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.

DEUTERONOMY 15:2KJV
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Deuteronomy 15:2 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:2 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:2 explains that every creditor in Israel must cancel debts owed by fellow Israelites at the time of the "release," meaning they cannot demand repayment from their neighbors or brothers because this time is set apart as the LORD’s release. This verse sets out a specific command for forgiving debts among the Israelite community during a special, recurring year.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, giving them laws for living as God’s people. The "release" refers to the Sabbath year, which happened every seven years, when debts were to be forgiven. This command is about building a community marked by mercy and trust in God’s provision, rather than holding onto debts between fellow Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:2

  • The word "release" is שְׁמִטָּה (shemittah), meaning a letting go or a release. This is not just a postponement but a complete cancellation of debts, emphasizing a fresh start.
  • "Creditor" here is בַּעַל מַשֶּׁה (ba‘al masheh), literally "master of a loan." This highlights the authority a lender had, which is now set aside during the release.
  • "Exact" is נָשָׁה (nashah), meaning to press or demand payment. The command is not to pressure or pursue repayment during this special time.
  • "Neighbor" (רֵעַ, re‘a) and "brother" (אָח, ’ach) both appear, showing the law’s focus on relationships within the Israelite community, not outsiders.

Why Deuteronomy 15:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the release of debts was not a general economic policy but a specific act of mercy within the Israelite community, tied to their covenant with God.
  • It shows that the law was designed to prevent long-term cycles of poverty and debt among Israelites, encouraging generosity and trust.
  • The emphasis on "the LORD’s release" reminds the people that this act of forgiveness is rooted in God’s character and authority, not just human kindness.

Where else these words appear

“release” Hebrew H8059 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 15:1 At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
  • Deuteronomy 15:9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
  • Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

“release” Hebrew H8058 · used in 8 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Samuel 6:6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

“lendeth” Hebrew H5383 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • 2 Kings 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
  • Psalms 109:11 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.

“exact” Hebrew H5065 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
  • 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
  • Isaiah 14:2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.