the Sacred Writings, that the ... Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves ... On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men. The Making of the King James Version; Its Introductory Notice to the Homily Known as the Second Epistle of ... Christian Morals. Part ii. Of Agreement as to Tithe, Composition, Notice, &C. Moses, the Mighty Intercessor Thesaurus Collateral (11 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Coming from, being on, or directed toward, the side; as, collateral pressure. 2. (a.) Acting in an indirect way. ... /c/collateral.htm - 10k Pledge (55 Occurrences) Wayward (14 Occurrences) Refuses (21 Occurrences) Pledges (15 Occurrences) Blame (14 Occurrences) Colleagues (8 Occurrences) Forever (426 Occurrences) Secure (78 Occurrences) Neighbor's (31 Occurrences) Resources I have been burned and hurt by the church in the past. How can I overcome this and renew a passion for church and a desire to attend church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about discernment? | GotQuestions.org Is it wise for Christian teens to be dating? | GotQuestions.org Collateral: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Collateral (11 Occurrences)Hebrews 7:22 Genesis 43:9 Genesis 44:32 Exodus 22:26 Job 17:3 Proverbs 6:1 Proverbs 11:15 Proverbs 17:18 Proverbs 20:16 Proverbs 22:26 Proverbs 27:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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