Proverbs 28:27
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Original Language Analysis
נוֹתֵ֣ן
He that giveth
H5414
נוֹתֵ֣ן
He that giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּמַעְלִ֥ים
but he that hideth
H5956
וּמַעְלִ֥ים
but he that hideth
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
5 of 8
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
עֵ֝ינָ֗יו
his eyes
H5869
עֵ֝ינָ֗יו
his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Proverbs 11:24There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.Deuteronomy 15:7If 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:Deuteronomy 15:10Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.Proverbs 11:26He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.Proverbs 22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's law commanded care for the poor: leaving gleanings (Leviticus 19:9-10), canceling debts (Deuteronomy 15:1-11), protecting widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 24:17-22). The prophets thundered against those who exploited or ignored the poor (Amos 5:11-12, Isaiah 58:6-7). Early Christians practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37).
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'poor' in your sphere—and are you giving generously or 'hiding your eyes'?
- How has God proven this principle true in your life when you've given sacrificially?
- What would 'not hiding your eyes' look like practically in your context this week?
Analysis & Commentary
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack (נוֹתֵן לָרָשׁ אֵין מַחְסוֹר, noten larash ein machsor)—נָתַן (natan, 'to give') to the רָשׁ (rash, 'poor, destitute') results in אֵין מַחְסוֹר (ein machsor, 'no lack, no want'). This paradox pervades Scripture: giving produces abundance (Proverbs 11:24-25, 19:17, 22:9). Jesus taught: 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38). Paul: 'He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully' (2 Corinthians 9:6).
But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (וּמַעְלִים עֵינָיו רַב־מְאֵרוֹת, uma'lim einav rav-me'erot)—עָלַם (alam, 'to hide, conceal') the עַיִן (ayin, 'eyes') from the poor's plight brings רַב (rav, 'many, abundant') מְאֵרָה (me'erah, 'curses, oaths'). Refusing to see need doesn't eliminate it—it brings judgment. The rich man ignored Lazarus at his gate and suffered eternally (Luke 16:19-31). James 2:15-16 condemns empty words without material help.