Deuteronomy 15:2
And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release.
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶה֮
H2088
דְּבַ֣ר
And this is the manner
H1697
דְּבַ֣ר
And this is the manner
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 21
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
שְׁמִטָּ֖ה
of the release
H8059
שְׁמִטָּ֖ה
of the release
Strong's:
H8059
Word #:
3 of 21
remission (of debt) or suspension of labor)
שָׁמ֗וֹט
shall release
H8058
שָׁמ֗וֹט
shall release
Strong's:
H8058
Word #:
4 of 21
to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בַּ֙עַל֙
Every creditor
H1167
בַּ֙עַל֙
Every creditor
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
6 of 21
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
יָד֔וֹ
H3027
יָד֔וֹ
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 21
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַשֶּׁ֖ה
that lendeth
H5383
יַשֶּׁ֖ה
that lendeth
Strong's:
H5383
Word #:
10 of 21
to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִגֹּ֤שׂ
it he shall not exact
H5065
יִגֹּ֤שׂ
it he shall not exact
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
13 of 21
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָחִ֔יו
or of his brother
H251
אָחִ֔יו
or of his brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
17 of 21
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָרָ֥א
because it is called
H7121
קָרָ֥א
because it is called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
19 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern economies commonly featured debt slavery where families lost land and freedom due to inability to repay loans. These debts could span generations, creating permanent underclasses.
Israel's sabbatical release prevented such exploitation among covenant members. While debts to foreigners were not forgiven, fellow Israelites received periodic financial fresh starts.
Questions for Reflection
- What does mandatory debt forgiveness reveal about God's economic justice?
- How does the sabbatical release anticipate the prayer to forgive our debts?
- Why did God distinguish between debts owed by Israelites versus foreigners?
- What would contemporary society look like if periodic debt forgiveness were implemented?
- How does God's character as forgiving creditor shape His economic legislation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release. Creditors must release debts owed by fellow Israelites every seventh year. This radical provision prevented debt from becoming perpetual slavery and maintained economic mobility.
The phrase shall not exact it makes debt forgiveness mandatory, not optional. This was not encouraged charity but commanded justice. God's economic law required periodic cancellation of debts among covenant brothers, preventing creditor classes from exploiting the poor indefinitely.
The designation the LORD'S release reveals that debt forgiveness flows from God's character and authority. Just as God forgives His people's spiritual debts, they must forgive one another's financial debts. The principle anticipates the Lord's Prayer - forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
This creates economic system fundamentally different from surrounding cultures where debt slavery was permanent and exploitative. Israel's economy operated on grace and periodic renewal, reflecting God's redemptive character.