King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:10 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.”

Deuteronomy 15:10 · KJV

Context

8

But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

9

Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. thought: Heb. word wicked: Heb. Belial

10

Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

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.

12

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. The emphatic naton titten lo (giving, you shall give) requires actual generosity, while lo-yera levavkha (your heart shall not be grieved/grudging) demands cheerful giving. Paul quotes this principle: 'God loveth a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7). External compliance with internal resentment perverts obedience into legalism.

The promise ki biglal hadavar hazeh yebarekh-kha YHWH (because of this thing the LORD will bless you) establishes reciprocal generosity—giving releases God's blessing. Bekhol-ma'asekha (in all your works) and bekhol-mishlakh yadekha (in all that your hand undertakes) promise comprehensive prosperity for those who give freely. Proverbs 11:24-25 observes this paradox: 'There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth.' Jesus promised: 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38). Generosity creates overflow, stinginess creates lack.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command climaxes the Sabbatical year legislation (Deuteronomy 15:1-11), grounding economic ethics in covenant relationship. Ancient economies lacked social safety nets; charity came from personal/family resources. Israel's ethic of open-handed generosity distinguished them from surrounding nations. The early church's economic sharing (Acts 4:32-37) and Paul's collection for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9) demonstrate continuity with this covenantal generosity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you give cheerfully or grudgingly? How does your heart attitude affect the spiritual value of your generosity?
  2. In what ways have you experienced God's blessing flowing from acts of sacrificial giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
בְּתִתְּךָ֣1 of 20

“Thou shalt surely”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּתִתְּךָ֣2 of 20

“Thou shalt surely”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֔וֹ3 of 20
H0
וְלֹֽא4 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵרַ֥ע5 of 20
H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

לְבָֽבְךָ֖6 of 20

“him and thine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

בְּתִתְּךָ֣7 of 20

“Thou shalt surely”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֑וֹ8 of 20
H0
כִּ֞י9 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִּגְלַ֣ל׀10 of 20

“unto him because”

H1558

a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of

הַדָּבָ֣ר11 of 20

“that for this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֗ה12 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֙13 of 20

“shall bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֣ה14 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ15 of 20

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּכָֽל16 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַעֲשֶׂ֔ךָ17 of 20

“thee in all thy works”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּבְכֹ֖ל18 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁלַ֥ח19 of 20

“and in all that thou puttest”

H4916

a sending out, i.e., (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be disc

יָדֶֽךָ׃20 of 20

“thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 22:9Hebrews 13:161 Timothy 6:18-19Deuteronomy 14:29Isaiah 58:10Psalms 41:1-2

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