Deuteronomy 15:7
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:
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִהְיֶה֩
H1961
יִהְיֶה֩
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּאַחַ֣ד
of one
H259
בְּאַחַ֣ד
of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 24
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מֵֽאָחִ֖יךָ
brother
H251
מֵֽאָחִ֖יךָ
brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
6 of 24
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּאַחַ֣ד
of one
H259
בְּאַחַ֣ד
of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
בְּאַ֨רְצְךָ֔
in thy land
H776
בְּאַ֨רְצְךָ֔
in thy land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
9 of 24
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 24
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
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֹ֧א
H3808
לֹ֧א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְאַמֵּ֣ץ
thee thou shalt not harden
H553
תְאַמֵּ֣ץ
thee thou shalt not harden
Strong's:
H553
Word #:
16 of 24
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִקְפֹּץ֙
nor shut
H7092
תִקְפֹּץ֙
nor shut
Strong's:
H7092
Word #:
20 of 24
to draw together, i.e., close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs); specifically, to die (from gathering up the feet)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָ֣דְךָ֔
thine hand
H3027
יָ֣דְךָ֔
thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
22 of 24
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
Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:9Beware 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.Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What hardens hearts against poor brothers/sisters in faith communities?
- How do we keep hearts soft and hands open amid constant needs?
- What distinguishes biblical charity (covenant duty) from secular humanitarianism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.