Proverbs 28:27
Proverbs 28:27 in Multiple Translations
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.
He that giueth vnto the poore, shall not lacke: but he that hideth his eyes, shall haue many curses.
Whoso is giving to the poor hath no lack, And whoso is hiding his eyes multiplied curses.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
He that giveth to the poor shall not want: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
He that giveth to the poor, shall not want: he that despiseth his entreaty, shall suffer indigence.
Those who give things to poor people will not become poor, but many people will curse those who refuse to help [IDM] poor people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:27
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.
Proverbs 28:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נוֹתֵ֣ן
לָ֭/רָשׁ
אֵ֣ין
מַחְס֑וֹר
וּ/מַעְלִ֥ים
עֵ֝ינָ֗י/ו
רַב
מְאֵרֽוֹת
נוֹתֵ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לָ֭/רָשׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
Prep | V-Qal
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מַחְס֑וֹר
machçôwr
H4270
need
N-ms
וּ/מַעְלִ֥ים
ʻâlam
H5956
to conceal
Conj | V-Hiphil
עֵ֝ינָ֗י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
רַב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מְאֵרֽוֹת
mᵉʼêrâh
H3994
curse
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:27
נוֹתֵ֣ן
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.
לָ֭/רָשׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
Prep | V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַחְס֑וֹר
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
N-ms
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.
וּ/מַעְלִ֥ים
ʻâlam
H5956
"to conceal"
Conj | V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.
עֵ֝ינָ֗י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
רַב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מְאֵרֽוֹת
mᵉʼêrâh
H3994
"curse"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a curse, or an execration, and it appears in the Bible as a negative consequence. It is the opposite of a blessing. The KJV translates it as curse.
Definition: curse
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: curse. See also: Deuteronomy 28:20; Proverbs 28:27; Proverbs 3:33.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:27
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
25A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:7 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 41:1–3 | Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble. The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to surrender him to the will of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness. |
| 4 | Proverbs 11:24 | One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 | Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 15:10 | Give 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. |
| 7 | Psalms 112:5–9 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 8 | Proverbs 22:9 | A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. |
| 9 | Proverbs 11:26 | The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it. |
| 10 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
Proverbs 28:27 Summary
Proverbs 28:27 teaches us that when we give to those in need, God will take care of us and provide for us. This doesn't mean we'll never face challenges or difficulties, but it does mean that God will be our rock and our provider, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4. When we choose to ignore the needs of others and focus only on ourselves, we can expect to face difficulties and hardships, but when we show kindness and generosity, we can trust that God will bless us and take care of us (Matthew 25:31-46). By giving to the poor and showing compassion to those in need, we are reflecting the heart of God and demonstrating our love for Him and for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'give to the poor' in Proverbs 28:27?
Giving to the poor means showing kindness and generosity to those in need, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, which says that when we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord, and He will repay us.
Will I really not be in need if I give to the poor?
While Proverbs 28:27 promises that giving to the poor will result in not being in need, this is not a guarantee of earthly wealth or material prosperity, but rather a promise of spiritual provision and blessing, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4 and Matthew 6:33.
What does it mean to 'hide his eyes' in this verse?
To 'hide his eyes' means to deliberately ignore or turn a blind eye to the needs of the poor, which is a sinful and selfish attitude that will result in receiving many curses, as warned in Proverbs 28:27 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse encourages us to be mindful of the needs of others and to show kindness and generosity, just as the Lord has shown us kindness and mercy, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and 1 John 3:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can give to the poor and show kindness to those in need in my community?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the needs of others, and prioritize giving to those who are less fortunate?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring the needs of the poor and hiding my eyes from their struggles?
- How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and compassion, and seek to bless others as the Lord has blessed me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:27
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack,.... That gives alms unto them, relieves them in their distress, supplies them with money, food, or clothes, and does it cheerfully, largely, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:27
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
Shall not lack; shall not impoverish himself by it, as covetous men imagine or pretend; but shall be enriched, which is implied. That hideth his eyes, lest he should see poor and miserable men, and thereby be moved to pity or obliged to relieve them. So he cunningly avoids the beginnings, and occasions, and provocations to charity; teaching us to use the same caution against sin. Shall have many a curse; partly from the poor, whose curses, being not causeless, shall come upon him, and partly from God, who will curse his very blessings, and bring him to extreme want and misery.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Ver. 27. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.] Eleemosyna ars omnium questuosissima, saith Chrysostom: Not getting but giving is the way to wealth. God will bless the bountiful man’ s stock and store, his barn and his basket; his righteousness and his riches together shall endure for ever. But he that hideth his eyes,] i.e., That when he hath a fit object and opportunity of showing mercy offered him, frameth excuse, and pretendeth this thing and that, to his worldly and wicked retentions; that useth his wits to save his half penny, but will not use his eyes to affect his heart with pity. Shall have many a curse.] Men shall curse him, and call him a Pamphagus, a churl, a hog in a trough, a fellow of no fashion, &c. God shall also curse him, and set off all hearts from him, as he did from Haman; in his necessity he will shut his ears to such a man’ s moans in misery, and hide his eyes from his supplication. Finally, "he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy"; "an evil, an only evil shall befall him"; his punishments shall come close together, and God shall so set them on as no creature shall be able to take them off.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
(27) He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.—See above on Proverbs 11:24. Shall have many a curse.—With this comp. Sir 4:5-6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
Verse 27. He that giveth unto the poor] See the notes on the passages referred to in the margin (Deuteronomy 15:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; Deuteronomy 22:9).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:27
27. hideth his eyes] in neglect or disgust. Comp. Isaiah 1:15; and see Sir 4:5-6.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:27
Hideth his eyes - i. e., Turns away from, disregards, the poor. Compare Isaiah 1:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:27
27. Hideth his eyes — Covers them up, so that he may not see the wants of the poor; pretends not to know the necessities of those in distress, and so does not relieve them. Comp. Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 13:4; Isaiah 1:15.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Danger of Heart-Hardening by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer warns against the danger of hardening one's heart against God's Word, emphasizing that such a state arises from selfishness and a love for darkness. He illustrates how c |
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The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizing the dangers of serving money as a god instead of God. The rich man's lack of compassion for Lazarus r |
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The Greedy "Christian" by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the importance of sacrificial giving and caring for the poor, using the story of a poor Christian man named Pablito living in a Manila dump as an examp |
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Don't Forget by William Booth | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take |
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How God Taught Me to Give by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of how God led him to give towards missions. He recounts his experience of becoming the pastor of a church that held an annu |
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Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to |
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William Booth Preaching - Actual Voice by William Booth | This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with gladness and reaching out to those in need, highlighting the call to help the poor, the wretched, the innocent childr |