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 15:9KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 15:9 mean?
Deuteronomy 15:9 warns people not to let selfish or hard thoughts stop them from helping a poor fellow Israelite, especially as the “year of release” approaches, when debts would be forgiven. The verse says refusing to help out of fear of not being repaid is considered sinful before God.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites about the laws God gave them for living together in the land. The “seventh year, the year of release” refers to a special time when debts were canceled to prevent long-term poverty. The verse addresses the temptation to withhold help from someone in need just because the lender might lose money soon, highlighting the importance of generosity and compassion over self-interest.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:9
- “Beware” (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to watch carefully or guard oneself. The warning is not just about outward actions but about guarding one’s inner attitude.
- “Wicked” (בְּלִיַּעַל, beliyya‘al): This word often means “worthless” or “good-for-nothing,” but here it points to a heart that is morally corrupt or selfish, not just evil in a general sense.
- “Release” (שְׁמִטָּה, shemittah): This is the technical term for the seventh-year cancellation of debts. Knowing this word helps clarify that the verse is about a real economic practice, not just a spiritual idea.
- “Eye be evil” (רַע, ra‘): The phrase “your eye be evil” means to look with stinginess or ill will, not just to see something bad. It’s about an attitude of reluctance to help.
Why Deuteronomy 15:9 matters
- Deuteronomy 15:9 clarifies that God cares not just about actions but also about motives and attitudes, especially in how people treat the poor.
- The verse highlights the real social and economic pressures Israelites faced, showing that God’s laws aimed to build a community where compassion overcomes self-protection.
- This verse connects to the larger theme in Deuteronomy 15 about caring for the vulnerable and trusting God’s provision, even when it seems risky or costly.