How often was debt forgiven in the Bible?

Asked by: Guy Rath  |  Last update: February 24, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)

1 And, while Old Testament lenders were admonished to be merciful, debts were canceled every seven years whether they liked it or not. The Old Testament model can, therefore, be legitimately applied to modern day bankruptcy laws.

How often were debts forgiven in the Bible?

The bible calls for a debt jubilee - forgiveness of all debts - every seven years. No such thing has happened in hundreds of years. So who acting immorally, again? There's some ambiguity in the scriptures.

Does the Bible say to forgive debt every 7 years?

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.

Does the Bible mention debt forgiveness?

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.

Is Financial DEBT Forgiveness in the Bible?

15 related questions found

What does Jesus say about financial debt?

Matthew 6:12 - Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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.

What happened every 7 years in the Bible?

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).

Where in the Bible does it say not to pay debt?

Proverbs 22:26-27 ERV. Don't promise to pay someone else's debt. If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep on?

What does the Bible say about the 7th year?

But in the seventh year the land is to have a sabbath of rest, a sabbath to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest.

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.

Are all debts forgiven after 7 years?

It's a question many people ask, especially when they have accounts in collections or are trying to rebuild their credit. The answer depends on the type of debt. In most cases, these negative marks will drop off your report after seven years, but certain debts can stick around for up to 10 years — or even longer.

Can we only be forgiven 77 times?

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

What does God say about being debt free?

Remember, God loves us and has given us these principles for our benefit. Read the first portion of Romans 13:8 from several different translations: “Owe no man anything” (KJV). “Let no debt remain outstanding” (NIV). “Don't run up debts” (MSG).

Is being in debt a sin?

The Bible never says that going into debt is a sin. However, it issues a very stark warning: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender”.

When did debt forgiveness start?

The earliest time in which borrowers could receive forgiveness under the program was after October 1, 2017.

What is the story in the Bible about forgiving debt?

The 'Parable of the Unforgiving Servant' is from the Christian Bible: Matthew 18:21-35. It details the story of a servant who was forgiven a massive (unrepayable) debt, only to refuse forgiveness to another servant who owed a relatively small debt.

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 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.

Do farmers let the land rest every 7 years?

The same principle applies to the seventh year in agriculture. It is considered the year of rest for the fields. The fields are worked for six years, and on the seventh, the land must rest. It is called “Shmita” — release.

Does the Bible forgive debt?

Jesus also taught us to ask God to "forgive us our debts [sins] as we forgive our debtors [those who sin against us]" (Matthew 6:12, Luke 11:4).

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” What does the Bible say about tattoos? That's it—that one line in Leviticus 19:28 of the Old Testament. But context is key—and this scripture may not apply to us in the way it looks.

What does the Bible say about cremation?

While the Bible doesn't explicitly endorse cremation, there's also no scriptural passage that directly prohibits it.

How long will the rapture last?

The Rapture itself will be a matter of seconds. However, the saints that are Raptured will remain in heaven for around 3 1/2 years during which there will be a married feast for Jesus. After this period Jesus will return to the earth with his Saints, destroy the wicked and establish the millennium kingdom.

Is debt forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

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

Why is the number 7 God's number?

The number 7 is quite significant in the Bible, appearing over 700 times throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In biblical numerology, 7 symbolizes completion or perfection. It is said that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th.