releaseשְׁמִטָּה
shemittah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the sabbatical year (shemitah) during which debts were canceled and land rested, symbolizing God's sovereign ownership of all things and His mercy toward His people. It reflects the principle of grace and the temporary nature of earthly burdens.
creditorנָשֶׁה
nasheh · Hebrew Noun
One who lends money or goods, often in a position of power. Biblically, those in a position to lend were commanded to act with compassion and justice, recognizing that all wealth ultimately belongs to God.
brotherאָח
ach · Hebrew Noun
One who belongs to the same covenant community, sharing the same faith and standing before God. This relationship demands a high standard of brotherly love, fair treatment, and mutual support in times of need.
foreignerנָכְרִי
nokriy · Hebrew Noun
Refers to one who is outside the covenant community of Israel. While the law permitted different treatment of foreigners regarding specific economic regulations, the broader biblical narrative calls for ethical treatment of the "sojourner."
poorאֶבְיוֹן
ebyon · Hebrew Noun
The state of being destitute or lacking the necessities of life. Biblically, poverty is seen as a condition that demands the care and generosity of the community, as God is the special protector of the poor.
blessבָּרַךְ
barak · Hebrew Verb
To bestow favor, prosperity, or divine benefit. It signifies God's active involvement in the lives of His people, providing not only material needs but also spiritual well-being and favor.
inheritanceנַחֲלָה
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A portion or property received through divine promise or ancestral right. It signifies the security and stability granted by God to His people as His covenant possession.
obeyשָׁמַע
shama · Hebrew Verb
To hear and act upon; to submit to divine authority. Obedience in the Bible is active, not passive, involving a life aligned with God's revealed will and moral standards.
commandmentמִצְוָה
mitzvah · Hebrew Noun
A divine instruction or moral directive given by God for the well-being and holiness of His people. It is an expression of God's character and a path for life.
the LORDיהוה
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His faithfulness, holiness, and self-existence. It is the name by which He entered into a special, redemptive relationship with Israel.
blessבָּרַךְ
barak · Hebrew Verb
The act of bestowing favor, prosperity, or divine approval upon someone. Biblically, it encompasses both material and spiritual well-being resulting from obedience and God's sovereign grace.
poorאֶבְיוֹן
ebyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A person who is destitute, needy, or lacking the basic necessities of life. The Bible emphasizes God's concern for this group and demands that His people provide for them with compassion and justice.
brotherאָח
ach · Hebrew Noun
In this context, refers to a fellow Israelite, reflecting the covenantal bond of the community of God's people. It suggests a shared identity and mutual responsibility under the Lord's law.
heartלֵבָב
lebab · Hebrew Noun
Metaphorically represents the inner person—the seat of thought, will, desire, and moral decision-making. To 'harden' it signifies obstinacy, stubbornness, or a refusal to obey God's commands.
year of releaseשְׁמִטָּה
shemittah · Hebrew Noun
A reference to the Sabbatical year (also called the year of remission) occurring every seventh year, in which debts were to be forgiven or released among Israelites. It functioned as a mechanism for social restoration and trust in God's provision.
sinחַטָּאָה
chatta'ah · Hebrew Noun
A state of falling short of God's holy standard, or an act of rebellion against His law. It brings guilt upon the individual and breaks fellowship with God, requiring repentance and atonement.
grudgingרָעַע
ra'a' · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
Refers to having a stingy, mean, or envious spirit, specifically regarding the possessor's wealth. It stands in direct opposition to the biblical command to be generous and compassionate toward the needy.
poor/needyאֶבְיוֹן
ebyon · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those lacking the material resources necessary for basic survival or dignity; often presented in Scripture as special objects of God's concern and protection.
brotherאָח
ach · Hebrew Noun
A kinsman or fellow member of the covenant community, implying a shared identity and mutual obligation before God.
