Deuteronomy 15:4
Deuteronomy 15:4 in Multiple Translations
There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance,
Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it:
Howbeit there shall be no poor with thee (for Jehovah will surely bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it),
But there will be no poor among you; for the Lord will certainly give you his blessing in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for your heritage;
However, you shouldn't have poor people among you, for the Lord will really bless you in the country that the Lord your God is giving you to own.
Saue when there shall be no poore with thee: for the Lord shall blesse thee in the land, which the Lord thy God giueth thee, for an inheritance to possesse it:
only when there is no needy one with thee, for Jehovah doth greatly bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee — an inheritance to possess it.
However there will be no poor with you (for the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess)
Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it:
And there shall be no poor nor beggar among you: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in the land which he will give thee in possession.
Yahweh our God will bless you in the land that he is giving to you. If you obey Yahweh our God and obey all the commandments that I am giving to you today, there will not be any poor people among you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 15:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶ֕פֶס
כִּ֛י
לֹ֥א
יִֽהְיֶה
בְּ/ךָ֖
אֶבְי֑וֹן
כִּֽי
בָרֵ֤ךְ
יְבָֽרֶכְ/ךָ֙
יְהוָ֔ה
בָּ/אָ֕רֶץ
אֲשֶׁר֙
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
נֹֽתֵן
לְ/ךָ֥
נַחֲלָ֖ה
לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ
אֶ֕פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
end
N-ms
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָרֵ֤ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Ptc
יְבָֽרֶכְ/ךָ֙
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בָּ/אָ֕רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
נֹֽתֵן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לְ/ךָ֥
Prep | Suff
נַחֲלָ֖ה
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs
לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ
yârash
H3423
to possess
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:4
אֶ֕פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
"end"
N-ms
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָרֵ֤ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Ptc
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְבָֽרֶכְ/ךָ֙
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בָּ/אָ֕רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
נֹֽתֵן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֥
""
Prep | Suff
נַחֲלָ֖ה
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 15:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:4
Context — The Seventh Year
2This is the manner of remission: Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed.
3You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.
4There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance,
5if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commandments I am giving you today. 6When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised, you will lend to many nations but borrow from none; you will rule over many nations but be ruled by none.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 58:10–11 | and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:27 | Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:24–25 | One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 28:11 | The LORD will make you prosper abundantly—in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land—in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 28:1–8 | “Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock— the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and kneading bowl will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven. The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 14:29 | Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands. |
| 7 | Proverbs 14:21 | He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. |
Deuteronomy 15:4 Summary
[This verse, Deuteronomy 15:4, is a beautiful promise from God that He will provide for the needs of His people. As it says in Philippians 4:19, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. This doesn't mean that everyone will be rich, but that everyone will have what they need to live a life that honors God. By trusting in God's provision and obeying His commands, we can experience the blessings of Deuteronomy 15:4 in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that there will be no poor among the people of God?
This verse, Deuteronomy 15:4, promises that God will bless His people so that they will have no need, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18 where it says God gives us the power to gain wealth. However, this does not mean that everyone will be rich, but rather that everyone's needs will be met.
Is this promise only for the Israelites or does it apply to Christians today?
While this specific promise was given to the Israelites, the principle of God's provision and care for His people is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 37:25, where it says that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children beg for bread.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the year of release mentioned in the preceding verses?
The year of release, mentioned in Deuteronomy 15:2, is a time when debts are forgiven, and this verse, Deuteronomy 15:4, explains that one of the reasons for this practice is so that there will be no poor among God's people, as God will bless them and provide for their needs.
What is the condition for this promise to be fulfilled?
The promise of no poverty is conditional upon obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:5, which says that this blessing will come if the people obey the Lord their God and carefully follow all His commandments.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust God to provide for my needs, just as He promised to the Israelites?
- How can I balance the desire to be generous and help those in need with the need to be wise and responsible with my resources?
- What are some areas in my life where I am not trusting God to provide, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- How can I be a part of helping to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable in my community, just as God commands in Deuteronomy 15:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:4
Save when there shall be no poor among you,.... Then such a law could not take place, there would be no debts to be released; for this was never designed to screen rich persons from the payment of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:4
Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Save when there shall be no poor
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
When there shall be no poor: so the words are an exception to the foregoing clause, which they restrain to the poor, and imply that if his brother was rich, he might exact his debt of him in that year. And indeed this law seems to be chiefly, if not wholly, designed and given in favour to the poor and to the borrower, as is manifest from . But the words are and may be rendered thus, as in the margin of our Bibles, To the end that there be no poor among you. And so they contain a reason of this law, to wit, that none be impoverished and ruined by a rigid and unseasonable exaction of debts. They may also be translated thus, Nevertheless of a truth, or assuredly, (as the particle chi is oft used,) there shall be no poor along you; and the sense may be this, Though I impose this law upon you, which may seem hard and grievous, yet the truth is, supposing your performance of the conditions of God’ s covenant, you shall not have any great occasion to exercise your charity and kindness in this matter, for God will greatly bless you, &c., so as you shall be in a capacity of lending, and few or none of you will have need to borrow, and thereby to expose his brethren to the inconvenience and burden of this law. Thus the connexion is plain and easy, both with the foregoing and following words. Object. It is said, the poor should never cease, . Answ. That also is true, and affirmed by God, because he foresaw they would not perform their duty, and therefore would bereave themselves of the promised blessing.
The Lord shall greatly bless thee; and therefore this will be no great inconvenience nor burden to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
Deuteronomy 15:4 Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance to possess it:Ver. 4. Save when there shall be no poor.] Here, as in sundry other places of the new translation, the margin is better than the text, as giving a good reason of the former law, To the end that there be no poor amongst you, that is, extreme poor by your exactions. Of a cruel creditor it is said, that "he lieth in wait to catch the poor; he doth catch the poor when he draws him into his net," that is, into bonds, debts, mortgages, as Chrysostom expounds it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
(4) Save when there shall be no poor (man) among you.—This clause is the source of a very interesting passage in the Acts of the Apostles, Deuteronomy 4:34, “Great grace was upon them all, for neither was there among them any (one) that lacked” The words at the beginning of the verse in Hebrew, “save when” may also be rendered (as in the Margin) “to the end that,” or “to such an extent that there shall be no poor man among you.” Those who can well afford to pay need not be excused from their obligations. For the Lord thy God shall greatly bless thee.—So in Acts 4:33, “Great grace was upon them all.” The blessing need not be equal and universal prosperity, if those who have the good things of this world will always remember the poor to such an extent that no member of the community shall be left in want.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
Verse 4. There shall be no poor] That is, comparatively; see Deuteronomy 15:11.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:4
4. Howbeit there shall be no poor with thee] Dillm. etc. transl.: should be no poor. But this is not a correct rendering of the Heb. which uses the positive form of the vb.; and it weakens the writer’s confident emphasis on his ideal. He is stating not so much what should be as what shall be, if only (raḳ ?: see on Deuteronomy 10:15) Israel obeys the law (Deuteronomy 15:5). See introd. note above. The rest of Deu 15:4 is a parenthesis, and probably a later expansion. for the Lord will surely bless thee] Sam., LXX add thy God; cp. Deuteronomy 2:7, Deuteronomy 28:8. giveth thee for an inheritance, etc.] See on Deuteronomy 4:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:4
4. Save when there shall be no poor among you — The literal rendering of the passage is, Except that there shall yet be with thee a poor man.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:4
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Obedience by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the critical role of obedience in the Christian life, illustrating that it is through obedience that believers can regain God's favor and blessings. He hig |
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Rope Wanted by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Mary, a young woman who bravely risked her life to save others during a devastating tidal wave. Despite the warnings of her comrades |
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Testimony - Part 3 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming number of people in need in Hong Kong. They express a desire to understand and love the people in their community, but feel |
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Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to |
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Useful for the Master - Part 10 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians behaving like Jesus Christ to inspire belief in others. It discusses the need to reach out to the poor and marginalized, especia |
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Useful for the Master - Part 4 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor as a fundamental requirement for all Christians, highlighting God's heart for the marginalized and the need to reac |
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Desiring God - Lesson 4 by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pornography and lust in the context of the internet. He emphasizes the importance of both cultivating a close relationship with J |