Deuteronomy 15:7

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

If there be among you a poor man {H34} of one {H259} of thy brethren {H251} within any {H259} of thy gates {H8179} in thy land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, thou shalt not harden {H553} thine heart {H3824}, nor shut {H7092} thine hand {H3027} from thy poor {H34} brother {H251}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"If someone among you is needy, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which ADONAI your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from giving to your needy brother.

Berean Standard Bible

If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.

American Standard Version

If there be with thee a poor man, one of thy brethren, within any of thy gates in thy land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:7 delivers a profound divine command to the Israelites, instructing them to cultivate an open heart and an open hand towards any impoverished member of their community. This instruction, given as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, underscores a foundational principle of covenantal living: that the welfare of the poor is a direct reflection of a community's obedience to God and its commitment to brotherly love, ensuring that no one within the covenant family is left in destitution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant block of legal and ethical instruction in Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26), often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code, which outlines the statutes Israel was to observe in the Promised Land. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 15](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy 15 - Laws Concerning the Poor and Debtors") focuses on laws concerning the poor and the indebted. [Deuteronomy 15:1-6](/deuteronomy/15-1-6 "Deuteronomy 15:1-6 - The Sabbatical Year and Release of Debts") introduce the Sabbatical year (Shemitah), mandating the release of debts every seven years. Verse 7, however, shifts from the periodic release of debts to the continuous, everyday responsibility of caring for the poor, acknowledging that poverty would persist even within God's blessed land, as stated in [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Always Be Among You"). This immediate juxtaposition highlights that while systemic measures like the Sabbatical year are crucial, individual compassion and generosity remain perpetually necessary. The passage then continues to discuss the release of Hebrew servants, further emphasizing the theme of freedom and provision for the vulnerable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy presents Moses' final addresses to the generation of Israelites poised to enter Canaan, the land "which the LORD thy God giveth thee." This context is crucial; Israel was transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural society. God's laws were designed to establish a distinct, just, and compassionate society, sharply contrasting with the surrounding pagan cultures which often exploited the vulnerable. The "gates" mentioned in the verse refer to the city gates, which were not merely entry points but also centers of commerce, public life, and justice. The command to care for "one of thy brethren" emphasizes the unique covenantal relationship within Israel, where members were bound by kinship and shared faith, forming a spiritual family under God. This societal structure aimed to prevent the accumulation of extreme wealth by a few and the destitution of many, fostering a community where God's blessing was distributed and shared.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 15:7 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Mosaic Law and biblical theology. First, it champions **Covenantal Responsibility**, reminding Israel that their relationship with God entailed specific obligations to one another, especially the most vulnerable. Their prosperity in the land was tied to their obedience in caring for the poor, reflecting God's own character as a provider and deliverer. Second, the verse highlights **Compassion and Generosity**, making it clear that a right heart attitude ("not harden thine heart") must precede and motivate right action ("nor shut thine hand"). This is not merely a legalistic requirement but an ethical imperative rooted in empathy. Third, it underscores **Social Justice**, demonstrating God's consistent concern for the marginalized. The Law provided numerous provisions for the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow, ensuring that the vulnerable were protected and had access to resources, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor and Sojourner") regarding gleaning. Finally, the instruction is a **Divine Mandate**, emanating directly from "the LORD thy God," signifying that care for the poor is not a humanistic ideal but a sacred duty, integral to the worship and service of the God who delivered them from slavery.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poor (Hebrew, _ʼebyôwn'_):** From H34, meaning "destitute; beggar, needy, poor (man)." This term describes someone who is in a state of lacking and dependence, emphasizing their vulnerability and their plight as a direct appeal to the compassion of the community. It highlights the economic and social disadvantage of the individual.
* **Harden (Hebrew, _ʼâmats'_):** From H553, meaning "to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage); confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed)." In this context, when applied negatively as "not harden," it signifies a deliberate refusal to be strong in compassion or firm in generosity. It implies a choice to become obstinate or unyielding in one's heart, resisting the divine impulse to help and instead choosing insensitivity.
* **Shut (Hebrew, _qâphats'_):** From H7092, meaning "to draw together, i.e. close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs); specifically, to die (from gathering up the feet)." This word vividly describes the physical action of closing one's hand, withholding resources, or refusing to extend help. It is the outward manifestation of a hardened heart, symbolizing a refusal to share or give. The imagery is of a tightly clenched fist, unwilling to open and release what it holds, even for a "poor brother."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren":** This opening clause immediately establishes the scope and target of the command: it applies specifically to the covenant community, emphasizing the familial bond ("thy brethren"). The presence of poverty is acknowledged as a reality even within a blessed land, setting the stage for the required compassionate response.
* **"within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee":** This phrase grounds the command geographically and theologically. "Thy gates" signifies the settled communal life within Israelite towns and cities, where interactions and needs would be most apparent. "Thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" reminds the Israelites that their very possession of the land is a divine gift, implying a reciprocal responsibility to steward its resources and care for its inhabitants according to God's will and for His glory.
* **"thou shalt not harden thine heart":** This is the first negative command, addressing the internal disposition. It prohibits an attitude of indifference, callousness, or insensitivity towards the poor. The heart (H3824, _lêbâb_), in biblical thought, is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will, meaning the command requires a conscious choice to remain open, empathetic, and willing to respond to the needs of others.
* **"nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother":** This is the second negative command, focusing on the external action. It prohibits the refusal to provide material aid or assistance. The "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) represents one's ability to give, to work, and to provide. To "shut thine hand" is to withhold resources, to refuse help, and to act selfishly, directly counteracting the spirit of generosity and communal support. The repetition of "thy poor brother" reinforces the intimate, covenantal relationship that demands such care.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting the negative commands ("not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand") with the implied positive expectation of an open heart and an open hand. This highlights the stark choice presented to the listener between self-centeredness and covenantal compassion. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "heart" (H3824, _lêbâb_) stands for one's inner disposition and moral will, and "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) represents one's capacity for action and giving. These physical body parts are used to symbolize deeper spiritual and practical realities of empathy and generosity. The **Repetition** of "thy poor brother" at the beginning and end of the command serves as an **Inclusio**, emphasizing the central object of the command and reinforcing the intimate, familial nature of the relationship within the covenant community. This rhetorical framing underscores the personal and communal responsibility involved in caring for the vulnerable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:7 is a microcosm of God's enduring concern for justice and compassion, woven throughout the fabric of Scripture. It reveals a God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) who identifies with the vulnerable and expects His people to reflect His character by actively caring for them. This command is not merely about charity but about the very nature of a righteous society and the demonstration of true faith. It teaches that material blessings are not solely for personal accumulation but are given, in part, to be shared, ensuring that no one within the covenant family suffers destitution. This principle of open-handed generosity is a recurring theme, connecting the Old Testament Law to the Prophets' calls for justice and the New Testament's emphasis on love for neighbor.
* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")
* [1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "1 John 3:17 - Love in Action")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless command of Deuteronomy 15:7 challenges believers today to examine the posture of their hearts and the readiness of their hands. In a world marked by vast disparities, the call to not "harden thine heart" implores us to resist indifference, apathy, or judgmentalism towards those in need, whether they are within our immediate faith community, our local neighborhood, or the broader global family. It demands that we cultivate empathy, listen to stories of hardship, and allow our hearts to be moved by compassion, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person. Furthermore, to "not shut thine hand" requires concrete, tangible action. This can manifest in various ways: generously supporting ministries that serve the poor, advocating for just policies, sharing personal resources, offering practical help, or simply extending a hand of friendship and solidarity. Our generosity is not just a moral obligation but a spiritual act, reflecting the very character of God who is abundantly generous towards us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "hardening one's heart" look like in contemporary society, both individually and communally?**
* **How do we identify "our poor brother" or "sister" in today's globalized world, and what are our responsibilities to them?**
* **In what practical ways can I "open my hand" to those in need within my sphere of influence this week?**
* **How does my generosity (or lack thereof) reflect my understanding of God's character and His provision for me?**

### FAQ
**Does Deuteronomy 15:7 imply that poverty is a permanent state, as suggested by Deuteronomy 15:11?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Always Be Among You") states, "For the poor shall never cease out of the land," this is not an endorsement of poverty or an excuse for inaction. Instead, it is a realistic acknowledgment of human fallenness and the persistent presence of need in a broken world. The purpose of this statement is not to legitimize poverty but to underscore the *continuous* and *ongoing* nature of the command to care for the poor. Because poverty will always exist, the responsibility to show compassion and generosity must also be perpetual. It serves as a constant reminder that God's people are always to be ready to open their hearts and hands, as opportunities for ministry to the poor will never run out.

**Is this command primarily about individual charity or societal responsibility?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 15:7, like many Old Testament laws, encompasses both individual charity and societal responsibility. The phrasing "thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand" directly addresses the individual's attitude and action. However, the context of the Deuteronomic Code, which includes laws about the Sabbatical year, gleaning, and tithes, clearly demonstrates a divinely ordained societal structure designed to prevent extreme poverty and ensure a safety net for the vulnerable. The "gates" and "land" references imply a community-wide obligation. Therefore, the verse calls for personal generosity while simultaneously implying that a just society, structured according to God's principles, should create an environment where such individual acts of compassion can flourish and where systemic injustices that perpetuate poverty are addressed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law commanded Israel to not harden their hearts or shut their hands, Jesus perfectly embodied the open heart and open hand of God. He did not merely command generosity; He lived it supremely, becoming poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by compassion for the marginalized, healing for the sick, and provision for the hungry, demonstrating God's heart for the "poor brother" in a way that transcended the physical boundaries of Israel. Jesus taught His followers that acts of mercy shown to "the least of these" are, in fact, acts of service to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ opened His hands on the cross, not shutting them but pouring out His life for the redemption of humanity, who were spiritually impoverished and enslaved by sin. His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empower believers to live out the spirit of Deuteronomy 15:7, forming a new covenant community—the Church—where generosity and care for one another are hallmarks of their shared life, echoing the early church's practice of sharing resources so "that there was not a needy person among them" ([Acts 4:34](/acts/4-34 "Acts 4:34 - No Needy Person Among Them")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate "open hand" of God (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), and His followers are called to reflect His boundless compassion in their own lives.

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

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:17

But 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?

Deuteronomy 15:9

Beware 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 21:13

¶ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

James 2:15

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

James 2:16

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

Matthew 18:30

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.