Deuteronomy 15:9
Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
Deuteronomy 15:9 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from Deuteronomy, God warns his people against being selfish and greedy during the year of release, a time when debts were forgiven and slaves were set free. The verse cautions against harboring thoughts of withholding help from a poor brother just because the year of release is approaching. It emphasizes the importance of being generous and compassionate towards those in need, especially during times of economic hardship. By reminding the people that the Lord hears the cries of the poor and that neglecting to help them is considered a sin, the verse serves as a moral compass for guiding behavior towards others. It teaches the importance of kindness, empathy, and fairness in all interactions, even when tempted to prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's command to love one another and to treat others with the same care and respect that we would want for ourselves.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Deuteronomy 15:9, there is a warning against harboring wicked thoughts in one's heart, particularly regarding the Year of Release. The Year of Release, which occurred every seventh year, was a time when debts were to be forgiven, and those in need were to be helped. The caution is against allowing selfishness and greed to override the command to care for those less fortunate. The mention of having an evil eye towards one's poor brother indicates a lack of generosity and compassion, leading to withholding assistance from someone who is in need. This behavior would result in the poor individual crying out to the Lord against the oppressor, making it a sin in the eyes of God. The significance of this passage lies in the theological interpretation of social justice, compassion, and the importance of caring for those who are vulnerable and in need. It serves as a reminder to prioritize kindness and generosity towards others, especially during times of abundance and blessing.
Deuteronomy 15:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
Beware that there be not a base thought in thy heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou give him nought; and he cry unto Jehovah against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
World English Bible
Beware that there not be a base thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand”; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you.
Douay-Rheims
Beware lest perhaps a wicked thought steal in upon thee, and thou say in thy heart: The seventh year of remission draweth nigh; and thou turn away thy eyes from thy poor brother, denying to lend him that which he asketh: lest he cry against thee to the Lord, and it become a sin unto thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beware that there be not a wicked thought in thine heart, to say, The seuenth yeere, the yeere of freedome is at hand: therefore it grieueth thee to looke on thy poore brother, and thou giuest him nought, and he crie vnto the Lord against thee, so that sinne be in thee: