Deuteronomy 15:7

Deuteronomy 15:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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 brother:

American Standard Version ASV

If there be with thee a poor man, one of thy brethren, within any of thy gates in thy land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother;

Bible in Basic English BBE

If in any of your towns in the land which the Lord your God is giving you, there is a poor man, one of your countrymen, do not let your heart be hard or your hand shut to him;

Free Bible Version FBV

If there are Israelites who are poor in any of your towns in the country the Lord your God is giving you, don't act in an unfeeling or miserly way towards them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If one of thy brethren with thee be poore within any of thy gates in thy land, which the Lord thy God giueth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poore brother:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'When there is with thee any needy one of one of thy brethren, in one of thy cities, in thy land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee, thou dost not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy needy brother;

World English Bible WEB

If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If there shall be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD the God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If one of thy brethren that dwelleth within the gates of thy city in the land which the Lord thy God will give thee, come to poverty: thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor close thy hand,

Translation for Translators T4T

“In the towns that Yahweh our God is giving to you, if there are any Israelis who are poor, do not be selfish [IDM] and refuse [IDM] to help them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:7

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 15:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי יִהְיֶה֩ בְ/ךָ֨ אֶבְי֜וֹן מֵ/אַחַ֤ד אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙ בְּ/אַחַ֣ד שְׁעָרֶ֔י/ךָ בְּ/אַ֨רְצְ/ךָ֔ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑/ךְ לֹ֧א תְאַמֵּ֣ץ אֶת לְבָבְ/ךָ֗ וְ/לֹ֤א תִקְפֹּץ֙ אֶת יָ֣דְ/ךָ֔ מֵ/אָחִ֖י/ךָ הָ/אֶבְיֽוֹן

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יִהְיֶה֩ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בְ/ךָ֨ Prep | Suff

אֶבְי֜וֹן ʼebyôwn H34 needy Adj

מֵ/אַחַ֤ד ʼechâd H259 one Prep | Adj

אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

בְּ/אַחַ֣ד ʼechâd H259 one Prep | Adj

שְׁעָרֶ֔י/ךָ shaʻar H8179 gate N-mp | Suff

בְּ/אַ֨רְצְ/ךָ֔ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

נֹתֵ֣ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal

לָ֑/ךְ Prep | Suff

לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תְאַמֵּ֣ץ ʼâmats H553 to strengthen V-Piel-Imperf-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לְבָבְ/ךָ֗ lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִקְפֹּץ֙ qâphats H7092 to gather V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָ֣דְ/ךָ֔ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

מֵ/אָחִ֖י/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-ms | Suff

הָ/אֶבְיֽוֹן ʼebyôwn H34 needy Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:7

כִּֽי 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.

יִהְיֶה֩ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בְ/ךָ֨ "" Prep | Suff

אֶבְי֜וֹן 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.

מֵ/אַחַ֤ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Prep | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | 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.

בְּ/אַחַ֣ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Prep | Adj

שְׁעָרֶ֔י/ךָ shaʻar H8179 "gate" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.

Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven

Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

בְּ/אַ֨רְצְ/ךָ֔ 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.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

נֹתֵ֣ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ֑/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

לֹ֧א 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.

תְאַמֵּ֣ץ ʼâmats H553 "to strengthen" V-Piel-Imperf-2ms

In the original Hebrew, this verb means to be strong or courageous, like in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses tells the Israelites to be brave. It can also mean to strengthen or secure something. English Bibles often translate it as 'be courageous' or 'strengthen'.

Definition: 1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold 1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure 1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to 1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). See also: Genesis 25:23; 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalms 18:18.

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.

לְבָבְ/ךָ֗ lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

תִקְפֹּץ֙ qâphats H7092 "to gather" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To gather means to draw together or close, and can also imply leaping or springing into action. In some cases, it can mean to die, as in gathering up one's feet.

Definition: 1) to draw together, close, shut, shut up, stop up 1a) (Qal) to shut 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to draw oneself together (of death) 1b2) to be shut up to death 1c) (Piel) springing, skipping (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: shut (up), skip, stop, take out of the way. See also: Deuteronomy 15:7; Psalms 77:10; Psalms 107:42.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

יָ֣דְ/ךָ֔ 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.

מֵ/אָחִ֖י/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-ms | Suff

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.

הָ/אֶבְיֽוֹן ʼebyôwn H34 "needy" Art | Adj

Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:7
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:7
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:7
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:7
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:7

Context — Generosity in Lending and Giving

5if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commandments I am giving you today. 6When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised, you will lend to many nations but borrow from none; you will rule over many nations but be ruled by none.

7If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.

8Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 John 3:16–17	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?
2	Deuteronomy 15:9	Be 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.
3	Proverbs 21:13	Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
4	James 2:15–16	Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
5	Matthew 18:30	But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.

Deuteronomy 15:7 Summary

[Deuteronomy 15:7 reminds us that God cares deeply about the poor and vulnerable, and He wants us to care for them too, as seen in Psalm 140:12 and Proverbs 19:17. This means being willing to help those in need, without becoming hardened or selfish. By showing kindness and generosity to the poor, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate our love for Him, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46. As we consider this verse, let us ask God to soften our hearts and open our hands to those around us who are struggling.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'harden your heart' in Deuteronomy 15:7?

To harden your heart means to become stubborn and unresponsive to the needs of others, as seen in Exodus 8:15 and Exodus 8:32 where Pharaoh hardened his heart against God's commands, and similarly, we should not harden our hearts against our poor brothers as mentioned in Deuteronomy 15:7.

Who are the 'poor brothers' mentioned in Deuteronomy 15:7?

The 'poor brothers' refer to fellow Israelites who are in need, emphasizing the importance of caring for one another within the community of faith, as also encouraged in Acts 2:45 and Galatians 2:10.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy 15:7 fits into the broader theme of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes obedience to God's commands and care for the vulnerable, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Deuteronomy 10:18-19, highlighting the importance of loving and serving God and one's neighbors.

What is the significance of the phrase 'within any of the gates in the land'?

The phrase 'within any of the gates in the land' signifies that the care for the poor is not limited to a specific location, but rather is a responsibility that applies throughout the entire land that God is giving to the Israelites, as part of their covenant with Him, similar to the concept in Leviticus 25:23.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I show compassion and kindness to those in need around me, just as God commands in Deuteronomy 15:7?
How can I ensure that I do not 'shut my hand' from those who are poor, and instead, open my heart and resources to help them?
What are some potential consequences of hardening my heart against the poor, and how can I avoid this in my own life?
In what ways does Deuteronomy 15:7 reflect the character of God, and how can I reflect that character in my interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:7

If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren,.... As there would be, according to the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, if they did not keep the commandments of the law, and continue

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:7

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

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:7

Deuteronomy 15:7 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 brother:Ver. 7. Thou shalt not harden thy heart.] But "draw out thy soul to the hungry." Many have iron bowels and withered hands. See my "Commonplace of Alms."

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:7

(7) A poor man.-”That needeth anything.” Within any of thy gates.—“The poor of thine own city come before the poor of another city.” Thou Shalt not harden.—“There are some men who ‘grieve’ (grudge) whether they give or not;” therefore it is said, “Thou shalt not harden thy heart; there are some who stretch out the hand (to give), and yet close it; therefore it is said, Thou shalt not shut thine hand.”

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:7

7–11. One of the most beautiful as it is one of the most characteristic passages in the laws of D: illustrating not only the humane spirit, and the practical thoughtfulness of this code, but its extension of the Law to the thoughts and interests of the heart: cp. Deuteronomy 5:21.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:7

7. If there be… a poor man — In view of the requirement not to exact the return of money loaned to the poor man there might be reluctance to aid the poor in his need.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:7

	Sermon	Description
	Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos
	The Gift of Giving by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the gift of giving as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power in believers. He illustrates how Jesus exemplified selfless giving, urgi
	Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination) by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins,
	Christian Charity (Or the Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced) by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the duty of charity to the poor, emphasizing the importance of giving bountifully and willingly to those in need, regardless of their circumstances
	Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant	David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy
	Jesus, the Greatest Prosperity Preacher by David Servant	David Servant preaches on the importance of giving with the right motives, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture in context and not for personal gain. He highlights how Jesus
	Four Loves by C.S. Lewis	C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo