# pledge

## Related Ideas:

betroth, guarantee, promise

## Definition:

The term "pledge" refers to formally and solemnly promising to do something or give something.

* In the Old Testament the officials of Israel pledged to be loyal to King David.
* The terms "pledge" and "guarantee" can refer to an object given as a guarantee or promise that a debt will be paid.
* The object given as a pledge would be returned to its owner when the promise was fulfilled.
* To "betroth" is to pledge to marry someone.

Translation Suggestions:

* To "pledge" could be translated as to "formally commit to" or to "strongly promise."
* Ways to translate "a pledge" could include "a solemn promise" or "a formal commitment" or "a guarantee" or "a formal assurance," depending on the context.

(See also: [promise](../kt/promise.md), [oath](../other/oath.md), [vow](../kt/vow.md))

## Bible References:

* [2 Corinthians 05:4-5](rc://en/tn/help/2co/05/04)
* [Exodus 22:26](rc://en/tn/help/exo/22/26)
* [Genesis 38:17-18](rc://en/tn/help/gen/38/17)
* [Nehemiah 10:28-29](rc://en/tn/help/neh/10/28)

## Word Data:

* Strong's: H781, H2254, H2258, H2260, H5667, H5671, H6148, H6162, G728

## Forms Found in the English ULB:

becomes responsible, betroth, betrothed, guarantee, pledge, pledged, pledges, promise to be ... husband