GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

שְׁמִטָּה (she.mit.tah)

she.mit.tah

remission

H8059 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun shemittah refers to a formal release or letting go of financial claims, specifically the cancellation of debts. Derived from the root meaning "to let go" or "release," it describes a legal mechanism where creditors are commanded to drop their right to collect what is owed. This concept appears in the Torah as part of the broader system of social justice designed to prevent permanent poverty.

In Scripture, this term is most prominent in Deuteronomy, where it is linked to the seventh year of rest for the land. The sources highlight that this release was not merely a suggestion but a binding obligation on the people of Israel. It served as a periodic reset, ensuring that economic disparities did not become entrenched across generations.

While the word literally means "release," its application in these texts is narrow: it focuses on the remission of debts owed by fellow Israelites. This specific legal action underscores a theological point about trust and community care, where the stability of society relies on mutual forgiveness of obligations rather than relentless pursuit of payment.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word shemittah points to a deliberate act of letting go. In ancient Israel, it was not just an economic rule but a spiritual discipline. Every seven years, debts owed between neighbors were cancelled. This prevented poverty from becoming permanent and reminded the people that their resources ultimately came from God.

For your faith today, this invites a posture of generosity. It challenges the instinct to hold tightly to what we have or to keep score in relationships. When you choose to forgive a small debt or release a grudge, you participate in a rhythm of grace that breaks cycles of resentment and fear.

This practice builds trust within the community. It says that your security does not depend on relentless accumulation but on faithful stewardship. By releasing what is owed, you create space for others to breathe and begin again, reflecting a God who freely forgives us.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ remission3×
  • a remission2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הַ/שְּׁמִטָּה֒2×
  • שְׁמִטָּֽה\׃1×
  • שְׁמִטָּ֖ה1×
  • הַ/שְּׁמִטָּ֖ה1×

Key Verses

  • Deuteronomy 15:1
    At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts.

    This verse establishes the foundational command that debt cancellation is a mandatory rhythm tied to time, not optional charity.

  • Deuteronomy 15:2
    This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother, because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.

    Here the term explains why creditors must stop demanding payment: Yahweh’s own release has already been declared.

  • Deuteronomy 15:9
    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.

    This warning highlights the heart attitude required, showing that withholding help during the year of release is considered a sin against God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does shemittah mean in the Bible?

Shemittah translates to 'remission' or 'release.' It specifically refers to the cancellation of debts owed by fellow Israelites every seven years. This was a legal requirement designed to prevent permanent poverty and reset economic disparities within the community.

Is shemittah the same as the Sabbath year for the land?

They are closely linked but distinct concepts. The land sabbath (shemitat ha'aretz) involves letting the soil rest from farming. The debt remission (shemittat kesafim) involves cancelling financial obligations. Both occur in the seventh year and share the same root meaning of 'letting go,' emphasizing trust in God's provision.

How is this different from modern forgiveness?

Modern forgiveness is often a personal, voluntary act between individuals. Shemittah was a mandatory, systemic economic policy enforced by law. It applied to all debts between Israelites regardless of whether the creditor wanted to forgive, ensuring that no one remained in perpetual servitude due to debt.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Deuteronomy 4 verses
Deuteronomy 15:1

At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts.

Deuteronomy 15:2

This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not…

Deuteronomy 15:9

Beware that there not be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,”…

Deuteronomy 31:10

Moses commanded them, saying, “At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of…