Deuteronomy 15:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יֶחְדַּ֥ל
shall never cease
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#4
וּלְאֶבְיֹֽנְךָ֖
H34
For the poor
destitute
#5
מִקֶּ֣רֶב
out of
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#6
בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃
in thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
כֵּ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
אָֽנֹכִ֤י
i
#10
מְצַוְּךָ֙
therefore I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#11
לֵאמֹ֔ר
thee saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
Thou shalt open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#13
תִּפְתַּ֨ח
Thou shalt open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
יָֽדְךָ֜
thine hand
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
#16
לְאָחִ֧יךָ
unto thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#17
לַֽעֲנִיֶּ֛ךָ
to thy poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#18
וּלְאֶבְיֹֽנְךָ֖
H34
For the poor
destitute
#19
בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃
in thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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