Deuteronomy 15:3
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנָּכְרִ֖י
Of a foreigner
H5237
הַנָּכְרִ֖י
Of a foreigner
Strong's:
H5237
Word #:
2 of 10
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
תִּגֹּ֑שׂ
thou mayest exact
H5065
תִּגֹּ֑שׂ
thou mayest exact
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
3 of 10
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אָחִ֖יךָ
it again but that which is thine with thy brother
H251
אָחִ֖יךָ
it again but that which is thine with thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
8 of 10
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Historical Context
Israel engaged in regular trade and commerce with surrounding nations. The sabbatical release did not require forgiving all international debts, which would have been economically unsustainable and likely prompted foreign avoidance of loans to Israelites.
The distinction allowed Israel to maintain normal commercial relationships externally while implementing radical grace-based economics internally among the covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God distinguish between covenant brothers and foreigners in debt forgiveness?
- What does this teach about special obligations within the covenant community?
- How does this principle apply to Christian responsibility toward fellow believers?
- What would have happened if debt release had applied to all international commerce?
- How should balance between care for all people and special care for believers be maintained?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release. The distinction between foreigners and brothers reveals the covenant basis of sabbatical release. Special obligations exist within the covenant community that do not extend to outside commercial relationships.
Debts owed by foreigners (non-Israelites) could still be collected, as they were not part of the covenant community subject to Israel's internal social legislation. This maintained normal commercial relationships with surrounding nations while creating special economic mercy among God's people.
The phrase that which is thine with thy brother emphasizes covenant family relationship. Fellow Israelites were not merely business associates but brothers in covenant, sharing special bonds requiring mutual care and periodic economic restoration.
This parallels New Testament teaching about special obligations to the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). While Christians should do good to all, they bear particular responsibility for fellow believers' welfare.