Deuteronomy 15:8
Deuteronomy 15:8 in Multiple Translations
Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.
But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
but thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth.
But let your hand be open to give him the use of whatever he is in need of.
On the contrary. You are to be generous to them, and lend them whatever they need.
But thou shalt open thine hand vnto him, and shalt lend him sufficient for his neede which he hath.
for thou dost certainly open thy hand to him, and dost certainly lend him sufficient for his lack which he lacketh.
but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.
But thou shalt open thy hand wide to him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
But shalt open it to the poor man, thou shalt lend him, that which thou perceivest he hath need of.
Instead, be generous [IDM] and lend to them the money that they need.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:8
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 15:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
פָתֹ֧חַ
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
אֶת
יָדְ/ךָ֖
ל֑/וֹ
וְ/הַעֲבֵט֙
תַּעֲבִיטֶ֔/נּוּ
דֵּ֚י
מַחְסֹר֔/וֹ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יֶחְסַ֖ר
לֽ/וֹ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
פָתֹ֧חַ
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Ptc
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָדְ/ךָ֖
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/הַעֲבֵט֙
ʻâbaṭ
H5670
to lend
Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
תַּעֲבִיטֶ֔/נּוּ
ʻâbaṭ
H5670
to lend
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
דֵּ֚י
day
H1767
sufficiency
N-ms
מַחְסֹר֔/וֹ
machçôwr
H4270
need
N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֶחְסַ֖ר
châçêr
H2637
to lack
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:8
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.
פָתֹ֧חַ
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.
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
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/ךָ֖
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.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/הַעֲבֵט֙
ʻâbaṭ
H5670
"to lend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
To lend means to give something to someone temporarily, often with the expectation of getting it back, like in Exodus when God instructs the Israelites to lend to those in need. It can also mean to take a pledge or security for a debt.
Definition: 1) to take a pledge, give a pledge (for a debt) 1a) (Qal) to take a pledge, give a pledge (for a debt) 1b)(Piel) to interchange 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to give a pledge
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: borrow, break (ranks), fetch (a pledge), lend, [idiom] surely. See also: Deuteronomy 15:6; Deuteronomy 24:10; Joel 2:7.
תַּעֲבִיטֶ֔/נּוּ
ʻâbaṭ
H5670
"to lend"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To lend means to give something to someone temporarily, often with the expectation of getting it back, like in Exodus when God instructs the Israelites to lend to those in need. It can also mean to take a pledge or security for a debt.
Definition: 1) to take a pledge, give a pledge (for a debt) 1a) (Qal) to take a pledge, give a pledge (for a debt) 1b)(Piel) to interchange 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to give a pledge
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: borrow, break (ranks), fetch (a pledge), lend, [idiom] surely. See also: Deuteronomy 15:6; Deuteronomy 24:10; Joel 2:7.
דֵּ֚י
day
H1767
"sufficiency"
N-ms
This word means enough or sufficiency, like having enough food or water. It is used in phrases like 'according to the abundance of' in 2 Corinthians. The KJV translates it as 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
Definition: 1) sufficiency, enough 1a) enough 1b) for, according to the abundance of, out of the abundance of, as often as
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when. See also: Exodus 36:5; Nehemiah 5:8; Proverbs 25:16.
מַחְסֹר֔/וֹ
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
N-ms | Suff
This word describes a lack or shortage of something, like a need for food or money. It is used in the Bible to describe poverty and want. In Deuteronomy 15:8, God commands the Israelites to lend to those in need.
Definition: 1) need, poverty, thing needed 1a) need, thing needed 1b) lack, want 1c) need, poverty
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. See also: Deuteronomy 15:8; Proverbs 11:24; Psalms 34:10.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
יֶחְסַ֖ר
châçêr
H2637
"to lack"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 15:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:8
Context — Generosity in Lending and Giving
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. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 6:34 | And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. |
| 2 | 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 15:8 Summary
Deuteronomy 15:8 teaches us to be generous and willing to help those in need, just like God is generous towards us. When we see someone who is poor or struggling, we should be willing to lend them a helping hand, whether that's financially or in some other way, as seen in Acts 2:44-45. This means being open and willing to give, without hesitation or reluctance, as encouraged in Matthew 5:42 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. By doing so, we can trust that God will bless us and take care of us, as promised in Deuteronomy 15:10 and reinforced in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'open your hand' to someone in need?
According to Deuteronomy 15:8, opening your hand to someone in need means to freely loan them whatever they require, without hesitation or reluctance, as seen in the command to lend generously in Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37.
Is this verse only talking about lending money to the poor?
While Deuteronomy 15:8 does mention loaning, the broader context suggests that it encompasses meeting any need of a poor brother, whether financial or otherwise, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and supported by Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-46.
How does this verse relate to the year of release mentioned in the next verse?
Deuteronomy 15:8 is connected to the year of release in Deuteronomy 15:9, as it warns against withholding help from the poor because the year of release is near, and instead encourages generosity, as also taught in Deuteronomy 14:28-29 and echoed in Acts 2:44-45.
What is the motivation for obeying this command?
The motivation for obeying Deuteronomy 15:8 is rooted in God's blessing and the promise that He will bless those who lend generously, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:10 and reinforced in Proverbs 19:17 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'open my hand' to those in need around me, whether it's a family member, friend, or stranger?
- How does my heart respond when I see someone in need - do I feel a sense of obligation, or a willingness to give freely, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7?
- In what ways can I practically apply the principle of generous lending in my daily life, as taught in Deuteronomy 15:8 and supported by Matthew 5:42?
- What are some potential consequences of hardening my heart towards those in need, and how can I avoid this, as warned in Deuteronomy 15:7 and 1 John 3:17?
- How can I balance the command to lend generously with the need to be wise and responsible in my giving, as taught in Proverbs 22:26-27 and Luke 12:33-34?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:8
But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him,.... And give him bountifully and liberally; in order to which the heart must be first opened, the affections moved, and a willing mind disposed to give
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:8
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 15:8
Open thine hand wide unto him, i.e. deal bountifully and liberally with him, giving him as it were by handfuls.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
Deuteronomy 15:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth.Ver. 8. Thou shalt surely lend him.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
(8) Thou shalt open thine hand wide.—“Even many times.” And shalt surely lend.—“If he does not like to take it as a gift, grant it to him as a loan.” Sufficient for his need.—“But it is not thy duty to make him rich.” In that which he wanteth.—“Even ahorse to ride on, and a slave to run before him.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
Verse 8. Thou shalt open thine hand wide] Thy benevolence shall be in proportion to his distress and poverty, and thy ability. Thou shalt have no other rule to regulate thy charity by.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:8
8. lend him] See on Deuteronomy 15:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:8
8. Shalt surely lend him — An anticipation of the gospel injunction to do as we would be done unto.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Homily 41 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of not giving in to anger and seeking revenge, highlighting the detrimental effects of holding onto grudges and the need to forgive ot |
|
God-Likeness by Dick Woodward | In this sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, the teacher focuses on the challenging teachings of Jesus regarding how to relate to others. Jesus contrasts his teachings with those of |
|
Pentecostal Giving by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches on the importance of Pentecostal giving, emphasizing that it should be cheerful, commanded, systematic, universal, and rewarded. He highlights that Pentecosta |
|
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 |
|
|
Hebrews 6:13-20 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of compassion and mercy towards the poor and those in need, emphasizing the need to help without judgment or hesitation. He highlights |