What does Deuteronomy 15:7-8 mean?
"7 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: 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth." - Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "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: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth."
This passage is part of the laws and guidelines for the Israelites as they were establishing their society and were preparing to enter the Promised Land. The verses address the importance of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate in the community.
The overriding theme of these verses is the concept of compassion and generosity towards those who are in need. It reminds readers that it is their responsibility to help their fellow brethren who are in less fortunate circumstances, and to not turn a blind eye to their suffering. The passage emphasizes the need for empathy and care for those who are struggling, and the duty to offer assistance and support.
The context of these verses is crucial to understanding their significance. In the ancient Israelite society, the poor and needy were particularly vulnerable as they did not have access to the social safety nets and support systems that exist today. Therefore, the responsibility to care for them fell on the community as a whole, and was considered a moral obligation. These verses are a reminder to the Israelites of their duty to help those in need and to show compassion towards their fellow brethren.
The symbolism in these verses is the imagery of opening one's hand wide to give generously. It conveys the idea of being open-hearted and willing to provide whatever is necessary to help those in need. This symbolism underscores the importance of selflessness and the willingness to go above and beyond to support those who are less fortunate.
Additionally, the verses also affirm the belief in the principle of reciprocity – the idea that by giving to those in need, one will also receive blessings and favor from God. This belief was central to the Israelite worldview, and it reinforced the notion that generosity and compassion were not only moral imperatives, but also had spiritual significance.
From a broader perspective, these verses also have relevance and application in contemporary society. They serve as a reminder of the importance of extending a helping hand to those who are struggling, and of the moral and ethical duty to care for the less fortunate. They underline the significance of empathy, kindness, and compassion in fostering a more just and equitable community.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 conveys a powerful message about the importance of compassion and generosity towards those who are in need. It serves as a timeless reminder of the moral duty to care for the less fortunate, and the enduring relevance of these principles in fostering a more compassionate and just society.
Have questions about Deuteronomy 15:7-8?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 Artwork
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs."
"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs." - Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Deuteronomy 15:8 - "But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth."
Deuteronomy 8:7 - "For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;"
Deuteronomy 8:15 - "Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;"
Deuteronomy 7:15 - "And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee."
Deuteronomy 15:7 - "¶ 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:"
deuteronomy 31 8
Deuteronomy 31:8
Deuteronomy 3:15 - "And I gave Gilead unto Machir."
Deuteronomy 8:8 - "A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;"
Deuteronomy 7:8 - "But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
John 15:7-8 - "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
Deuteronomy 15:1 - "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release."
Deuteronomy 14:15 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"
Deuteronomy 33:15 - "And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,"
"For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;" - Deuteronomy 8:7
"But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth." - Deuteronomy 15:8
Deuteronomy 15:15 - "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day."
Deuteronomy 31:15 - "And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle."
Deuteronomy 11:15 - "And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full."
Deuteronomy 30:15 - "¶ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;"
Deuteronomy 3:7 - "But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves."
John 15:7
Deuteronomy 23:8 - "The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation."
John 15:7
Deuteronomy 5:7 - "Thou shalt have none other gods before me."
Deuteronomy 15:23 - "Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water."
"And I gave Gilead unto Machir." - Deuteronomy 3:15
Deuteronomy 27:8 - "And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly."