Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 19:17 in Multiple Translations
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again.
He who has pity on the poor gives to the Lord, and the Lord will give him his reward.
If you're kind to the poor, you're lending to the Lord, and he will repay you well for what you've done.
He that hath mercy vpon the poore, lendeth vnto the Lord: and the Lord will recompense him that which he hath giuen.
Whoso is lending [to] Jehovah is favouring the poor, And his deed He repayeth to him.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; he will reward him.
He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth to the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
He that hath mercy on the poor, lendeth to the Lord: and he will repay him.
When we give things to poor people, it is as though we are lending to Yahweh, and he will ◄pay us back/reward us for what we did►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:17
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.
Proverbs 19:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַלְוֵ֣ה
יְ֭הוָה
ח֣וֹנֵֽן
דָּ֑ל
וּ֝/גְמֻל֗/וֹ
יְשַׁלֶּם
לֽ/וֹ
מַלְוֵ֣ה
lâvâh
H3867
to join
V-Hiphil
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
ח֣וֹנֵֽן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal
דָּ֑ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
וּ֝/גְמֻל֗/וֹ
gᵉmûwl
H1576
recompense
Conj | N-ms | Suff
יְשַׁלֶּם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:17
מַלְוֵ֣ה
lâvâh
H3867
"to join"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to borrow or lend, implying a sense of obligation, as seen in various Bible translations, including abide with or join self.
Definition: 1) to join, be joined 1a) (Qal) to join, be joined, attend 1b) (Niphal) to join oneself to, be joined unto
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: abide with, borrow(-er), cleave, join (self), lend(-er). See also: Genesis 29:34; Psalms 112:5; Psalms 37:21.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
ח֣וֹנֵֽן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
דָּ֑ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
וּ֝/גְמֻל֗/וֹ
gᵉmûwl
H1576
"recompense"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word means a reward or recompense for something, like a payment for work done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's rewards for the faithful, like in Psalm 19. The KJV translates it as recompense or reward.
Definition: 1) dealing, recompense, benefit 1a) dealing (of one's hand) 1b) recompense 1c) benefit
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] as hast served, benefit, desert, deserving, that which he hath given, recompense, reward. See also: Judges 9:16; Isaiah 3:11; Psalms 28:4.
יְשַׁלֶּם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:17
Context — The Man of Integrity
15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.
17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. 19A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:27 | Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. |
| 2 | Hebrews 6:10 | For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. |
| 3 | Luke 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 | Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. |
| 5 | Matthew 25:40 | And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 11:1 | Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. |
| 7 | Isaiah 58:7–11 | Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk, 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. |
| 8 | Matthew 10:41–42 | Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
Proverbs 19:17 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 19:17, teaches us that when we help people who are poor or in need, it's like lending money to God, and He promises to pay us back. This doesn't mean we should only help others to get something in return, but it does remind us that God sees and rewards our kindness, as seen in Matthew 25:40. By showing love and care to those around us, we can demonstrate our love for God and trust that He will take care of us, just like it says in Psalm 37:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to show kindness to the poor as a loan to the LORD?
According to Proverbs 19:17, showing kindness to the poor is like lending to the LORD, and He promises to repay the lender, emphasizing the importance of caring for the needy as seen in Matthew 25:40 and Luke 12:33-34.
How does the LORD repay those who show kindness to the poor?
The Bible doesn't specify exactly how the LORD repays, but it could be in the form of spiritual blessings, as seen in Matthew 6:4, or physical provisions, as promised in Psalm 37:3-4 and Proverbs 28:27.
Is showing kindness to the poor only about receiving a reward from God?
While Proverbs 19:17 does mention repayment, the primary motivation for showing kindness should be love and obedience to God, as seen in 1 John 3:17 and James 1:27, rather than just seeking a reward.
What role does faith play in showing kindness to the poor as a loan to the LORD?
Faith is essential, as it requires trusting that God will indeed repay, even if it's not immediately visible, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:6 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some practical ways I can show kindness to the poor in my community, and how can I trust God to repay my efforts?
- How does my heart attitude towards the poor reflect my relationship with God, and what changes can I make to better demonstrate His love?
- In what ways can I view my acts of kindness and generosity as investments in God's kingdom, and how does this perspective shape my decisions?
- What are some potential risks or challenges of showing kindness to the poor, and how can I overcome them with faith and obedience to God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord,.... A man, whose heart is full of compassion to the poor, and whose hands distribute to their necessities, from a true principle of love and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
Lendeth unto the Lord; who takes what is done to them as done to himself, because it is done to them whom God, as to this particular, hath put in his own stead, to be his receivers, and whom God hath in a peculiar manner commended to the care and charity of all other men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Ver. 17. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth, &c.] This is a second fruit of shaking off sloth, and working with the hands the thing that is good, that one may have to give to him that needeth. He doth not give it, but lend it; God accepts it both as δωρονκαιδανεισμα, as a gift, and a loan, saith Basil. Nay, he lends it upon usury, Faeneratur Domino; and that to the Lord, who both binds himself to repay, and gives us security for it under his own hand here. He will pay him again to be sure of it - ιשׁμν in the Hebrew tense Piel - he will fully and abundantly repay him; mostly in this world, but infallibly in the world to come. Evagrius in Cedrenus bequeathed three hundred pounds to the poor in his will; but took a bond beforehand of Synesius the bishop for the repayment of it in another life; and the very next night after his departure, saith the history, appearing to him in his shape, delivered in the bond cancelled, and fully discharged. Orat. de Elcemos.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
(17) Lendeth unto the Lord.—Who “for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9), and Who regards all done to one of his poor brethren as done unto Himself (Matthew 25:40).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
Verse 17. Lendeth unto the Lord] O what a word is this! God makes himself debtor for every thing that is given to the poor! Who would not advance much upon such credit? God will pay it again. And in no case has he ever forfeited his word.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:17
17. that which he hath given] Better, his deed, A.V. marg.; or his good deed, R.V. Comp. Matthew 25:34-40.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:17
Note the original greatness of the thought. We give to the poor. Have we lost our gift? No, what we gave, we have lent to One who will repay with usury. Compare the yet nobler truth of our Lord’s teaching Matthew 25:40.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:17
17. Hath pity… lendeth — The creditor of Jehovah is he that is gracious to the poor, and he will make good to him his return; that is, profit from the transaction — business language.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Forget by William Booth | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take |
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How God Taught Me to Give by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of how God led him to give towards missions. He recounts his experience of becoming the pastor of a church that held an annu |
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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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William Booth Preaching - Actual Voice by William Booth | This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with gladness and reaching out to those in need, highlighting the call to help the poor, the wretched, the innocent childr |
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Why Church God's Purpose by Francis Chan | This sermon highlights the importance of community and missions, focusing on the impact of supporting and serving others selflessly. It shares stories of partnership with churches |
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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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What God Requires - Mercy by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being merciful and treating others with kindness and dignity, highlighting the need to show mercy and be fair to those around us. It delves |