Does the Bible say to forgive debt every 7 years?

Asked by: Jalyn Heller  |  Last update: December 3, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)

Deuteronomy 15:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money. This is how it must be done.

Is debt forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 15, God says that every seven years, creditors should “remit the claim that is held against a neighbor” because “the Lord's remission has been proclaimed.” In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his followers to pray “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, ...

Where in the Bible does it say about 7 years of debt?

At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.

What is the 7 year forgiveness of debt?

At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the LORD's release.

What does the Bible say about every 7 years?

Deuteronomy 15:1

At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts.

Is Financial DEBT Forgiveness in the Bible?

16 related questions found

What is the 7 year warning in the Bible?

The 7-year tribulation is when Satan will make one final attempt to steal God's throne before he is forever overthrown. This time is marked by great troubles. In other words, it's going to get worse before it gets better—but there is a better coming.

What is the 7 year cycle in the Bible?

The bible contains many references to cycles of seven—the number of completness. In addition to that of the Shmita year—the seventh year of every seven years—when God created the universe, He took six days, and rested on the seventh. Similarly, we enjoy Shabbat—a day of rest—on the seventh day of the week.

Is debt cancelled after 7 years?

In general, most debt will fall off your credit report after seven years, but some types of debt can stay for up to 10 years or even indefinitely. Certain types of debt or derogatory marks, such as tax liens and paid medical debt collections, will not typically show up on your credit report.

What is the debt forgiveness rule?

In simple terms, the debt forgiveness rules apply when a “commercial debt obligation” has been settled for an amount that is less than the full amount owing (i.e., the “forgiven amount”). A commercial debt obligation is generally a debt obligation on which interest, if charged, is deductible in computing income.

What is the 7 year debt rule?

The 7-year rule means that each negative remark remains on your report for 7 years (possibly more depending on the remark). However, after that period has ended, a remark will most probably fall off of your report.

What did Jesus say about forgiving debt?

Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid. Colossians 2:14 Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross.

Why is 7 years important in the Bible?

The meaning of the number seven in the Bible is also linked to exoneration and healing. Deuteronomy tells us that on every seventh year, the Israelites were to cancel all the debts they had made with each other and free their slaves (Deuteronomy 15:1-2, 12).

Where in the Bible does it say to let the land rest every 7 years?

Leviticus 25:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath to the LORD. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard.

Where in the Bible does it talk about the king forgiving the debt?

“The king summoned the man and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy? ' The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt.

What happened every 7 years in the Old Testament?

Every seventh year, the land is to lie fallow. No sowing of fields or pruning of vineyards is allowed in this Sabbath year. Echoing the commandment in chapter 23, it is to be “a sabbath of complete rest for the land, a sabbath for the LORD” (25:4).

How many times does the Bible say you can be forgiven?

That's how many times the Bible tells us we should forgive someone. Matthew 18: 21-22 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

What does the Bible say about debt cancellation?

Deuteronomy 15:1-6 (NIV) At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.

How long until debt is forgiven?

Some debts, though, such as federal student loans don't have a statute of limitations. Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt.

How do you legally forgive debt?

Debts may be canceled in a variety of ways, including through negotiations between the creditor and the debtor, debt relief programs, and personal bankruptcy. Debts forgiven by a creditor are generally considered taxable income.

What is the 7 year release in the Bible?

Every seven years, all debts are to be released—The people are admonished to care for the poor—Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year—The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord's. 1 At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

Should I pay a debt that is 7 years old?

You're not obligated to pay, though, and in most cases, time-barred debts no longer appear on your credit report, as credit reporting agencies generally drop unpaid debts after seven years from the date of the original delinquency.

What does 7 years mean to God?

7 is the number of perfection according to God for on Day 7 He rested from all His works. So 7 years means, a resting for God's people.

What is the 7 year tithe cycle?

The tithe system was organized in a seven-year cycle, the seventh-year corresponding to the Shemittah-cycle in which year tithes were broken-off, and in every third and sixth-year of this cycle the second tithe replaced with the poor man's tithe.

What are the lost years in the Bible?

The Lord Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”