King James Version

What Does Proverbs 28:27 Mean?

Proverbs 28:27 in the King James Version says “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”

Proverbs 28:27 · KJV

Context

25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Read Proverbs 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack (נוֹתֵן לָרָשׁ אֵין מַחְסוֹר, noten larash ein machsor)—נָתַן (natan, 'to give') to the רָשׁ (rash, 'poor, destitute') results in אֵין מַחְסוֹר (ein machsor, 'no lack, no want'). This paradox pervades Scripture: giving produces abundance (Proverbs 11:24-25, 19:17, 22:9). Jesus taught: 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38). Paul: 'He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully' (2 Corinthians 9:6).

But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (וּמַעְלִים עֵינָיו רַב־מְאֵרוֹת, uma'lim einav rav-me'erot)—עָלַם (alam, 'to hide, conceal') the עַיִן (ayin, 'eyes') from the poor's plight brings רַב (rav, 'many, abundant') מְאֵרָה (me'erah, 'curses, oaths'). Refusing to see need doesn't eliminate it—it brings judgment. The rich man ignored Lazarus at his gate and suffered eternally (Luke 16:19-31). James 2:15-16 condemns empty words without material help.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel's law commanded care for the poor: leaving gleanings (Leviticus 19:9-10), canceling debts (Deuteronomy 15:1-11), protecting widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 24:17-22). The prophets thundered against those who exploited or ignored the poor (Amos 5:11-12, Isaiah 58:6-7). Early Christians practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37).

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'poor' in your sphere—and are you giving generously or 'hiding your eyes'?
  2. How has God proven this principle true in your life when you've given sacrificially?
  3. What would 'not hiding your eyes' look like practically in your context this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
נוֹתֵ֣ן1 of 8

“He that giveth”

H5414

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

לָ֭רָשׁ2 of 8

“unto the poor”

H7326

to be destitute

אֵ֣ין3 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַחְס֑וֹר4 of 8

“shall not lack”

H4270

deficiency; hence, impoverishment

וּמַעְלִ֥ים5 of 8

“but he that hideth”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

עֵ֝ינָ֗יו6 of 8

“his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

רַב7 of 8

“shall have many”

H7227

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

מְאֵרֽוֹת׃8 of 8

“a curse”

H3994

an execration

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Proverbs 28:27 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 Proverbs 28:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:17Deuteronomy 15:7Psalms 41:1-3Proverbs 11:24Deuteronomy 15:10Psalms 112:5-9

Test Your Knowledge

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