Deuteronomy 15:8

KJV

But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou shalt open {H6605} thine hand {H3027} wide {H6605} unto him, and shalt surely {H5670} lend {H5670} him sufficient {H1767} for his need {H4270}, in that which he wanteth {H2637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, you must open your hand to him and lend him enough to meet his need and enable him to obtain what he wants.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.

American Standard Version

but thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:8 stands as a profound ethical imperative within the Mosaic Law, compelling the Israelites to extend radical generosity to their impoverished brethren. This divine command mandates an unreserved, open-handed approach to lending, ensuring that any fellow Israelite experiencing genuine lack receives ample and appropriate aid to alleviate their immediate distress. It encapsulates the covenant community's sacred responsibility to embody compassion, justice, and mutual support, reflecting God's own benevolent character and His desire for a society where no member of His people endures destitution. This verse directly counters any inclination towards a hardened heart, emphasizing proactive, abundant, and discerning provision for the vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:8 is strategically placed within a broader legislative section (Deuteronomy 15:1-18) that meticulously details the laws concerning the "year of release" (Shemitah) and the compassionate treatment of the poor and enslaved within Israelite society. The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 15:1-6](/deuteronomy/15-1-6 "Deuteronomy 15:1-6 - The Year of Release")) establish the principle of debt remission every seven years, a radical economic measure designed to prevent perpetual indebtedness and promote a degree of economic equity. Directly preceding our verse, [Deuteronomy 15:7](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7 - Do Not Harden Your Heart") serves as a crucial negative injunction, sternly warning against hardening one's heart or shutting one's hand against a poor brother. Verse 8 then provides the positive, proactive command, detailing the specific action of generous lending. The subsequent verses ([Deuteronomy 15:9-11](/deuteronomy/15-9-11 "Deuteronomy 15:9-11 - Warning Against Grudging Thoughts")) reinforce the gravity of this command, warning against grudging thoughts and promising divine blessing for obedience, while realistically acknowledging that "the poor shall never cease out of the land." This entire pericope underscores the profound ethical and social dimensions of the Mosaic covenant, demonstrating how theological principles are to be meticulously translated into practical, communal life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws articulated in Deuteronomy were delivered to the Israelites as they stood poised to enter the Promised Land, serving as the foundational framework for their life as a holy nation under God's covenant. In the ancient Near Eastern world, poverty was a pervasive and often devastating reality, frequently exacerbated by factors such as famine, war, or personal misfortune, which could lead to crippling debt and even chattel slavery. While many ancient cultures had some provisions for the poor, Israel's laws, as uniquely revealed in Deuteronomy, were exceptionally compassionate and progressive. This distinctiveness was rooted in their collective memory of their own enslavement and destitution in Egypt and God's miraculous act of redemption ([Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember Your Slavery in Egypt")). The emphasis on the "brother" (fellow Israelite) highlights the deep communal solidarity and familial responsibility expected within the covenant. Practices such as lending without interest to a fellow Israelite (implied by the broader context) and the revolutionary concept of debt remission every seven years were radical economic measures designed to prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and to ensure a basic level of dignity and provision for all members of the community, profoundly reflecting God's unwavering concern for justice and equity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It serves as a prime example of **Covenant Loyalty and Obedience**, where adherence to God's commands regarding social justice is presented as a direct and tangible expression of faithfulness to Him. It vividly highlights the theme of **Compassion and Social Justice**, unequivocally demonstrating God's profound heart for the vulnerable and His expectation that His people will mirror His character by actively caring for the less fortunate among them, echoing principles found in earlier legislation such as [Exodus 22:25-27](/exodus/22-25-27 "Exodus 22:25-27 - Laws Concerning Loans and Pledges"). The emphatic command to "open thine hand wide" underscores the theme of **Generosity and Open-Handedness**, standing in stark contrast to the self-preservation instincts often observed in human societies. Furthermore, the promise of divine blessing for obedience, explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 15:10](/deuteronomy/15-10 "Deuteronomy 15:10 - Blessing for Generosity"), reinforces the theme of **Divine Blessing for Obedience**, assuring the Israelites that their generosity would not lead to personal lack but rather to God's abundant provision, a principle reiterated throughout wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Poor is Lending to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Open (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** The verb פָּתַח (_pâthach_), meaning "to open wide" or "to loosen," is employed here in an intensive grammatical construction (infinitive absolute followed by the finite verb: פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח, _patuach tiftoach_). This emphatic repetition translates to "you shall surely open" or "you shall certainly open," underscoring the absolute necessity, certainty, and decisiveness of the action. It is not a mere suggestion but a forceful, non-negotiable command, highlighting that the act of opening one's hand is to be immediate, intentional, and without any hesitation or reluctance.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word יָד (_yâd_), meaning "hand," is a ubiquitous biblical metaphor representing power, action, capacity, and possession. To "open the hand wide" (literally, "open, you shall open your hand") signifies not a minimal or grudging gesture but a full, expansive, and unrestricted release of resources. It implies a generous disposition that is ready to give abundantly, reflecting a heart unburdened by greed, fear of loss, or self-interest. It speaks to the complete availability of one's means for the benefit of another.
* **Need (Hebrew, _machçôwr'_):** The noun מַחְסֹר (_machçôwr_) refers to a "lack," "deficiency," "want," or "impoverishment." It denotes a genuine state of destitution, necessity, or an essential absence, rather than a frivolous desire or mere convenience. The command specifies that the lending should be "sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth," indicating that the aid provided must be quantitatively and qualitatively adequate to truly alleviate the specific lack the person is experiencing, enabling them to overcome their immediate hardship and move towards self-sufficiency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him":** This phrase constitutes a direct, emphatic, and positive command that contrasts sharply with the negative injunction of [Deuteronomy 15:7](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7 - Do Not Harden Your Heart"). The intensive verbal construction ("you shall surely open") leaves no room for hesitation, reluctance, or grudging giving. "Opening the hand wide" is a powerful **metaphor** for generous, unrestricted, and even lavish giving. It implies a willingness to share resources freely and abundantly, without holding back or being stingy. The recipient ("unto him") is explicitly the "poor brother" mentioned in the preceding verse, emphasizing the communal responsibility and familial bond within the covenant.
* **"and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need":** This clause specifies both the nature and the extent of the required generosity. The term "lend" (עָבַט, _ʻâbaṭ_) implies a temporary provision, though the broader context of the year of release ([Deuteronomy 15:1-6](/deuteronomy/15-1-6 "Deuteronomy 15:1-6 - The Year of Release")) suggests that such a loan might be remitted or forgiven. Crucially, the amount lent must be "sufficient for his need," meaning it should be adequate to address the actual lack or deficiency of the borrower. This is not about token gestures or minimal contributions, but about practical, impactful assistance that genuinely helps the person overcome their hardship and regain stability.
* **"[in that] which he wanteth":** This final phrase further clarifies and specifies the scope and target of the need. It indicates that the aid provided should be directed precisely towards what the individual genuinely lacks or desires due to their state of poverty. It calls for discernment and attentiveness to the specific circumstances of the needy person, ensuring that the assistance provided is relevant, effective, and tailored to alleviate their particular distress. This underscores a personalized, compassionate, and highly practical approach to giving, moving beyond general charity to targeted support.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:8 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound ethical message with clarity and force. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, vividly expressed in the phrase "open thine hand wide." The hand, as the primary instrument of action, labor, and possession, becomes a powerful symbol of one's capacity and willingness to give. "Opening it wide" paints a compelling visual of unreserved, abundant generosity, standing in stark moral contrast to the "shutting" of the hand mentioned in the preceding verse ([Deuteronomy 15:7](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7 - Do Not Harden Your Heart")), thereby creating a clear moral dichotomy. Furthermore, the use of the **Infinitive Absolute** (פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח, _patuach tiftoach_) before the finite verb is a powerful device for **Intensification**. This grammatical construction serves to emphasize the absolute certainty, necessity, and non-negotiable nature of the command, translating to "you shall *surely* open" or "you shall *certainly* open." It elevates the command from a mere suggestion to an unwavering imperative, demanding immediate and unquestioning obedience. The verse also exhibits a subtle yet effective form of **Parallelism** between "sufficient for his need" and "[in that] which he wanteth," reinforcing the core idea that the provision must precisely match the specific lack of the individual, thereby highlighting a holistic and targeted approach to compassion and aid.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:8 is a profound theological statement, revealing not only God's ethical expectations for His covenant people but also His very character. It portrays a God who is deeply concerned with justice, equity, and the holistic well-being of the vulnerable, particularly within His own community. This command transcends mere social welfare policy; it is a theological imperative rooted in the very nature of Yahweh, who Himself delivered Israel from their own state of destitution and bondage in Egypt. By commanding His people to be open-handed, God calls them to mirror His own abundant generosity and compassion, ensuring that the blessings of the covenant are shared broadly and that no one within the community is left in abject poverty. This principle of active, generous care for the poor is a consistent and vital thread throughout biblical revelation, serving as a litmus test for genuine faith and a tangible reflection of true worship.

* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - True Fasting and Justice")
* [Matthew 5:42](/matthew/5-42 "Matthew 5:42 - Give to Those Who Ask")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:8 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to embody God's heart for the poor and needy in a tangible and transformative way. It calls us beyond mere sympathy or passive concern to active, sacrificial generosity. This verse compels us to cultivate an "open hand" not just with our finances, but with our time, talents, skills, and relational resources, recognizing that all we possess is a sacred stewardship from God. It encourages us to be discerning in our giving, ensuring that our aid genuinely meets the "need" of the recipient, promoting dignity, fostering self-sufficiency, and enabling sustainable change rather than inadvertently creating dependency. In a world often characterized by self-interest, consumerism, and scarcity mindsets, this command invites us into the radical abundance of God's kingdom, where giving generously leads paradoxically to blessing and spiritual enrichment, not depletion. It reminds us that our compassion for others is a direct reflection of our love for God and a vital expression of our identity as His covenant people, called to build communities marked by justice, mercy, and mutual care, thereby testifying to His character in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical and specific ways can I "open my hand wide" to those in genuine need within my community or church, extending beyond just financial contributions?**
* **How does the command to give "sufficient for his need" challenge my current patterns of generosity and resource allocation? Am I giving adequately, or merely symbolically?**
* **What are the "hardened hearts" or "shut hands"—whether attitudinal or practical—in my own life that prevent me from being more open-handed and compassionate?**
* **How does remembering God's own immeasurable generosity and grace towards me motivate and empower me to be more generous towards others?**
* **What specific steps can I commit to taking this week to identify and meet a genuine, practical need for someone experiencing lack or distress?**

### FAQ
**Does "lend him sufficient" mean the loan must always be repaid?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word "lend" (נָשָׁה, _nashah_) typically implies an expectation of repayment, the broader context of [Deuteronomy 15](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy 15 - The Year of Release and Treatment of the Poor"), particularly the "year of release" (Shemitah) detailed in [Deuteronomy 15:1-6](/deuteronomy/15-1-6 "Deuteronomy 15:1-6 - The Year of Release"), introduces a crucial nuance. In the year of release, debts owed by fellow Israelites were explicitly to be remitted. Therefore, a loan made to a poor Israelite, especially as the year of release approached, might not have been expected to be repaid. The primary emphasis of [Deuteronomy 15:8](/deuteronomy/15-8 "Deuteronomy 15:8 - Open Your Hand Wide") is on meeting the genuine need of the poor brother, whether through a loan that might be forgiven or through direct giving. The spirit of the law prioritizes alleviating suffering and preventing perpetual poverty over strict financial repayment, particularly when the borrower is in genuine distress. The ultimate goal is to restore the person to a place of dignity and self-sufficiency, reflecting God's desire for the flourishing of all His people within the covenant community.

**How does this command apply to Christians today, given that we are not under the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a legal covenant for salvation or a means of righteousness, the ethical and moral principles embedded within it, especially those that reflect God's unchanging character and His divine will, remain eternally relevant and binding. [Deuteronomy 15:8](/deuteronomy/15-8 "Deuteronomy 15:8 - Open Your Hand Wide"), with its profound emphasis on compassion, radical generosity, and social justice, reveals the very heart of God for the poor and vulnerable. New Testament teachings consistently affirm, deepen, and expand upon these principles. Jesus Himself taught radical generosity, instructing His followers to "give to everyone who asks you" ([Luke 6:30](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give to Everyone Who Asks")) and promising that those who give will receive abundantly ([Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you")). The early church exemplified this open-handed spirit, practicing communal sharing to ensure no one among them was in need ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Believers Share Their Possessions") and [Acts 4:34-35](/acts/4-34-35 "Acts 4:34-35 - No Needy Person Among Them")). The Apostle Paul exhorted believers to contribute to the needs of others, especially "those who are of the household of faith" ([Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All")), and to give cheerfully and generously, for "God loves a cheerful giver" ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")). Therefore, [Deuteronomy 15:8](/deuteronomy/15-8 "Deuteronomy 15:8 - Open Your Hand Wide") serves as a foundational Old Testament expression of a timeless divine command for believers to live with open hands and compassionate hearts, actively seeking to alleviate poverty and promote justice in their communities, as a reflection of Christ's love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:8, with its passionate call for open-handed generosity towards the needy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law commanded Israel to lend "sufficient for his need," Christ Himself became the ultimate "lender" and giver, providing not merely for our physical wants but for our deepest spiritual need. He, though eternally rich in divine glory, for our sakes became poor, so that we through His profound self-impoverishment might become spiritually rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). Jesus perfectly embodied the spirit of this command, not just through His earthly ministry of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ministering to the marginalized, but supremely by giving His very life as a ransom for many, offering salvation that is "sufficient for our need" and infinitely beyond all we could ever want or imagine ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He opened His hands wide, not to give material wealth, but to be nailed to the cross, pouring out His blood as the ultimate act of selfless, sacrificial giving, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He provided us with eternal life, complete forgiveness, and perfect reconciliation with God, a provision that is truly abundant, without measure, and eternally satisfying. As believers, having received such immeasurable grace, we are now called to imitate this Christ-like generosity, reflecting His open-handed love to a world in desperate need, knowing that just as He laid down His life for us, we too are to lay down our lives and give generously to others, especially those within the family of faith ([1 John 3:16-18](/1_john/3-16-18 "1 John 3:16-18 - Love in Action")).

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

Luke 6:34

And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

Matthew 5:42

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.