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H8058 Β· Hebrew Β· Old Testament
שָׁמַט
shamat
Verb
to release, let fall, drop, abandon

Definition

Shamat (H8058) is the verb behind the Sabbatical Year (shemitah) β€” every seventh year, the land is released, debts are forgiven, and Hebrew slaves are freed. The concept encodes God's economics of grace: nothing is ultimately owned, everything belongs to Him, and periodically the whole system is released back to its original design.

Usage & Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 15 describes the full shemitah practice β€” release of debts, freeing of bondservants, and generous giving. Shamat embodies the theological principle that clinging and accumulation is against God's design. The Jubilee (every 50 years) extended shamat to land itself. Jesus echoes this in forgiving debts as the Father forgives (Matthew 6:12).

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 15:1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts [shamat].
Deuteronomy 15:2 Every creditor shall release [shamat] what he has lent to his neighbor.
Deuteronomy 15:9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: 'The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near.'
Exodus 23:11 But during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused [shamat].
Nehemiah 10:31 Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel [shamat] all debts.

Related Words

External Resources

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