Deuteronomy 15:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The debt release applies only to fellow Israelites, not to foreigners.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:3
The release applies only within the covenant community.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:3 Mean?
This distinction reflects the structure of covenant community in ancient Israel. The release was bound to kinship and shared membership under God's law. Foreigners, while protected from abuse, were not part of the same covenant family and therefore not covered by this particular practice.
The law preserves the creditor's right to recover from foreigners while insisting on mercy toward 'thy brother.' This reinforces that the release is an expression of brotherhood, not general economic policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:3
What does Deuteronomy 15:3 mean?
The debt release applies only to fellow Israelites, not to foreigners.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:3?
The release applies only within the covenant community.