King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:7 in the King James Version says “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 givet... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Deuteronomy 15:7 · KJV


Context

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.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command: '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.' The specific situation: poverty exists despite covenant blessing. The prohibition: don't 'harden heart' (amats levav, אָמַץ לֵבָב, strengthen/harden heart against) or 'shut hand' (qaphats yad, קָפַץ יָד, close fist). Hard hearts produce closed hands. The designation 'thy poor brother' emphasizes covenant relationship—these aren't strangers but family. Generosity isn't optional charity but covenant duty. The phrase 'within any of thy gates' makes it local and personal—neighbors in need, not abstract poverty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel repeatedly failed this command—prophets condemned economic oppression (Ezekiel 22:29; Zechariah 7:10). Post-exilic community exemplified both faithfulness (Nehemiah 5:1-13) and failure. Early church practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 2 Corinthians 8-9). James condemns hard hearts toward needy brothers (James 2:14-17). John asks: 'whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?' (1 John 3:17). Closed hands reveal closed hearts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What hardens hearts against poor brothers/sisters in faith communities?
  2. How do we keep hearts soft and hands open amid constant needs?
  3. What distinguishes biblical charity (covenant duty) from secular humanitarianism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
כִּֽי1 of 24
H3588

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

יִהְיֶה֩2 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְךָ֙3 of 24
H0
הָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃4 of 24

If there be among you a poor man

H34

destitute

בְּאַחַ֣ד5 of 24

of one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽאָחִ֖יךָ6 of 24

brother

H251

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

בְּאַחַ֣ד7 of 24

of one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ8 of 24

of thy gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בְּאַ֨רְצְךָ֔9 of 24

in thy land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר10 of 24
H834

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

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 24

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ12 of 24

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

נֹתֵ֣ן13 of 24

giveth

H5414

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

לָ֑ךְ14 of 24
H0
לֹ֧א15 of 24
H3808

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

תְאַמֵּ֣ץ16 of 24

thee thou shalt not harden

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

אֶת17 of 24
H853

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

לְבָֽבְךָ֗18 of 24

thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְלֹ֤א19 of 24
H3808

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

תִקְפֹּץ֙20 of 24

nor shut

H7092

to draw together, i.e., close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs); specifically, to die (from gathering up the feet)

אֶת21 of 24
H853

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

יָ֣דְךָ֔22 of 24

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

מֵֽאָחִ֖יךָ23 of 24

brother

H251

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

הָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃24 of 24

If there be among you a poor man

H34

destitute


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 15:7 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 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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