King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:11 in the King James Version says “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto t...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 15:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses states: '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.' The realistic acknowledgment that poverty won't be eradicated doesn't excuse indifference but intensifies obligation—ongoing need requires ongoing generosity. The command to 'open thine hand wide' suggests generous, unstinting giving, not grudging minimum. Jesus quotes this verse (Matthew 26:11), often misunderstood as justifying neglect of the poor. The point is the opposite—perpetual poverty demands perpetual charity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite Israel's unique laws protecting the poor, economic inequality persisted. The prophets repeatedly condemned exploitation of the poor (Amos 5:11-12; Isaiah 10:1-2; Micah 2:1-2). The New Testament church practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35), reflecting this command. Jesus' statement about perpetual poverty wasn't resignation but recognition—as long as human sin and the curse remain, poverty will exist, requiring continuous compassion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that poverty won't end prevent cynicism while inspiring ongoing generosity?
  2. What does 'opening your hand wide' look like practically in your economic life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֛י1 of 19
H3588

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

לֹֽא2 of 19
H3808

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

יֶחְדַּ֥ל3 of 19

“shall never cease”

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

וּלְאֶבְיֹֽנְךָ֖4 of 19

“For the poor”

H34

destitute

מִקֶּ֣רֶב5 of 19

“out of”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃6 of 19

“in thy land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עַל7 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֞ן8 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָֽנֹכִ֤י9 of 19
H595

i

מְצַוְּךָ֙10 of 19

“therefore I command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לֵאמֹ֔ר11 of 19

“thee saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תִּפְתַּ֨ח12 of 19

“Thou shalt open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

תִּפְתַּ֨ח13 of 19

“Thou shalt open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אֶת14 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָֽדְךָ֜15 of 19

“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

לְאָחִ֧יךָ16 of 19

“unto thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לַֽעֲנִיֶּ֛ךָ17 of 19

“to thy poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וּלְאֶבְיֹֽנְךָ֖18 of 19

“For the poor”

H34

destitute

בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃19 of 19

“in thy land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 15:11 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 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 14:7Matthew 26:11John 12:8Deuteronomy 15:8Proverbs 22:2Acts 4:32-35

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 15 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes