Strong's Lexicon shemittah: Release, remission, sabbatical year Original Word: שְׁמִטָּה Word Origin: Derived from the root שָׁמַט (shamat), meaning "to release" or "to let drop." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for "shemittah" in the New Testament, as the concept is specific to the Old Testament law. However, the idea of release and forgiveness can be related to Greek terms such as ἄφεσις (aphesis, Strong's G859), meaning "release" or "forgiveness." Usage: The term "shemittah" refers to the sabbatical year, a biblically mandated year of rest for the land observed every seventh year. During this year, the land was to lie fallow, debts were to be forgiven, and agricultural activity was to cease, allowing the land to rest and rejuvenate. This practice is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing trust in God's provision and the importance of rest and renewal. Cultural and Historical Background: The concept of shemittah is deeply embedded in the agricultural and social fabric of ancient Israelite society. It is outlined in the Torah, specifically in Exodus 23:10-11, Leviticus 25:1-7, and Deuteronomy 15:1-11. The shemittah year served as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the land and His provision for His people. It also promoted social justice by providing relief to the poor and preventing the accumulation of debt. The practice of shemittah was a radical departure from the economic norms of surrounding cultures, highlighting Israel's unique covenantal identity. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shamat Definition a letting drop, a (temporary) remitting NASB Translation remission (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁמִטָּה noun feminine a letting drop of exactions, a (temporary) remitting: ׳תַּעֲשֶׂה שׁ Deuteronomy 15:1(at end of seven years), Deuteronomy 15:2 ׳לי ׳כִּי קָרָא שׁ; whence seventh year is ׳שְׁנַת הַשּׁ Deuteronomy 15:9; Deuteronomy 31:10. שְׁמִירָמוֺת see below שֵׁם. p. 1029. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance release From shamat; remission (of debt) or suspension of labor) -- release. see HEBREW shamat Forms and Transliterations הַשְּׁמִטָּ֖ה הַשְּׁמִטָּה֒ השמטה שְׁמִטָּ֖ה שְׁמִטָּֽה׃ שמטה שמטה׃ haš·šə·miṭ·ṭāh hashshemitTah haššəmiṭṭāh šə·miṭ·ṭāh šəmiṭṭāh shemitTahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 15:1 HEB: שָׁנִ֖ים תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה שְׁמִטָּֽה׃ NAS: you shall grant a remission [of debts]. KJV: years thou shalt make a release. INT: years shall grant A remission Deuteronomy 15:2 Deuteronomy 15:2 Deuteronomy 15:9 Deuteronomy 31:10 5 Occurrences |
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