Deuteronomy 15:8
But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
But thou shalt open
H6605
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
But thou shalt open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
2 of 13
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
But thou shalt open
H6605
תִּפְתַּ֛ח
But thou shalt open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 13
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָֽדְךָ֖
thine hand
H3027
יָֽדְךָ֖
thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 13
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
תַּֽעֲבִיטֶ֔נּוּ
lend
H5670
תַּֽעֲבִיטֶ֔נּוּ
lend
Strong's:
H5670
Word #:
7 of 13
to pawn; causatively, to lend (on security); figuratively, to entangle
תַּֽעֲבִיטֶ֔נּוּ
lend
H5670
תַּֽעֲבִיטֶ֔נּוּ
lend
Strong's:
H5670
Word #:
8 of 13
to pawn; causatively, to lend (on security); figuratively, to entangle
דֵּ֚י
him sufficient
H1767
דֵּ֚י
him sufficient
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
9 of 13
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The Sabbatical year (every seventh year) released debts (Deuteronomy 15:1-3), redistributing wealth and preventing permanent poverty. Ancient Near Eastern societies had debt-slavery and land forfeiture, creating permanent underclasses. Israel's system—with Sabbatical release, Jubilee restoration (Leviticus 25), and gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9-10)—provided safety nets unknown in other cultures. This generosity demonstrated covenant community values, where each member's welfare mattered.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your generosity reflect trust in God's provision versus fear of personal loss?
- What 'need' in your community is God calling you to meet with an 'open hand' rather than token assistance?
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Analysis & Commentary
But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. The emphatic Hebrew construction patoakh tiftakh (opening, you shall open) and ha'avet ta'avitenu (lending, you shall lend) intensifies the command—generosity toward the poor is not optional but obligatory. Dei makhsoro (sufficient for his need) indicates meeting actual necessity, not mere token assistance. The phrase asher yekhsar lo (what he lacks) personalizes aid—each person's need differs, requiring discernment, not formulaic charity.
This open-handed generosity contrasts with the closed-fisted stinginess warned against in 15:7, 9. The Sabbatical year debt release (15:1-3) might tempt creditors to refuse loans as the release year approached. God commands lending anyway, trusting Him to provide. Jesus echoes this principle: 'Give to him that asketh thee' (Matthew 5:42); 'from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.' The early church practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35), fulfilling the ideal that 'there be no poor among you' (Deuteronomy 15:4).