King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:6 in the King James Version says “For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borro... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

Deuteronomy 15:6 · KJV


Context

4

Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Save: or, To the end that there be no poor among you

5

Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day.

6

For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

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:

8

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee. The promise that YHWH elohekha yebarekhekha (the LORD your God will bless you) grounds Israel's economic prosperity in covenant obedience. The Hebrew avat (lend) pictures creditor status, while avoiding lavah (borrow/be indebted) preserves independence and dignity.

This economic dominance—lending to nations, ruling over them—reverses the curse of Deuteronomy 28:43-44 where disobedience brings debt and subjugation. The blessing isn't merely wealth but sovereignty and freedom from foreign domination. Proverbs 22:7 notes that 'the borrower is servant to the lender,' so Israel's creditor position represents freedom and authority. Yet this prosperity is conditional on covenant faithfulness (15:4-5)—obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings cursing. The promise anticipates Solomon's wealth and international influence (1 Kings 10:14-29) but was repeatedly forfeited through apostasy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written before Israel entered Canaan, this promise anticipates the economic blessings of obedience in the land. Israel's agricultural and commercial success under David and Solomon fulfilled this partially, with tributary nations and international trade. However, Israel's frequent disobedience led to oppression, exile, and foreign domination (Judges, Assyrian and Babylonian captivity). The New Testament spiritualizes such promises—believers' true riches are spiritual (Ephesians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 8:9), though godliness with contentment brings material sufficiency (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that material blessing flows from covenant obedience shape your view of prosperity?
  2. In what ways has debt or financial bondage compromised your spiritual freedom and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּֽי1 of 19
H3588

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

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 19

For the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙3 of 19

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

בֵּֽרַכְךָ֔4 of 19

blesseth

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר5 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּר6 of 19

thee as he promised

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לָ֑ךְ7 of 19
H0
תַֽעֲבֹ֔ט8 of 19

but thou shalt not borrow

H5670

to pawn; causatively, to lend (on security); figuratively, to entangle

בְּגוֹיִ֣ם9 of 19

nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

רַבִּ֔ים10 of 19

over many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְאַתָּה֙11 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹ֣א12 of 19
H3808

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

תַֽעֲבֹ֔ט13 of 19

but thou shalt not borrow

H5670

to pawn; causatively, to lend (on security); figuratively, to entangle

יִמְשֹֽׁלוּ׃14 of 19

and thou shalt reign

H4910

to rule

בְּגוֹיִ֣ם15 of 19

nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

רַבִּ֔ים16 of 19

over many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וּבְךָ֖17 of 19
H0
לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

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

יִמְשֹֽׁלוּ׃19 of 19

and thou shalt reign

H4910

to rule


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 15:6 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 15:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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