KJV ORIGINAL
Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
You may demand repayment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt that your fellow Israelite owes you.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is instructing the Israelites to forgive debts owed by their fellow countrymen while still collecting from foreigners.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of Moses' instructions about the Year of Release (Sabbatical year), which occurred every seven years in ancient Israel. During this year, Hebrew slaves were freed and debts between Israelites were cancelled to prevent permanent poverty and social inequality. The distinction between fellow Israelites ('brothers') and foreigners reflected the covenant community's special obligations to care for one another.
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