Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Original Language Analysis
מַלְוֵ֣ה
lendeth
H3867
מַלְוֵ֣ה
lendeth
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ח֣וֹנֵֽן
He that hath pity
H2603
ח֣וֹנֵֽן
He that hath pity
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
דָּ֑ל
upon the poor
H1800
דָּ֑ל
upon the poor
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
וּ֝גְמֻל֗וֹ
and that which he hath given
H1576
וּ֝גְמֻל֗וֹ
and that which he hath given
Strong's:
H1576
Word #:
5 of 7
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
Cross References
Proverbs 28:27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Luke 6:38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.Matthew 25:40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Ecclesiastes 11:1Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.Proverbs 14:21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.Proverbs 12:14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.Proverbs 28:8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies included significant poverty—widows, orphans, landless laborers, and the disabled faced economic vulnerability. Mosaic Law extensively protected the poor through gleaning rights, debt forgiveness, and prohibition of oppression. Proverbs extends this covenant concern, presenting care for the poor as spiritual obligation God rewards. Neglecting the poor violated covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing generosity to the poor as 'lending to the LORD' change your perspective on charitable giving?
- What specific opportunities do you have to show compassion to the poor in your community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb presents charity to the poor as lending to God: 'He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.' Showing pity (chanan—showing grace, compassion) to the poor constitutes lending to Yahweh Himself. The metaphor is striking—God considers Himself the debtor for kindness shown to the poor and promises repayment. This doesn't mean charity is investment for profit, but God pledges to reward those who help the needy. Jesus taught similarly: deeds done to 'the least of these' are done unto Him (Matthew 25:31-46). This grounds charity in theology—we serve God by serving the poor.