Deuteronomy 15:3Of a foreigner you may exact it: but whatever of your is with your brother your hand shall release.
The setting
Plains of Moab, ~1406 BC. Moses gives final economic laws before Israel enters Canaan. Modern-day Jordan, east of the Dead Sea.
The emotion here: urgent concern for community survival
The original word
nashah (נָשָׁה) — to exact payment by force, to press for debt collection
Why it matters
Foreigners were usually traders or merchants who had formal business relationships, not refugees seeking survival
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 15:3
This creates two different economic systems — business with outsiders, family care with insiders
Common misconceptionPeople think this promotes favoritism or unfair business practices, but it's about creating a safety net within the covenant community while maintaining normal commerce with others.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 15:3
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 15:3 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 15:3 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include community boundaries, covenant privilege. Notable phrases: of a foreigner you may exact; your brother your hand shall release. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 15:3 mean to you, today?
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