Deuteronomy 15:2
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that this isn't just a financial policy, but a "Lord's release," underscoring that true release comes from God. It's a call to reflect His own generous nature, not just a legal obligation, revealing that obedience is rooted in acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and grace.
And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the LORD’s release has been proclaimed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a broader section in Deuteronomy detailing the "year of release," a seventh-year cycle instituted by God for the Israelites. It follows the commandment to proclaim this release at the appointed time, and it specifically outlines the obligation for every Israelite creditor to forgive debts owed by their fellow Israelites, emphasizing that this act of mercy is ordained by God. The context makes it clear that this release is a divinely appointed reset, meant to prevent perpetual poverty and reinforce community bonds within the Promised Land.
Imagine a year where debts vanish and land rests. This wasn't just a social program; it was a divine reset button for Israel.
Deuteronomy 15 introduces the 'year of release,' a command for creditors to forgive debts owed by their fellow Israelites. This wasn't a cancellation of all debt forever, but a specific, mandated forbearance during the Sabbatical year.
Why link debt release to the 'LORD's release'? It wasn't just about being nice; it was about honoring God and trusting His provision.
Ask a follow-up
The phrase 'because the LORD’s release has been proclaimed' is crucial. This wasn't merely a human economic policy; it was an act of obedience to God's specific command and a recognition of His sovereignty.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
This passage beautifully illustrates the concept of release through the parable of the two debtors, directly paralleling the idea of a creditor forgiving a debt. It highlights that forgiveness is tied to love and gratitude, much like the release in Deuteronomy was an act of obedience and love for God.
Matthew 6:12Jesus teaches us to pray, 'Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.' This directly connects the earthly concept of financial release in Deuteronomy to the spiritual release of forgiveness of sins, showing a profound spiritual parallel.
Exodus 23:10-11This earlier passage establishes the principle of the land resting every seventh year, which included the cessation of agricultural labor. This context helps explain the 'release' in Deuteronomy 15 as a systemic provision for economic and social rest, tied to the land's cycles.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11Paul speaks of sowing bountifully and God's abundant blessing on those who give generously. This resonates with Deuteronomy's promise that obedience to the release law would result in God's blessing, emphasizing the principle of cheerful, generous giving and its divine rewards.
Isaiah 58:3-7This prophetic passage critiques those who fast and observe religious duties while still oppressing others and neglecting acts of justice and compassion. It warns against a superficial observance of God's commands, much like the caution in Deuteronomy against grudgingly observing the release year.
calvinDeuteronomy 15:1-11: "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release."
And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbor shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbor, or of his brother; because it is called the Lord's release.
Haec autem est ratio remissionis, ut remittat omnis qui mutuum dederit manu sua, id quod mutuum dederit amico suo: non reposcet ab amico suo, aut a fratre suo, quia proclamata est remissio Jehovae.
3.…
gillDeuteronomy 15:2: "And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release."
And this is the manner of the release,.... Or the rules to be observed in making it: every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; that is, forgive the debt, or free the debtor from any obligation to payment. Some think this was only a release…
The verse highlights that this isn't just a financial policy, but a "Lord's release," underscoring that true release comes from God. It's a call to reflect His own generous nature, not just a legal obligation, revealing that obedience is rooted in acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and grace.
This passage is part of a broader section in Deuteronomy detailing the "year of release," a seventh-year cycle instituted by God for the Israelites. It follows the commandment to proclaim this release at the appointed time, and it specifically outlines the obligation for every Israelite creditor to forgive debts owed by their fellow Israelites, emphasizing that this act of mercy is ordained by God. The context makes it clear that this release is a divinely appointed reset, meant to prevent perpetual poverty and reinforce community bonds within the Promised Land.
This passage is part of a broader section in Deuteronomy detailing the "year of release," a seventh-year cycle instituted by God for the Israelites. It follows the commandment to proclaim this release at the appointed time, and it specifically outlines the obligation for every Israelite creditor to forgive debts owed by their fellow Israelites, emphasizing that this act of mercy is ordained by God. The context makes it clear that this release is a divinely appointed reset, meant to prevent perpetual poverty and reinforce community bonds within the Promised Land.
"And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the LORD’s release has been proclaimed." — The verse highlights that this isn't just a financial policy, but a "Lord's release," underscoring that true release comes from God. It's a call to reflect His own generous nature, not just a legal o…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
