Deuteronomy 15:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beware {H8104} that there be not a thought {H1697} in thy wicked {H1100} heart {H3824}, saying {H559}, The seventh {H7651} year {H8141}, the year {H8141} of release {H8059}, is at hand {H7126}; and thine eye {H5869} be evil {H7489} against thy poor {H34} brother {H251}, and thou givest {H5414} him nought; and he cry {H7121} unto the LORD {H3068} against thee, and it be sin {H2399} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Guard yourself against allowing your heart to entertain the mean-spirited thought that because the seventh year, the year of sh'mittah is at hand, you would be stingy toward your needy brother and not give him anything; for then he may cry out to ADONAI against you, and it will be your 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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:9 delivers a profound and ethically penetrating warning against a specific internal temptation concerning the "year of release," or Sabbatical year, which mandated the cancellation of debts. It admonishes the Israelite to vigilantly guard against a calculating, selfish thought process that would lead to withholding aid or loans from a poor brother as the year of release approached, thereby avoiding the debt cancellation. This verse powerfully underscores God's expectation for a heart of radical generosity and compassion, revealing that such stinginess is not merely a social failing but a grievous sin against God, who hears the cries of the oppressed and holds His people accountable for their treatment of the vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:9 is strategically positioned within a broader section of laws concerning the Sabbatical year, or *shemitah*, which begins in [Deuteronomy 15:1](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1 - The Year of Release"). The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 15:1-8](/deuteronomy/15-1-8 "Deuteronomy 15:1-8 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year and Generosity") establish the command to release debts and to be open-handed in lending to the poor, promising divine blessing for obedience. Verse 9 serves as a crucial ethical hinge, directly addressing the potential internal resistance or cynical calculation an Israelite might harbor: the temptation to refuse assistance because the impending year of release would nullify the debt. It anticipates and condemns the very thought that would undermine the spirit of the law, setting the stage for further exhortations to generosity in [Deuteronomy 15:10-11](/deuteronomy/15-10-11 "Deuteronomy 15:10-11 - Blessing for Generosity and the Poor Always Present"), which reiterates the call to give freely and acknowledges the perpetual presence of the poor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbatical year was a unique socio-economic and theological institution in ancient Israel, designed to prevent the perpetual impoverishment of families, redistribute wealth, and ensure the land's rest. Every seventh year, agricultural lands lay fallow, and debts owed by fellow Israelites were to be released. This system was rooted in the covenant relationship with Yahweh, who was the ultimate owner of the land and the provider for His people. In an agrarian society where debt could easily lead to destitution and even slavery, the *shemitah* provided a vital reset mechanism, ensuring that economic disparities did not become permanent. The warning in [Deuteronomy 15:9](/deuteronomy/15-9 "Deuteronomy 15:9 - Warning Against Stinginess") highlights a practical challenge inherent in such a system: the human tendency to prioritize self-interest over covenantal obligations and compassion, especially when personal financial loss seemed imminent. This verse directly confronts the economic rationalization that would undermine God's compassionate design for His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Generosity and Compassion**, emphasizing that God's people are called to reflect His character as a benevolent provider, actively caring for the vulnerable within their community, as seen throughout the law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor")). The command goes beyond mere legal observance, delving into the **Disposition of the Heart**, revealing that God scrutinizes not only actions but also intentions, an idea central to the covenant (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD with All Your Heart")). The "evil eye" idiom encapsulates the spiritual danger of **Selfishness and Covetousness**, which manifests as a reluctance to give. Ultimately, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Accountability**, reminding Israel that God hears the cry of the oppressed and views withholding aid from the needy as a direct sin against Himself, a principle echoed in wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyaʻal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "without profit" or "worthlessness," this term (H1100) describes a heart that is fundamentally depraved, perverse, or rebellious against God's will. In this context, it signifies a disposition that calculates how to circumvent divine commands for selfish gain, demonstrating a spirit of lawlessness or worthlessness in the face of covenantal duty. It's not merely a momentary lapse but a deep-seated inclination towards self-interest over compassion.
* **Evil Eye (Hebrew, _ʻayin raʻaʻ'_):** This powerful idiom combines the Hebrew words for "eye" (H5869, _ʻayin_) and "evil" (H7489, _râʻaʻ_). It does not refer to a literal malicious gaze but signifies a spirit of stinginess, covetousness, or resentment towards someone in need. It is the antithesis of generosity and open-handedness. A person with an "evil eye" begrudges others their needs or their share, prioritizing their own accumulation over the well-being of their community. This contrasts sharply with a "good eye," which denotes generosity and benevolence.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chêṭᵉʼ'_):** This term (H2399) refers to a crime, an offense, or its penalty. In this verse, it explicitly declares that the act of withholding aid from a poor brother, motivated by a calculating and selfish heart, is not merely a social misstep but a direct transgression against God. It signifies a failure to meet a divine standard, resulting in guilt and separation from God's favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand;"**: This opening clause serves as a direct, emphatic warning, targeting the *internal* temptation and calculating mindset that precedes action. The "thought in thy wicked heart" reveals that God is concerned with the motivations and intentions, not just the outward behavior. The specific thought is a cynical rationalization: "The year of release is coming, so why should I lend or give now if the debt will be canceled soon?" This exposes a heart that prioritizes personal financial preservation over the needs of a struggling brother and the spirit of God's law.
* **"and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought;"**: This clause describes the manifestation of the "wicked heart's" thought. The "evil eye" is the outward expression of the inward stinginess and lack of compassion. It leads directly to the refusal to give or lend ("thou givest him nought"), despite the clear command to be generous. This demonstrates a practical failure of love and a direct violation of the covenantal responsibility to care for the vulnerable within the community, turning a blind eye to genuine distress.
* **"and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee."**: This final clause reveals the severe consequences of such a refusal. The "poor brother" is not left without recourse; his cry of distress and injustice ascends directly to the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). This underscores God's role as the defender of the poor and oppressed. When the poor cry out, God hears, and the act of withholding aid, born of a "wicked heart" and an "evil eye," is explicitly declared "sin." This elevates the social failing to a theological offense, a direct transgression against God's character and His covenant, incurring divine displeasure.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message and underscore its gravity. The primary device is a direct **Warning**, signaled by the imperative "Beware," which immediately grabs the audience's attention and highlights the seriousness of the potential transgression. The phrase "thine eye be evil" is a powerful **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, representing not a literal physical condition but a spiritual and moral disposition of stinginess, covetousness, and a lack of generosity. The verse also uses **Anticipation**, as it warns against a future thought and action tied to the approaching "year of release," thereby preempting potential disobedience and exposing the calculating nature of human sin. Finally, the structure presents a clear **Cause and Effect**: a wicked thought leads to an evil eye and withholding, which in turn leads to the poor crying out and the act becoming sin before the LORD, emphasizing divine justice and accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:9 is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's character and His covenant with Israel. It reveals a God who is not distant from the plight of the poor but is intimately concerned with their well-being and hears their cries. The command for generosity is not merely a social policy but a reflection of Yahweh's own benevolent nature as the ultimate provider and sustainer. To withhold from the poor, especially out of selfish calculation, is therefore not just a failure of human compassion but a direct affront to God's justice and love. This principle extends beyond the specific context of the Sabbatical year, establishing a timeless ethical imperative for God's people to embody generosity, trusting in His provision rather than succumbing to fear or greed, knowing that true prosperity is found in obedience and open-handedness.

* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")
* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:9 serves as a profound mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the hidden corners of our hearts and the motivations behind our generosity—or lack thereof. It exposes the insidious nature of self-serving calculations that can undermine true compassion. In a world often driven by financial prudence and self-preservation, this verse calls us to a higher standard: to trust God's provision so deeply that we can give freely, even when it appears to be against our immediate financial interest. Our response to the needy, whether through direct giving, lending, or advocating for justice, is a tangible expression of our obedience and love for God. The "cry unto the LORD" still resonates, reminding us that God identifies with the poor and oppressed, and our treatment of them is a direct reflection of our relationship with Him. This passage compels us to cultivate a heart that is eager to give, not out of obligation or calculation, but out of genuine love and trust in God's unfailing supply.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wicked thoughts" or selfish calculations might I harbor when faced with opportunities to give or help others, especially when it might involve personal cost?**
* **In what ways might my "eye be evil" (i.e., stingy, resentful, or begrudging) towards those in need, whether financially, emotionally, or with my time?**
* **How does my generosity (or lack thereof) reflect my true trust in God's provision for my own life and His sovereignty over my resources?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more open-handed, compassionate heart that truly reflects God's character and responds to the cries of the vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "evil eye" in this context?**

Answer: The "evil eye" (Hebrew: *ayin ra'ah*) in [Deuteronomy 15:9](/deuteronomy/15-9 "Deuteronomy 15:9 - Warning Against Stinginess") is an idiom, not referring to a literal physical gaze, but to a spiritual and moral disposition of stinginess, covetousness, or ungenerosity. It signifies a person who begrudges others, especially the poor, and is unwilling to share or help, even when capable. This contrasts sharply with a "good eye" (cf. [Proverbs 22:9](/proverbs/22-9 "Proverbs 22:9 - The Good Eye")), which denotes generosity and benevolence. Jesus also used similar imagery in [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), where a "good eye" (generous spirit) leads to spiritual light, and an "evil eye" (covetous spirit) leads to spiritual darkness. In Deuteronomy, it highlights that the internal, selfish disposition is as much a sin as the outward act of withholding.

**How does this verse relate to modern financial practices or debt?**

Answer: While the specific context of the Sabbatical year and debt cancellation is unique to ancient Israel, the underlying principles of [Deuteronomy 15:9](/deuteronomy/15-9 "Deuteronomy 15:9 - Warning Against Stinginess") remain profoundly relevant for ethical and compassionate financial stewardship today. The verse warns against a calculating heart that seeks to avoid responsibility or generosity due to perceived future financial loss. In modern terms, this translates to a call for believers to avoid exploiting others, to be generous with their resources, and to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable, even when it might seem financially inconvenient. The spirit of the law encourages lending and giving with a generous heart, rather than seeking loopholes or allowing fear of loss to dictate one's actions, trusting that God honors such generosity (cf. [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you")). It challenges us to consider our motives in all financial dealings, especially concerning those less fortunate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:9, with its stern warning against a calculating, ungenerous heart, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, while righteous and good, exposed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill God's command for radical generosity due to the "wicked heart" and "evil eye" it warns against. Jesus, however, perfectly embodied the spirit of this law. He taught extensively on the dangers of covetousness and the importance of generosity, urging His followers to lay up "treasures in heaven" rather than on earth ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). He Himself, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity")), demonstrating the ultimate act of self-emptying love and generosity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only redeems us from the sin of our "wicked hearts" but also empowers us by His Spirit to live out the very generosity commanded in Deuteronomy. Under the New Covenant, the call to care for the poor and needy is not bound by a Sabbatical calendar but flows from a transformed heart, motivated by the love of Christ, who identifies with "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")). Thus, the warning against the "evil eye" becomes a call to cultivate the "good eye" of Christ-like compassion, enabled by His grace and empowered by His Spirit to reflect His boundless generosity to a needy world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Matthew 20:15

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Mark 7:21

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:22

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Exodus 22:23

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

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

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.