In biblical times, the concept of mortgaging, while not identical to modern practices, involved pledging property or possessions as security for a debt. This practice is evident in several passages of Scripture, reflecting the socio-economic conditions of ancient Israel and the surrounding regions.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides insight into the practice of mortgaging through various laws and narratives. In Nehemiah 5:3, we find a direct reference to mortgaging: "Others were saying, 'We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.'" This passage highlights the economic distress faced by the Israelites, leading them to pledge their property to secure essential resources.

The Mosaic Law contains provisions to protect individuals from the harsh consequences of debt. For instance, Exodus 22:25-27 instructs lenders not to charge interest to fellow Israelites and to return a debtor's cloak by sunset if taken as a pledge. This reflects a concern for maintaining the dignity and basic needs of the debtor.

Leviticus 25:23-28 introduces the concept of the Year of Jubilee, a time when land that had been sold or mortgaged was to be returned to its original owner. This law underscores the importance of land as a divine inheritance and aims to prevent the permanent loss of family property due to economic hardship.

New Testament Considerations

While the New Testament does not explicitly address mortgaging, it continues the theme of compassion and fairness in financial dealings. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the importance of generosity and the dangers of wealth. In Luke 6:34-35, Jesus instructs, "If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return."

The early Christian community, as described in Acts 4:32-35, practiced a form of communal living where believers shared their possessions to ensure that no one was in need. This reflects a radical approach to property and wealth, prioritizing the well-being of the community over individual financial gain.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the biblical approach to mortgaging and debt emphasizes justice, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable. The laws given to Israel were designed to prevent exploitation and to ensure that economic transactions did not lead to the permanent disenfranchisement of individuals or families. The Year of Jubilee, in particular, serves as a reminder of God's ultimate ownership of the land and His desire for equitable distribution among His people.

In summary, while the Bible does not provide a detailed blueprint for modern financial practices, its principles encourage fairness, compassion, and a recognition of God's sovereignty over all resources. These values continue to inform Christian perspectives on economic justice and the ethical treatment of debtors.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mortgage.6148. arab -- to take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange
... 1), becomes surety (2), dare to risk (1), deal (1), dealers (1), guarantor (1),
intermingled (1), make a bargain (2), mingled (1), mortgaging (1), security (1 ...
/hebrew/6148.htm - 6k

Christ the Redeemer
... sold us. Had there not been some kind of mortgaging there had been no need
of redemption: redimere rursus emere. Jerome. When we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 christ the redeemer.htm

"When Solomon was Old. "
... bear in mind, that when we neglect prayer, or give up devotion, because we want
the time for seeking gold or any other idol, we are mortgaging our children's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxiv when solomon was old.htm

Parting Promises and Warnings
... as strong as now. Emotion fluctuates. Steadfast devotion is chary of
mortgaging the future by promises. He who knows himself is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/parting promises and warnings.htm

Mortgaging (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mortgage. Multi-Version
Concordance Mortgaging (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 5:3 Some also ...
/m/mortgaging.htm - 6k

Mortify (2 Occurrences)

/m/mortify.htm - 9k

Dearth (11 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 5:3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our
vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth. ...
/d/dearth.htm - 11k

Mortgage
... 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. ...
/m/mortgage.htm - 7k

Mortgaged (1 Occurrence)

/m/mortgaged.htm - 6k

Vineyards (55 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 5:3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our
vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth. ...
/v/vineyards.htm - 25k

Homes (43 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 5:3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our
vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth. ...
/h/homes.htm - 18k

Should a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.org

Mortgaging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus