Exodus 23:11
But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.
Original Language Analysis
תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה
year thou shalt let it rest
H8058
תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה
year thou shalt let it rest
Strong's:
H8058
Word #:
2 of 14
to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit
וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ
and lie
H5203
וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ
and lie
Strong's:
H5203
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
עַמֶּ֔ךָ
of thy people
H5971
עַמֶּ֔ךָ
of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְיִתְרָ֕ם
and what they leave
H3499
וְיִתְרָ֕ם
and what they leave
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
חַיַּ֣ת
the beasts
H2416
חַיַּ֣ת
the beasts
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
9 of 14
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
כֵּֽן
H3651
כֵּֽן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
In like manner thou shalt deal
H6213
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
In like manner thou shalt deal
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The Sabbath Year's volunteer crop provision for the poor was unique in the ancient world. It required landowners to sacrifice seventh-year income, trusting God for sufficient provision in years 6 and 8.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Sabbath Year's provision for the poor demonstrate God's heart for economic justice?
- What would observing a Sabbath Year teach about trust in God's provision versus self-reliance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.
The seventh year 'rest and lie still' (תִּשְׁמְטֶנָּה וּנְטַשְׁתָּהּ, tishmettennah untashtah)—release and abandon it. Why? 'That the poor may eat' (וְאָכְלוּ אֶבְיֹנֵי עַמֶּךָ, ve'akhelu evyonei ammekha)—whatever grows wild is public property. This provides for poor, demonstrates trust in God, and gives land rest. The command extends to vineyards and olive groves. Leviticus 25:5-7 clarifies all can eat from the voluntary growth. This is built-in wealth redistribution without socialism—land ownership continues but poor access God's provision. Jesus feeds multitudes and says 'I am the bread of life'—He is the ultimate Sabbath provision.