King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:2 in the King James Version says “And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall n... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. creditor: Heb. master of the lending of his hand

Deuteronomy 15:2 · KJV


Context

1

At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.

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. creditor: Heb. master of the lending of his hand

3

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;

4

Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Save: or, To the end that there be no poor among you


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does mandatory debt forgiveness reveal about God's economic justice?
  2. How does the sabbatical release anticipate the prayer to forgive our debts?
  3. Why did God distinguish between debts owed by Israelites versus foreigners?
  4. What would contemporary society look like if periodic debt forgiveness were implemented?
  5. How does God's character as forgiving creditor shape His economic legislation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְזֶה֮1 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דְּבַ֣ר2 of 21

And this is the manner

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שְׁמִטָּ֖ה3 of 21

of the release

H8059

remission (of debt) or suspension of labor)

שָׁמ֗וֹט4 of 21

shall release

H8058

to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit

כָּל5 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בַּ֙עַל֙6 of 21

Every creditor

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

מַשֵּׁ֣ה7 of 21
H4874

a debt

יָד֔וֹ8 of 21
H3027

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַשֶּׁ֖ה10 of 21

that lendeth

H5383

to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest

רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙11 of 21

it of his neighbour

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לֹֽא12 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִגֹּ֤שׂ13 of 21

it he shall not exact

H5065

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

אֶת14 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙15 of 21

it of his neighbour

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְאֶת16 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָחִ֔יו17 of 21

or of his brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

כִּֽי18 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָרָ֥א19 of 21

because it is called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמִטָּ֖ה20 of 21

of the release

H8059

remission (of debt) or suspension of labor)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃21 of 21

the LORD'S

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 15:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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