Bail
Bail (Heb. עָרַב, arab', to become surety; Gr. ἐγγυᾶσθαι), as a legal regulation, does not occur in the Mosaic civil polity, nor is the word found in the Auth. Vers. of the Scriptures; but the custom nevertheless prevailed among the (later) Hebrews, as is evident from the many allusions to it in the Book of Proverbs. Indeed, these maxims are evidence of great rigor in the enforcement of such obligations (Pr 11:15; Pr 17:18; Pr 22:26), and recommend great caution (6 sq.) in view of the fact that the security was treated quite as severely as the debtor (comp. the Mishna, Baba Bathra, 10:7) in whose stead he was held (Pr 20:16; Pr 22:27). A somewhat milder sentiment is expressed in the Apocrypha (Sir. 29:17), yet not without a warning to prudence (8 16; 29:21 [24]). SEE SURETY.
