Topical Encyclopedia A mortgage, in contemporary terms, refers to a legal agreement by which a bank or creditor lends money at interest in exchange for taking the title of the debtor's property, with the condition that the conveyance of title becomes void upon the payment of the debt. While the specific term "mortgage" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of pledging property or assets as security for a debt is present in biblical texts.Biblical Context In ancient Israel, the economic system was primarily agrarian, and land was a crucial asset. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for the management of debts and the protection of debtors, reflecting a concern for social justice and the prevention of perpetual poverty. Pledges and Security The Bible addresses the practice of taking pledges or security for loans. In Exodus 22:26-27 , it is written: "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, ensuring that the basic needs of the debtor are not compromised. Jubilee and Debt Release The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, was a time when all debts were to be forgiven, and land that had been sold was to be returned to its original family owners. Leviticus 25:23 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me." This provision ensured that no family would be permanently dispossessed of their inheritance, reflecting God's sovereignty over the land and His concern for equitable distribution. Prohibition of Usury The Bible also addresses the issue of usury, or the charging of excessive interest on loans. In Deuteronomy 23:19-20 , it is commanded: "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land you are entering to possess." This commandment underscores the principle of brotherly love and the importance of supporting fellow Israelites without exploiting their financial difficulties. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Bible also offers insights into the nature of debt and financial prudence. Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential bondage that debt can create, urging individuals to exercise wisdom and restraint in financial matters. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly mention mortgages as understood in modern financial systems, its teachings on debt, pledges, and economic justice provide valuable principles for managing financial obligations. The biblical emphasis on compassion, fairness, and the protection of the vulnerable continues to inform Christian perspectives on financial ethics and responsibility. Topical Bible Verses Nehemiah 5:3Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A conveyance of property, upon condition, as security for the payment of a debt or the performance of a duty, and to become void upon payment or performance according to the stipulated terms; also, the written instrument by which the conveyance is made.2. (n.) State of being pledged; as, lands given in mortgage. 3. (v. t.) To grant or convey, as property, for the security of a debt, or other engagement, upon a condition that if the debt or engagement shall be discharged according to the contract, the conveyance shall be void, otherwise to become absolute, subject, however, to the right of redemption. 4. (v. t.) Hence: To pledge, either literally or figuratively; to make subject to a claim or obligation. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MORTGAGEmor'-gaj (arabh): To give or be security as a part of bartering, give pledges, become surety. In time of great need for food, "Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging (the King James Version "have mortgaged") our fields," etc. (Nehemiah 5:3). Strong's Hebrew 6148. arab -- to take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange... engage, intermeddle with, mingle self, mortgage, occupy, give pledges,. A primitive root; to braid, ie Intermix; technically, to ... /hebrew/6148.htm - 6k Library Prayers Answered Job's Sure Knowledge The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... Christ the Mediator of the Covenant Martin Rinkart Leadership for Service Close of the Colonial Era --The German Churches --The Beginnings ... The Sleeping Apostle Of Atheistical Discourse. On Sleeping in Church Thesaurus Mortgage... made. 2. (n.) State of being pledged; as, lands given in mortgage. 3. (vt ... obligation. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MORTGAGE. mor'-gaj ... /m/mortgage.htm - 7k Morter (7 Occurrences) Redeem (56 Occurrences) Equitable (2 Occurrences) Execute (83 Occurrences) Dip (17 Occurrences) Mortgaged (1 Occurrence) Bond (32 Occurrences) Cover (254 Occurrences) Carry (246 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.orgThe Christian and Money ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)? | GotQuestions.org Mortgage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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