Suretiship
Fausset's Bible Dictionary [1]
("Person for person".) ( Genesis 43:9). The hand was given in token of undertaking the office or becoming responsible for a debt ( Job 17:13; Proverbs 6:1; Psalms 119:122; Isaiah 38:14): "undertake (harbeeni ) for me," Hebrew "be surety for me." Christ is the "surety (enguos ) of a better testament" ( Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 9:11-15); Jeremiah 30:21, "who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto Me?" literally, pledged his life, a thing unique: Messiah alone made His life responsible for ours. "Heart" implies the courage it needed to undertake such a tremendous suretiship; the question implies admiration at His union of Godhead and manhood qualifying Him for the work.
Morrish Bible Dictionary [2]
To become surety for another is condemned in the Proverbs as being unwise: "he that hateth suretiship is sure." To be surety for a stranger is totally condemned. Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 11:15; Proverbs 17:18; Proverbs 22:26 . Many a Christian has suffered by being surety for a friend. It may be difficult to refuse, but it is unrighteousness unless the one who is surety can bear the loss if it should fall upon him.
The Psalmist asks God to be surety for him for good, Psalm 119:122; and the Lord Jesus is made surety of a better testament, or covenant, than that made with Israel. Hebrews 7:22 . He is the powerful One who is certain of being able to bring to pass in its due time all that is foretold that He will do in carrying out the purpose of God.
King James Dictionary [3]
SU'RETISHIP, n. from surety. The state of being surety the obligation of a person to answer for another, and make good any debt or loss which may occur from another's delinquency.
He that hateth suretiship is sure. Proverbs 11
Webster's Dictionary [4]
(n.) Suretyship.
