Deuteronomy 15:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
shall never cease
H2308
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
shall never cease
Strong's:
H2308
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
מִקֶּ֣רֶב
out of
H7130
מִקֶּ֣רֶב
out of
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃
in thy land
H776
בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃
in thy land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 19
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֞ן
H3651
כֵּ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
Thou shalt open
H6605
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
Thou shalt open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
12 of 19
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
Thou shalt open
H6605
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
Thou shalt open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
13 of 19
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָֽדְךָ֜
thine hand
H3027
יָֽדְךָ֜
thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
15 of 19
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
לְאָחִ֧יךָ
unto thy brother
H251
לְאָחִ֧יךָ
unto thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
16 of 19
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
Mark 14:7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.Matthew 26:11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.John 12:8For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.Deuteronomy 15:8But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.Proverbs 22:2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.Luke 12:33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.Acts 2:45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.Matthew 5:42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that poverty won't end prevent cynicism while inspiring ongoing generosity?
- What does 'opening your hand wide' look like practically in your economic life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.