Deuteronomy 15:10

KJV

Thou 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt surely {H5414} give {H5414} him, and thine heart {H3824} shall not be grieved {H3415} when thou givest {H5414} unto him: because {H1558} that for this thing {H1697} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall bless {H1288} thee in all thy works {H4639}, and in all that thou puttest {H4916} thine hand {H3027} unto.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, you must give to him; and you are not to be grudging when you give to him. If you do this, ADONAI your God will bless you in all your work, in everything you undertake -

Berean Standard Bible

Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt surely give him, and thy heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him; because that for this thing Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all thy work, and in all that thou puttest thy hand unto.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:10 presents a foundational command within the Mosaic Law, compelling the Israelites to practice generous and ungrudging giving to those in need. It emphasizes not only the physical act of providing but also the crucial internal disposition of the giver, stipulating that the heart must not harbor reluctance, sorrow, or resentment. This divine mandate is coupled with a profound promise: such open-handedness, rooted in compassion and obedience, will result in comprehensive blessing from the LORD God in all endeavors and undertakings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:10 is strategically placed within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 14-15) that meticulously outlines social and economic regulations for the Israelite community, with a particular focus on the care of the poor and vulnerable. It immediately follows the detailed instructions regarding the [Year of Release, or Shemitah](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1 - The Year of Release"), which mandated the cancellation of debts and the freeing of Hebrew servants every seven years. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Your Hand to Your Needy Brother") directly precedes verse 10, urging the Israelites not to harden their hearts or shut their hands against a needy brother or sister, even as the Year of Release approaches. The emphatic command in verse 10, "Thou shalt surely give him," directly addresses the potential reluctance to lend or give when the cancellation of debts is imminent, reinforcing the absolute necessity of generosity despite any perceived economic implications. This entire section underscores God's profound desire for a just, compassionate, and equitable society where poverty is actively alleviated through communal responsibility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society, where economic stability was often precarious, highly susceptible to environmental factors like weather, as well as disease, and personal misfortune. Unlike many contemporary Ancient Near Eastern legal codes, the Mosaic Law placed a unique and remarkably strong emphasis on the protection and provision for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners. This was not merely a form of social welfare but a deep theological imperative, profoundly rooted in Israel's own collective experience as enslaved people in Egypt and God's gracious, liberating deliverance. The land itself was considered God's, loaned to the Israelites, fostering a communal rather than purely individualistic mindset regarding wealth and resources. The institutions of the Year of Release and the Sabbath Year ([Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - The Sabbath Year")) were designed to prevent perpetual poverty and ensure a measure of economic equity, reflecting God's character as both ultimate provider and liberator. The command in Deuteronomy 15:10 thus challenged the natural human inclination towards self-preservation and accumulation, calling for a radical trust in God's overarching provision and a demonstration of His character.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 15:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. One primary theme is **Covenantal Obedience and Blessing**, where faithfulness to God's commands, particularly those concerning justice and compassion for the vulnerable, directly results in divine favor and prosperity. Another crucial theme is **God's Character as Provider**, as the command to give generously is predicated on the understanding that God is the ultimate source of all blessing and will faithfully replenish what is given. The verse also powerfully highlights the **Ethic of Compassion and Social Justice**, demanding that Israel, as God's chosen people, reflect God's own merciful and just character in their treatment of the vulnerable among them. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Importance of the Heart**, teaching that true obedience involves not just external actions but also an internal willingness and joy, a profound sentiment echoed in the New Testament's call for [cheerful giving](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). Finally, it underscores **Trust in Divine Providence**, as the Israelites were called to give even when it seemed economically disadvantageous, trusting that their generosity would be honored and abundantly blessed by God, aligning perfectly with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This word (H5414) is a primitive root meaning "to give," used with the greatest latitude of application, including to put, make, appoint, bestow, deliver, or grant. In the context of "Thou shalt surely give him," the repetition of the root (`nâthon titten`) forms an infinitive absolute construction, intensifying the command to mean "you shall *certainly* give" or "you shall *indeed* give." It conveys an emphatic, non-negotiable directive for proactive and decisive generosity.
* **grieved (Hebrew, _yâraʻ'_):** Derived from the root `yâraʻ` (H3415), this word properly means "to be broken up (with any violent action)," and figuratively, "to fear" or "to be grievous." In the phrase "thine heart shall not be grieved," it signifies that the act of giving should not be accompanied by pain, sorrow, vexation, reluctance, or a sense of loss. It demands an internal disposition of willingness and cheerfulness, free from any grudging attitude or emotional burden.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** The verb `bârak` (H1288) is a primitive root meaning "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." When God blesses, He actively bestows divine favor, empowerment for prosperity, fruitfulness, success, and overall well-being. In this context, it implies that God will ensure the giver's endeavors are fruitful and prosperous, making up for what was given and more, demonstrating His abundant provision and ensuring holistic flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt surely give him":** This is a direct, emphatic, and absolute command to the individual Israelite to provide for the needy. The use of the infinitive absolute (`nâthon titten`) from the root `nâthan` ("to give") stresses the undeniable certainty and necessity of this act, making generosity not an optional virtue but a mandatory and non-negotiable aspect of covenant living. It demands a proactive and decisive act of giving without hesitation.
* **"and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him":** This clause moves beyond the outward act of giving to address the crucial inward attitude of the giver. It explicitly prohibits any internal reluctance, sorrow, vexation, or resentment accompanying the act of giving. The giving must be done with a willing, cheerful, and ungrudging spirit, reflecting a heart aligned with God's own compassionate and generous nature. This internal disposition is presented as equally, if not more, crucial than the external act itself.
* **"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":** This final clause provides the profound divine motivation and comprehensive promise for obedience. The act of giving with the right heart attitude is the "thing" (dâbâr, H1697) for which the LORD (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) God (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) promises comprehensive blessing (bârak, H1288). The phrase "in all thy works" (maʻăseh, H4639) and "in all that thou puttest thine hand" (yâd, H3027) "unto" (mishlôwach, H4916) is a merism, signifying totality—every aspect of life, every endeavor, every undertaking, and every labor. God promises to prosper the generous individual holistically, demonstrating His faithfulness and abundant provision to those who obey His commands concerning the vulnerable members of His covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message with emphasis and clarity. The most prominent is the use of the **Infinitive Absolute** in "Thou shalt surely give him" (Hebrew: `nâthon titten`), which intensifies the verb "give," highlighting its non-negotiable nature and the certainty of its expectation. This grammatical construction contributes to the overall **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of Deuteronomic law, which aims to instruct, impress upon the people the gravity, and underscore the importance of God's statutes. Furthermore, the phrase "in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto" functions as a powerful **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. Here, it signifies the totality and comprehensiveness of God's promised blessing, extending to every single aspect of the giver's life and labor. Finally, the verse presents a clear **Conditional Promise** or **Covenant Formula**, structured explicitly as "because... therefore." The obedience (giving with a willing heart) is the condition, and the divine blessing is the promised outcome, powerfully reinforcing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel where faithfulness to His commands is met with His abundant favor and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:10 encapsulates a profound theological principle: that human generosity, especially towards the vulnerable and needy, is not merely a social good but a deeply spiritual act that reflects God's own character and actively invites His blessing. It teaches that God is not only the ultimate provider and sustainer of all life but also one who delights in the open-handedness of His people, viewing their compassion for the poor as an act of profound trust and obedience to Him. This verse establishes a divine economy where giving is not a loss or a diminishment of resources but rather a sacred investment, sowing seeds that God faithfully promises to multiply and cause to flourish. It underscores the intrinsic interconnectedness of faith and action, demonstrating that true worship involves not just ritualistic adherence but also righteous living and active, tangible love for one's neighbor. The promise of blessing is remarkably comprehensive, assuring the giver that God will superintend and prosper their entire life and labor, ensuring fruitfulness and well-being as a direct, gracious consequence of their ungrudging generosity and trust in His providence.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:10 transcends its ancient covenantal context, offering timeless and profoundly relevant wisdom for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond mere transactional or obligatory giving to cultivate a heart of genuine, ungrudging, and joyful generosity. In a world often driven by scarcity mindsets, self-interest, and a relentless pursuit of accumulation, this verse calls us to trust implicitly in God's abundant provision and to reflect His very character by open-handedly sharing our resources—whether financial, material possessions, or even our invaluable time and unique talents—with those in need. It compels us to deeply examine our internal disposition when we give: Is it out of a grudging sense of obligation, or out of a cheerful, willing, and compassionate spirit? True generosity, as taught here, is a spiritual discipline that profoundly transforms both the giver and the recipient, fostering a community rooted in compassion, mutual care, and a shared trust in God's faithfulness. When we give without a "grieved heart," we align ourselves with God's kingdom principles, trusting that His blessing will indeed extend to "all our works" and "all that we put our hand unto," not as a reward for merit, but as a gracious consequence of our obedience and unwavering faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current approach to giving, whether to individuals, charitable organizations, or my local church, truly reflect the command to give without a "grieved heart"?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or "works" do I need to cultivate greater trust in God's provision to enable a more consistent and radically generous spirit?**
* **Beyond financial contributions, how can I apply the principle of ungrudging generosity to my time, unique skills, and emotional resources for the holistic benefit of others in my community and beyond?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply a transactional relationship with God, where giving guarantees material blessing?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 15:10 clearly states that God "shall bless thee" for generous giving, it's crucial to understand this within the comprehensive framework of the Mosaic Covenant and God's unchanging character, rather than a purely transactional exchange. The blessing promised is not a quid pro quo payment for services rendered, but a covenantal promise of divine favor, enablement for fruitfulness, and overall flourishing that flows as a natural consequence of obedience and trust. God's blessing is holistic, encompassing well-being, success in endeavors, and overall prosperity, which may certainly include material abundance but is by no means limited to it. It reflects the profound principle that aligning one's heart and actions with God's compassionate and generous nature positions one to receive His abundant grace and provision, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who obey His commands ([Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Test Me in This")). It is fundamentally a relationship of grace and faithfulness, not a rigid contractual bargain.

**How does the command to "surely give him" relate specifically to the Year of Release mentioned earlier in Deuteronomy 15?**

Answer: The immediate literary context of the Year of Release ([Deuteronomy 15:1](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1 - The Year of Release")) is absolutely critical for fully understanding the profound emphasis in verse 10. The Year of Release mandated the cancellation of all debts every seven years. This provision could naturally create a significant dilemma for potential lenders: why would one lend to someone if the debt might be canceled soon, potentially resulting in a financial loss? Verse 9 directly addresses this very human potential for reluctance, warning against hardening one's heart or withholding aid as the Year of Release approaches. Therefore, the emphatic command in verse 10, "Thou shalt surely give him," is a powerful, counter-cultural, and counter-intuitive directive. It compels the Israelites to lend and give without hesitation, calculation, or grudging thought, even when the Year of Release is near, trusting implicitly that God will compensate and bless their generosity. It underscores that compassion for the poor and vulnerable must profoundly override economic self-interest, demonstrating a radical faith in God's overarching provision and sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine giver and is the ultimate source of all blessing. While the Old Testament command emphasized giving to the needy within the Mosaic Covenant, Christ's life, ministry, and sacrificial death reveal the very heart of God's boundless, self-giving love. Jesus, though eternally rich in glory and divine prerogatives, willingly became poor for our sakes, so that through His profound poverty, we might become spiritually rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He did not give grudgingly or with a "grieved heart," but willingly and joyfully laid down His perfect life as the supreme, unblemished sacrifice for the sin of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). His teachings consistently championed radical generosity, boundless compassion for the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These")), and elevated the spirit of giving above mere legalistic obligation. The New Covenant, established through His precious blood, calls believers to a generosity that flows from grace, not law, yet promises that God will faithfully provide for and abundantly bless those who sow bountifully and cheerfully ([2 Corinthians 9:6-8](/2_corinthians/9-6-8 "2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - Sowing Bountifully and Cheerful Giving")). Ultimately, the blessing promised in Deuteronomy 15:10 points forward to the immeasurable spiritual blessings in Christ, including eternal life, reconciliation with God, and adoption into His family, which are the glorious fruit of His unparalleled act of giving Himself completely for us ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Self-Emptying")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:9

¶ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Deuteronomy 14:29

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Isaiah 58:10

And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:

Deuteronomy 24:19

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.