Deuteronomy 15:1
Deuteronomy 15:1 in Multiple Translations
At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
At the end of every seven years there is to be a general forgiveness of debt.
You are to cancel debts at the end of every seven years.
At the terme of seuen yeeres thou shalt make a freedome.
'At the end of seven years thou dost make a release,
At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts.
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
In the seventh year thou shalt make a remission,
“At the end of every seven years, you must ◄cancel all debts/tell people who owe you money that they do not need to pay it back►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 15:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/קֵּ֥ץ
שֶֽׁבַע
שָׁנִ֖ים
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
שְׁמִטָּֽה
מִ/קֵּ֥ץ
qêts
H7093
end
Prep | N-ms
שֶֽׁבַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שְׁמִטָּֽה
shᵉmiṭṭâh
H8059
remission
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:1
מִ/קֵּ֥ץ
qêts
H7093
"end"
Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
שֶֽׁבַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שְׁמִטָּֽה
shᵉmiṭṭâh
H8059
"remission"
N-fs
This word refers to a release from debt or a break from work, like a temporary suspension of labor. It's about letting go of something, like a financial obligation. The KJV translates it as release.
Definition: letting drop of exactions, (temporary) remitting, release (from debt)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: release. See also: Deuteronomy 15:1; Deuteronomy 15:9; Deuteronomy 31:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 15:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:1
Context — The Seventh Year
1At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.
2This is the manner of remission: Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed. 3You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 31:10 | Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, |
| 2 | Exodus 23:10–11 | For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove. |
| 3 | Leviticus 25:2–4 | “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD. For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard. |
| 4 | Exodus 21:2 | If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. |
| 5 | Luke 4:18–19 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 36:8–18 | So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. In the house of the LORD he read the words of the LORD from the scroll. Now in the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a fast before the LORD was proclaimed to all the people of Jerusalem and all who had come there from the cities of Judah. From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people. When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the LORD from the scroll, he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. And Micaiah reported to them all the words he had heard Baruch read from the scroll in the hearing of the people. Then all the officials sent word to Baruch through Jehudi son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, saying, “Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come here.” So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll and went to them. “Please sit down,” they said, “and read it in our hearing.” So Baruch read it in their hearing. When they had heard all these words, they turned to one another in fear and said to Baruch, “Surely we must report all these words to the king.” “Tell us now,” they asked Baruch, “how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?” “It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 61:1–3 | The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. |
Deuteronomy 15:1 Summary
[This verse, Deuteronomy 15:1, is saying that every seven years, the people of Israel were to cancel any debts that were owed to them. This was a way of showing God's love and care for his people, and reminding them that He is the one who provides for them (as seen in Exodus 23:10-11). It's not just about money, but about trusting in God's goodness and being willing to let go of things that can hold us back. By canceling debts, the Israelites were able to start fresh and have a new beginning, just like we can have a new beginning in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of canceling debts at the end of every seven years?
This practice, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:1, was a way to provide financial relief to those in need and to remind the people of God's provision and care, as also emphasized in Leviticus 25:10 and Exodus 23:10-11.
Does this mean that all debts are canceled, including those owed to non-Israelites?
According to Deuteronomy 15:3, debts owed to foreigners did not have to be canceled, but those owed to fellow Israelites were to be forgiven, highlighting the importance of community and brotherly love, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
How does this relate to our lives today, as we do not live under the same economic and social structures as ancient Israel?
While the specific practice of canceling debts every seven years may not be directly applicable, the underlying principle of showing mercy and compassion to those in need is still relevant, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Luke 6:30-35.
Is this concept of debt cancellation related to the concept of jubilee in the Bible?
Yes, the idea of canceling debts in Deuteronomy 15:1 is related to the concept of jubilee, as described in Leviticus 25:8-55, where every 50th year all debts were to be canceled and slaves were to be freed, symbolizing God's redemption and restoration of his people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show mercy and compassion to those in need, just as God shows mercy to me?
- How can I apply the principle of canceling debts to my own life and relationships, even if it's not a literal debt?
- In what ways do I need to trust in God's provision and care, rather than relying on my own financial security?
- How can I balance the need to be responsible with my finances with the need to show generosity and kindness to others?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:1
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. Not of servants, for they were not to be dismissed from their service until they had served six years, as is directed to in a following law;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:1
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. At the end of every seven years - during the last of the seven; i:e., the Sabbatical year (Exodus 21:2; Exodus 28:11; Leviticus 25:4; Jeremiah 34:14).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
CHAPTER 15 The seventh year a year of release, , to their brethren only, ,3. God promiseth to bless them in the land of Canaan, ; and commandeth them to lend freely to the poor, . The firstlings to be sanctified and eaten before the Lord, . i.e. In the last year of the seven, as is most evident from . So the like phrase is oft used, as . And this year of release, as it is called below, , is the same with the sabbatical year, .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
Deuteronomy 15:1 At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release.Ver. 1. At the end of every.] This Sabbatical year signified the year of grace, the kingdom of Christ, wherein all Israelites indeed are discharged of their debts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
XV.(1) At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.—The Law in this place is an extension of that which we find in Exodus 21:2, &c, and Leviticus 25:3, &c., There was not only to be a manumission of Hebrew slaves and a Sabbath for the land in the seventh year, but also a release of debts, of which all the Israelites must have the benefit.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
CHAPTER XV The Sabbatical year of release, 1. The manner in which this release shall take place, 2-5. Of lending to the poor, and the disposition in which it should be done, 6-11. Of the Hebrew servant who has served six years, and who shall be dismissed well furnished, 12-15. The ceremony of boring the ear, when the servant wishes to continue with his master, 16-18. Of the firstlings of the flock and herd, 19, 20. Nothing shall be offered that has any blemish, 21. The sacrifice to be eaten both by the clean and unclean, except the blood, which is never to be eaten, but poured out upon the ground, 22, 23. NOTES ON CHAP. XV Verse 1.
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release] For an explanation of many things in this chapter, see the notes on Exod. xxi. and xxiii., and Lev. xxv.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:1
1. At the end of seven years] So Heb. That is, in the seventh year, as is clearly put in Deuteronomy 15:12 (cp. Jeremiah 34:14): see also Deuteronomy 14:28. a release] or remission, Heb. shemiṭ ?ṭ ?ah from shamaṭ ?, to let drop (2 Kings 9:33; let her drop) or lapse: Exodus 23:11, thou shalt let it (the land or its crop) lapse, i.e. lie fallow; Deuteronomy 15:3 of a debt.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 15:1
The year of release is no doubt identical with the sabbatical year of the earlier legislation (Exodus 23:10 ff, and Leviticus 25:2 ff), the command of the older legislation being here amplified.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1
THE YEAR OF RELEASE, THE OF HEBREW SLAVES, AND THE OF THE OF THEIR CATTLE TO SACRED AND . 1. Every seven years… a release — This was the same as the sabbatical rear of the earlier books. See Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:4.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Needle's Eye) 11 - the Old Testament View by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the Old Testament scriptures that address obedience to God's commandments, the dangers of greed and discontentment, the importance of stewardship, and |
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Of Public Hearings of the Word. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of public hearing of the Word as a vital ordinance in the Christian faith, tracing its roots from the synagogue worship to the early church. H |
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Seeking God With All Our Heart by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their lives and identify where they may have gone astray from following God. He emphasizes the importance of prior |
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An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T |
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(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 2. Rebuildling the House of the Lord by Roy Hession | The video shown in the sermon was a documentary made by a television network in America, showcasing testimonies of people who had been reached by Jesus. The speaker was deeply move |
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Jubilee - Part 1 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on personal testimonies or experiences, but rather on the wonders of God. He highlights the need for a |
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Preparing the Way of the Lord in Our Church Life by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our lives are a loan from God. He encourages Christians to take regular breaks from the busyness of life a |