Deuteronomy 15:9
New International Version
Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.

New Living Translation
Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the LORD, you will be considered guilty of sin.

English Standard Version
Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, ‘The seventh year, the year of release is near,’ and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the LORD against you, and you be guilty of sin.

Berean Standard Bible
Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Beware lest there be a wicked 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 out to the LORD against you, and it become sin among you.

New American Standard Bible
Be careful that there is no mean-spirited thought in your heart, such as, ‘The seventh year, the year of release of debts, is near,’ and your eye is malicious toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry out to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.

NASB 1995
“Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.

NASB 1977
“Beware, lest there is a base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Beware lest there be a vile thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of the remission of debts, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your needy brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to Yahweh against you, and it will be a sin in you.

Amplified Bible
Beware that there is no wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release (remission, pardon), is approaching,’ and your eye is hostile (unsympathetic) toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing [since he would not have to repay you]; for he may cry out to the LORD against you, and it will become a sin for you.

Christian Standard Bible
Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,’ and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,’ and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty.

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.

Contemporary English Version
Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the LORD to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.

English Revised Version
Beware that there be not a base thought in thine 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 the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the seventh year-the year when payments on debts are canceled-is near, you might be stingy toward poor Israelites and give them nothing. Be careful not to think these worthless thoughts. The poor will complain to the LORD about you, and you will be condemned for your sin.

Good News Translation
Do not refuse to lend them something, just because the year when debts are canceled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. If you refuse to make the loan, they will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be held guilty.

International Standard Version
Be careful not to think this wicked thought to yourselves: 'The seventh year, the year of remission, is drawing near,' and you show ill will toward your poor relative and not give to him. He may then call to the LORD on account of you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Majority Standard Bible
Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: ?The seventh year, the year of release, is near,? so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

NET Bible
Be careful lest you entertain the wicked thought that the seventh year, the year of cancellation of debts, has almost arrived, and your attitude be wrong toward your impoverished fellow Israelite and you do not lend him anything; he will cry out to the LORD against you and you will be regarded as having sinned.

New Heart English Bible
Be careful lest there be a wicked 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 the LORD against you, and it be sin to you.

Webster's Bible Translation
Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thy eye shall be evil against thy poor brother, and thou shalt give him naught; and he shall cry to the LORD against thee, and it shall be sin to thee.

World English Bible
Beware that there not be a wicked 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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Take heed to yourself lest there be a worthless word in your heart, saying, The seventh year [is] near, the year of release; and your eye is evil against your needy brother, and you do not give to him, and he has called to YHWH concerning you, and it has been sin in you;

Young's Literal Translation
Take heed to thee lest there be a word in thy heart -- worthless, saying, Near is the seventh year, the year of release; and thine eye is evil against thy needy brother, and thou dost not give to him, and he hath called concerning thee unto Jehovah, and it hath been in thee sin;

Smith's Literal Translation
Watch to thyself lest a word shall be with thy heart, of Belial, saying. The seventh year, the year of remission is drawing near; and thine eye be evil against thy needy brother and thou wilt not give to him; and he call against thee to Jehovah, and it was sin in thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Take care, lest perhaps an impious thought might creep within you, and you might say in your heart: ‘The seventh year of remission approaches.’ And so you might turn your eyes away from your poor brother, unwilling to lend to him what he has asked. If so, then he may cry out against you to the Lord, and it will be a sin for you.

New American Bible
Be careful not to entertain the mean thought, “The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,” so that you would begrudge your kin who is in need and give nothing, and your kin would cry to the LORD against you and you would be held guilty.

New Revised Standard Version
Be careful that you do not entertain a mean thought, thinking, “The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,” and therefore view your needy neighbor with hostility and give nothing; your neighbor might cry to the LORD against you, and you would incur guilt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Beware that there be not a wicked thought in your heart, and you say, The seventh year, the year of release, is near; and your eye be evil toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to the LORD against you, and it be sin to you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Beware lest there shall be an evil response in your heart and you will say 'The year of forgiveness has come near, the seventh year' , and your eye will become evil against your poor brother, and you will not give to him and he will cry out against you to LORD JEHOVAH and sin will be upon you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 needy brother, and thou give him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin in thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Take heed to thyself that there be not a secret thing in thine heart, an iniquity, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, draws nigh; and thine eye shall be evil to thy brother that is in want, and thou shalt not give to him, and he shall cry against thee to the Lord, and there shall be great sin in thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Generosity in Lending and Giving
8Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. 9Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 10Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.…

Cross References
Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 6:34-35
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. / But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Matthew 25:40
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Acts 4:34-35
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

Matthew 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.


Treasury of Scripture

Beware that there be not a thought in your wicked 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 the LORD against you, and it be sin to you.

Beware

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Jeremiah 17:10
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

thought, etc.

Deuteronomy 28:54-56
So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave: …

Proverbs 23:6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

Proverbs 24:9
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

he cry

Deuteronomy 24:15
At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.

Exodus 3:7
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Exodus 22:23
If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

sin unto thee

Matthew 25:41-45
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: …

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

1 John 3:15-17
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him…

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Base Beware Cry Evil Eye Hand Heart Naught Needy Nought Poor Release Remission Seventh Sin Thought Wicked
Deuteronomy 15
1. The seventh year a year of release for the poor
7. one must be generous in lending or giving
12. A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year
19. All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord.














Be careful not to harbor
The Hebrew root for "be careful" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, keep, or watch over. This implies a vigilant and proactive stance in one's spiritual and moral life. The phrase suggests an intentional effort to guard one's heart against negative inclinations. In a conservative Christian perspective, this vigilance is a call to align one's thoughts and actions with God's commandments, emphasizing the importance of internal purity and righteousness.

this wicked thought
The term "wicked" comes from the Hebrew "בְּלִיַּעַל" (belial), often associated with worthlessness or evil. The "thought" here is not just a fleeting idea but a deep-seated attitude that can lead to sin. This highlights the biblical principle that sin often begins in the heart and mind, reinforcing the need for believers to cultivate a heart that reflects God's love and justice.

in your heart
The "heart" in Hebrew, "לֵב" (lev), is considered the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is where decisions are made and intentions are formed. The scripture underscores the importance of maintaining a pure heart, as it is the wellspring of life and the source of one's actions and attitudes.

‘The seventh year, the year of release, is near,’
This refers to the "Shemitah" year, a sabbatical year observed every seven years when debts were to be forgiven. The historical context of this practice is rooted in God's provision and care for the community, ensuring that no one remains in perpetual poverty. It reflects God's justice and mercy, reminding believers of the importance of compassion and generosity.

so that you look grudgingly
The phrase "look grudgingly" translates from the Hebrew "רָעָה עַיִן" (ra'ah ayin), literally "evil eye." This idiom conveys an attitude of stinginess or envy. In biblical times, the "evil eye" was believed to have the power to harm others through jealousy or malice. This serves as a warning against allowing selfishness to dictate one's actions, especially towards those in need.

on your poor brother
The term "brother" here is not limited to familial relations but extends to fellow Israelites, emphasizing the communal responsibility to care for one another. The use of "poor" highlights the vulnerable position of those in need, calling believers to act with empathy and support, reflecting God's love for all His children.

and give him nothing
This phrase underscores the sin of omission, where failing to act in kindness and generosity is seen as a moral failing. In the conservative Christian view, it is a reminder that faith must be accompanied by works, as true faith manifests in love and service to others.

Then he may appeal to the LORD against you
The concept of appealing to the LORD indicates that God is the ultimate judge and defender of the oppressed. It serves as a sobering reminder that God hears the cries of the needy and holds His people accountable for their actions towards others.

and you will be guilty of sin
The declaration of guilt emphasizes the seriousness of neglecting one's duty to care for the poor. Sin, in this context, is not just a personal failing but a breach of covenantal responsibility. It calls believers to repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to God's standards of justice and mercy.

Verse 9. - A thought in thy wicked heart; literally, a thing in thy heart worthlessness, i.e. a thing which is worthless and unworthy. The word used is belial (בְּלִיַּעַל), which does not denote that which is wicked so much as that which is worthless. Thus, "a man of Belial" is a worthless fellow - not necessarily a wicked man (cf. Deuteronomy 13:13). And it be sin unto thee; i.e. entail guilt upon thee, and so expose thee to the Divine displeasure.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Be careful
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר (hiš·šā·mer)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

not to harbor
פֶּן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

this wicked
בְלִיַּ֜עַל (ḇə·lî·ya·‘al)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness

thought
דָבָר֩ (ḏā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

in
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

your heart,
לְבָבְךָ֨ (lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

“The seventh
הַשֶּׁבַע֮ (haš·še·ḇa‘)
Article | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

year,
שְׁנַֽת־ (šə·naṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

the year
שְׁנַ֣ת (šə·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

of release,
הַשְּׁמִטָּה֒ (haš·šə·miṭ·ṭāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8059: A letting drop, a (temporary) remitting

is near,”
קָֽרְבָ֣ה (qā·rə·ḇāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

so that you look upon
עֵֽינְךָ֗ (‘ê·nə·ḵā)
Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

your poor
הָֽאֶבְי֔וֹן (hā·’eḇ·yō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor

brother
בְּאָחִ֙יךָ֙ (bə·’ā·ḥî·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

begrudgingly
וְרָעָ֣ה (wə·rā·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad

and give him
תִתֵּ֖ן (ṯit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

nothing.
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

He will cry out
וְקָרָ֤א (wə·qā·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

against you,
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙ (‘ā·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and you will be
וְהָיָ֥ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

guilty of sin.
חֵֽטְא׃ (ḥêṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2399: A crime, its penalty


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:9 Beware that there not be a base (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 15:8
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