Translations
Modern
Do not take a pair of millstones or even an upper millstone as security for a debt, because that would be taking one’s livelihood as security.
Traditional
No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man’s life to pledge.
Literal
No one shall take in pledge the lower or the upper millstone, for it is a life for a pledge.
Latin
Non accipies loco pignoris inferiorem, et superiorem molam: quia animam suam opposuit tibi.
Original
Hebrew
English
Do not take a pair of millstones or even an upper millstone as security for a debt, because that would be taking one’s livelihood as security.
Notes
that would be taking one’s livelihood (literally it is his life): Without his tool, the millstone owner might die. The law set a limit on what could secure a loan. The millstone probably represents any way a person earned a living.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Debt Deuteronomy, Book of Mill
Topics
Creditor: Laws Concerning Creditors: Prohibited From: Taking Millstones in Pledge Debt: Security For Lending: General Scriptures Concerning Mill: Upper and Lower Stones of Mills: Stones Used in not to be Taken in Pledge Millstone: Not to be Taken As a Pledge