Deuteronomy 15:3
Deuteronomy 15:3 in Multiple Translations
You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it: but whatsoever of thine is with thy brother thy hand shall release.
A man of another nation may be forced to make payment of his debt, but if your brother has anything of yours, let it go;
You are allowed to collect payments from a foreigner, but you must cancel whatever your fellow Israelite owes you.
Of a stranger thou mayest require it: but that which thou hast with thy brother, thine hand shall remit:
of the stranger thou mayest exact, and that which is thine with thy brother doth thy hand release;
Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release.
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again : but that which is thine with thy brother thy hand shall release:
Of the foreigner or stranger thou mayst exact it: of thy countryman and neighbour thou shalt not have power to demand it again.
During that year you may require foreigners who live among you to pay what they owe you, but you must not try to require that any fellow Israeli pay you what he owes you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:3
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 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
הַ/נָּכְרִ֖י
תִּגֹּ֑שׂ
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִהְיֶ֥ה
לְ/ךָ֛
אֶת
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט
יָדֶֽ/ךָ
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נָּכְרִ֖י
nokrîy
H5237
foreign
Art | Adj
תִּגֹּ֑שׂ
nâgas
H5065
to oppress
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט
shâmaṭ
H8058
to release
V-Hiphil-Juss-3fs
יָדֶֽ/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:3
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נָּכְרִ֖י
nokrîy
H5237
"foreign"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.
תִּגֹּ֑שׂ
nâgas
H5065
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To oppress or drive someone, like a taskmaster, and can also mean to exact or harass, as in Exodus 3:7.
Definition: 1) to press, drive, oppress, exact, exert demanding pressure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, drive 1a2) to exact 1a3) driver, taskmaster, ruler, oppressor, tyrant, lord, exactor of tribute (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be hard pressed
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: distress, driver, exact(-or), oppress(-or), [idiom] raiser of taxes, taskmaster. See also: Exodus 3:7; Job 39:7; Isaiah 3:5.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט
shâmaṭ
H8058
"to release"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3fs
This verb means to release or let something go, like dropping something or stopping an activity. It can also mean to throw something down or cause it to fall. The KJV translates it as release, overthrow, or let rest.
Definition: 1) to release, let drop or loose or rest or fall 1a) (Qal) to let drop or fall 1b) (Niphal) to be made to fall down, be thrown down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to let drop 1c2) to release, let drop
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: discontinue, overthrow, release, let rest, shake, stumble, throw down. See also: Exodus 23:11; 2 Kings 9:33; Psalms 141:6.
יָדֶֽ/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:3
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.
4There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, 5if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commandments I am giving you today.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 23:20 | You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess. |
| 2 | Matthew 17:25–26 | “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 6:6–7 | Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? |
| 4 | Exodus 22:25 | If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest. |
| 5 | John 8:35 | A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever. |
| 6 | Galatians 6:10 | Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. |
Deuteronomy 15:3 Summary
This verse teaches us that God wants us to be kind and forgiving to our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially when it comes to money and debts. When someone owes us money, we should be willing to forgive the debt and show them mercy, just as God has shown us mercy, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Matthew 18:21-35. However, when it comes to people outside of our community of faith, we may collect debts owed to us, but we should still seek to act with kindness and fairness, as taught in Luke 6:30-35 and Romans 13:8. By following God's commands, we can reflect His love and care for the poor and needy, and trust Him to provide for our needs, as promised in Deuteronomy 15:4-5 and Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a brother and a foreigner in Deuteronomy 15:3?
In this context, a brother refers to a fellow Israelite, while a foreigner is someone outside of the Israelite community, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:3, where God commands the Israelites to forgive debts owed by their brothers, but allows them to collect from foreigners, emphasizing the importance of community and brotherly love, as also seen in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
Does this verse mean we should never lend to foreigners or that we should always collect from them?
Deuteronomy 15:3 does not prohibit lending to foreigners, but rather allows for the collection of debts from them, while emphasizing the importance of forgiving debts among brothers, highlighting the value of mercy and compassion within the community of faith, as also taught in Luke 6:30-35 and Acts 2:44-45.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the 'year of release' mentioned in Deuteronomy 15:1-2?
The instruction in Deuteronomy 15:3 to forgive debts owed by brothers is closely tied to the 'year of release', which is a time when debts are canceled and slaves are freed, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-2 and Leviticus 25:8-55, emphasizing God's heart for justice, mercy, and the well-being of His people, as also seen in Isaiah 61:1-2.
What does this verse teach us about God's heart for the poor and needy?
Deuteronomy 15:3, along with the surrounding verses, reveals God's concern for the welfare of the poor and needy, as He commands the Israelites to cancel debts and care for one another, demonstrating His desire for His people to live in a state of economic and social shalom, as also emphasized in Psalm 140:12 and Proverbs 19:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate mercy and forgiveness to those in my community who are struggling financially?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and responsible with my finances with the command to show compassion and generosity to those in need?
- In what ways can I reflect the heart of God by caring for the poor and needy, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-11 and other scriptures?
- What are some potential consequences of not following God's commands regarding debt forgiveness and care for the poor, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:1-11 and other scriptures?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even as I seek to obey His commands regarding generosity and compassion, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:4-5 and Matthew 6:25-34?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:3
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again,.... Either on the seventh year, or after it: but that which is thine with thy brother, thine hand shall release; a debt that lies between them, where the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:3
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release; Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
A foreigner, or stranger, yea, though a proselyte. For, 1. They are oft called by this name, as . 2. Though proselytes were admitted to the church privileges of the Israelites, yet they were not admitted to all their civil immunities or privileges. See . 3. Such were not then freed from their personal debt, to wit, of their service, , therefore not from their real debt. That which is thine, to wit, by right, though lent to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
Deuteronomy 15:3 Of a foreigner thou mayest exact [it again]: but [that] which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;Ver. 3. Of a foreigner.] To show that none that are alienated from the life of God, or a godly life, have remission of sin by Christ: "he sanctifies all whom he justifies." Compare Romans 11:26 Isaiah 59:20.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:3
3. foreigner] nokrî distinct not only from neighbour- or brother-Israelite, but also from gçr the foreign client or settler in Israel (Deuteronomy 14:21).
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
3. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it — There would be a reason for dealing in a different way with the foreigner. He did not observe the sabbatical year.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jesus Pays His and Peter's Temple Tax Matthew 17:24-27 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the story of the Temple tax, highlighting how Jesus, as the Son of the King of all creation, was exempt from paying a tax on a house that belonged to God, |
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Eternal Values - Seeking God's Kingdom First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to trust the Lord and standing on our own feet. He uses the analogy of being carried on a stretcher versus learnin |
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Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Part One by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of time and its connection to love and behavior. He begins by emphasizing the need to understand the time that is being referred |
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God's Love for All Men! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, comparing it to a tragic story of a man and his son swept away by the sea, illustrating how God forsook His son to bear |
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Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
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Commands Concerning the Holy Spirit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. He shares personal anecdotes about facing challenges, such as having a flat |
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Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy |