Deuteronomy 15:3 - Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 15:3" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 15:3 addresses the practice of lending money and forgiving debts, specifically focusing on the treatment of foreigners versus fellow Israelites. Let's break it down:
"Of a foreigner you may require it..." This part means that if you lent money to a foreigner, you were permitted to demand repayment.
"...but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release." This part means that if you lent money to a fellow Israelite (your "brother"), you were required to forgive the debt. "Release" here refers to the practice of cancelling debts, particularly during the Sabbatical year (every seventh year).
In essence, the verse is establishing a distinction in how debts are handled based on the borrower's nationality:
Foreigners: Debts owed by foreigners could be pursued and collected.
Fellow Israelites: Debts owed by fellow Israelites were to be forgiven (released), especially during the Sabbatical year.
The underlying principles and intentions:
Care for the community: The law aimed to prevent Israelites from falling into perpetual poverty and dependence on one another. Forgiving debts helped to create a more equitable society and prevent exploitation within the community.
Brotherhood and solidarity: The term "brother" emphasizes the kinship and shared responsibility within the Israelite community. Forgiving debts was seen as an act of brotherly love and support.
Distinct treatment of outsiders: The different treatment of foreigners reflects the social and economic realities of the time. Foreigners were often seen as outside the protective covenant of the Israelite community. It's important to note this differential treatment is a reflection of the social norms of that era and doesn't necessarily align with modern ethical standards. Some scholars also suggest it helped to protect the Israelite economy from being exploited by outsiders.
Important Considerations:
Sabbatical Year: The "release" was primarily associated with the Sabbatical year, a time for rest, restoration, and debt forgiveness.
Ideal vs. Reality: Historical evidence suggests that these laws were not always perfectly followed in practice.
Interpretation: The meaning of these verses has been debated and interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some interpretations emphasize the moral and ethical principles behind the laws, while others focus on the specific legal and social context of ancient Israel.
In summary, Deuteronomy 15:3 differentiates between forgiving debts of fellow Israelites and pursuing debts from foreigners. It underscores the importance of communal responsibility and preventing economic hardship within the Israelite community, while reflecting the social realities and boundaries of that time.
Deuteronomy 15:3 - Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release.
What does "Deuteronomy 15:3" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 15:3 addresses the practice of lending money and forgiving debts, specifically focusing on the treatment of foreigners versus fellow Israelites. Let's break it down:
"Of a foreigner you may require it..." This part means that if you lent money to a foreigner, you were permitted to demand repayment.
"...but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release." This part means that if you lent money to a fellow Israelite (your "brother"), you were required to forgive the debt. "Release" here refers to the practice of cancelling debts, particularly during the Sabbatical year (every seventh year).
In essence, the verse is establishing a distinction in how debts are handled based on the borrower's nationality:
Foreigners: Debts owed by foreigners could be pursued and collected.
Fellow Israelites: Debts owed by fellow Israelites were to be forgiven (released), especially during the Sabbatical year.
The underlying principles and intentions:
Care for the community: The law aimed to prevent Israelites from falling into perpetual poverty and dependence on one another. Forgiving debts helped to create a more equitable society and prevent exploitation within the community.
Brotherhood and solidarity: The term "brother" emphasizes the kinship and shared responsibility within the Israelite community. Forgiving debts was seen as an act of brotherly love and support.
Distinct treatment of outsiders: The different treatment of foreigners reflects the social and economic realities of the time. Foreigners were often seen as outside the protective covenant of the Israelite community. It's important to note this differential treatment is a reflection of the social norms of that era and doesn't necessarily align with modern ethical standards. Some scholars also suggest it helped to protect the Israelite economy from being exploited by outsiders.
Important Considerations:
Sabbatical Year: The "release" was primarily associated with the Sabbatical year, a time for rest, restoration, and debt forgiveness.
Ideal vs. Reality: Historical evidence suggests that these laws were not always perfectly followed in practice.
Interpretation: The meaning of these verses has been debated and interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some interpretations emphasize the moral and ethical principles behind the laws, while others focus on the specific legal and social context of ancient Israel.
In summary, Deuteronomy 15:3 differentiates between forgiving debts of fellow Israelites and pursuing debts from foreigners. It underscores the importance of communal responsibility and preventing economic hardship within the Israelite community, while reflecting the social realities and boundaries of that time.