Deuteronomy 15:11
Deuteronomy 15:11 in Multiple Translations
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt surely open thy hand unto thy brother, to thy needy, and to thy poor, in thy land.
For there will never be a time when there are no poor in the land; and so I give orders to you, Let your hand be open to your countrymen, to those who are poor and in need in your land.
You will always have those who are poor and in need among you, so that's why I'm telling you to give generously to them.
Because there shall be euer some poore in the land, therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand vnto thy brother, to thy needie, and to thy poore in thy land.
because the needy one doth not cease out of the land, therefore I am commanding thee, saying, Thou dost certainly open thy hand to thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy one, in thy land.
For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you to surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.
For the poor shall never cease from the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thy hand wide to thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
There will not be wanting poor in the land of thy habitation: therefore I command thee to open thy hand to thy needy and poor brother, that liveth in the land.
If you do that, Yahweh will bless you in everything that you do. There will always be some poor people in your land, so I command you to give generously to poor [DOU] people.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 15:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
לֹא
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
אֶבְי֖וֹן
מִ/קֶּ֣רֶב
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
עַל
כֵּ֞ן
אָנֹכִ֤י
מְצַוְּ/ךָ֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
פָּ֠תֹחַ
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
אֶת
יָדְ/ךָ֜
לְ/אָחִ֧י/ךָ
לַ/עֲנִיֶּ֛/ךָ
וּ/לְ/אֶבְיֹנְ/ךָ֖
בְּ/אַרְצֶֽ/ךָ
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶבְי֖וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
מִ/קֶּ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֞ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אָנֹכִ֤י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
מְצַוְּ/ךָ֙
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
פָּ֠תֹחַ
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Ptc
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָדְ/ךָ֜
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
לְ/אָחִ֧י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לַ/עֲנִיֶּ֛/ךָ
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Prep | Adj | Suff
וּ/לְ/אֶבְיֹנְ/ךָ֖
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Prep | Adj | Suff
בְּ/אַרְצֶֽ/ךָ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:11
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
אֶבְי֖וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
מִ/קֶּ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֞ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אָנֹכִ֤י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
מְצַוְּ/ךָ֙
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel | Suff
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פָּ֠תֹחַ
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Ptc
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יָדְ/ךָ֜
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לְ/אָחִ֧י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
לַ/עֲנִיֶּ֛/ךָ
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Prep | Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וּ/לְ/אֶבְיֹנְ/ךָ֖
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Prep | Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
בְּ/אַרְצֶֽ/ךָ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:11
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- Deuteronomy 15:11 Summary
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:11
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- Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:11
Context — Generosity in Lending and Giving
9Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
10Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.
11For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.
12If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. 13And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 14:7 | The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me. |
| 2 | Matthew 26:11 | The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. |
| 3 | John 12:8 | The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 15:8 | Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. |
| 5 | Proverbs 22:2 | The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all. |
| 6 | Acts 4:32–35 | The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. |
| 7 | 1 John 3:16–18 | By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. |
| 8 | Luke 12:33 | Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. |
| 9 | Acts 2:45 | Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. |
| 10 | Matthew 5:42 | Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. |
Deuteronomy 15:11 Summary
[This verse reminds us that there will always be people in need around us, and God wants us to be generous and willing to help them. By 'opening wide our hand' to the poor, we are showing God's love and care for them, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11. This is not just about giving money, but also about being willing to serve and care for others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46. As we obey God's command to help the poor, He promises to bless us in all our work, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God say there will never cease to be poor in the land?
God acknowledges that poverty is a persistent issue, and therefore, He commands us to be generous and open-handed towards those in need, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11, and also in Matthew 26:11, where Jesus says the poor will always be with us.
What is the motivation behind God's command to help the poor?
God's command to help the poor is rooted in His love and care for them, and He promises to bless those who obey this command, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:10, where it says that because of our generosity, the LORD our God will bless us in all our work.
How does this verse relate to the year of release mentioned in the previous verses?
This verse serves as a reminder that even though the year of release, mentioned in Deuteronomy 15:9, is a time of liberation, there will still be poor people in the land who need our help, and we should be willing to provide for them, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11.
What is the significance of 'opening wide your hand' to the poor?
Opening wide your hand to the poor means being generous and willing to provide for their needs without hesitation, as commanded in Deuteronomy 15:11, and also emphasized in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'open wide my hand' to those in need around me?
- How can I balance the reality of persistent poverty with the command to help those in need, without becoming discouraged?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's love and care for the poor in my community, as reflected in Deuteronomy 15:11?
- How can I ensure that my heart is not 'grieved' when giving to others, as warned against in Deuteronomy 15:10?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor shall never cease out of the land,.... There would be always such objects to exercise their charity and beneficence towards, John 12:8, which is no contradiction to Deuteronomy 15:4 for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:11
If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:11
The poor shall never cease out of the land; God by his providence will so order it, partly for the punishment of your disobedience, and partly for the trial and exercise of your obedience to me, and charity to your brother, both which are best discovered by your performance of costly duties.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:11
Deuteronomy 15:11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.Ver. 11. For the poor.] Aged and impotent poor, whose misery moves compassion without an orator; called here our poor, as well as our brethren.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:11
(11) For the poor shall never cease.—There is no contradiction between this verse and Deuteronomy 15:4 above. There will always be some men falling into poverty; but it is our business to see that they do not remain in want. The poor will never cease, except by the provision made for them by their brethren. God will never make all men absolutely equal in this world. Thy brother, thy poor, and thy needy.-According to Rashi, the word translated “needy” is stronger than the word for “poor.” The “poor” are in humble circumstances; the “needy” are actually in want. In commenting on this verse, Rashi asks a similar question to that of the lawyer in Luke 10:29, “Who is this brother? Thy poor man.” He might have added that “thy poor” and “thy needy” are expressions teaching the truth that we are “members one of another.” We may not pass by our poorer brethren, and say we have nothing to do with them. Jehovah calls them ours—“thy poor man,” and “thy needy man.” The words are both in the singular number in the Hebrew. We cannot shake off the relationship or the responsibility in any one case.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:11
Verse 11. For the poor shall never cease out of the land] To this passage our Lord appears to allude Mr 14:7: For ye have the poor with you always. God leaves these in mercy among men to exercise the feelings of compassion, tenderness, mercy, &c. And without occasions afforded to exercise these, man would soon become a Stoic or a brute.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:11
11. For the poor shall never cease, etc.] See introd. note. to thy needy, and to thy poor] Two of the three Hebrew synonyms for poor. The first is a passive form, forced, afflicted, then wretched, whether under persecution, poverty or exile, arid so also subdued, mild, meek. The second is the Lat. egenus, needy.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:11
11. The poor shall never cease out of the land — Our Lord says, “Ye have the poor with you always.” Mark 14:7. Here Moses lays down rules which the people were to observe in the case of Hebrew slaves.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 3 by David Platt | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our use of money in demonstrating where our heart is. He encourages the congregation to examine their checkbooks and budge |
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(Proverbs) ch.14:4 - 15:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on various verses from the book of Proverbs. He starts by discussing the concept of having oxen and the importance of keeping the stable clean, |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and |
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The Beauty of Every Day by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the beauty of everyday life, urging us to recognize and seize the fleeting opportunities for love and kindness that each day presents. He illustrates how Jes |
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The Gospel to the Poor by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan shares his transformative experience of preaching the Gospel to the poor, emphasizing the divine empowerment he felt as he spoke words of love and hope. He reflects o |
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Day 26, Matthew 26 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the extravagant act of love by the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus, highlighting the unmatched value of Jesus above all else. He emphasizes th |
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Faithfulness by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the paramount importance of faithfulness in our lives, asserting that the highest commendation one can receive is to be called a 'good and faithful servant.' |