Deuteronomy 15:11
New International Version
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

New Living Translation
There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.

English Standard Version
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Berean Standard Bible
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.

King James Bible
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

New King James Version
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’

New American Standard Bible
For the poor will not cease to exist in the land; therefore I am commanding you, saying, ‘You shall fully open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

NASB 1995
“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

NASB 1977
“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

Legacy Standard Bible
For the needy will never cease to be in the land; therefore I am commanding you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your afflicted and needy in your land.’

Amplified Bible
For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land.’

Christian Standard Bible
For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘Open your hand willingly to your poor and needy brother in your land.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’”

American Standard Version
For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt surely open thy hand unto thy brother, to thy needy, and to thy poor, in thy land.

Contemporary English Version
There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

English Revised Version
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt surely open thine hand unto thy brother, to thy needy, and to thy poor, in thy land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
There will always be poor people in the land. That's why I command you to be generous to other Israelites who are poor and needy.

Good News Translation
There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them.

International Standard Version
Since poor people won't cease to exist in the land, therefore I'm commanding you: Be sure to be generous to your poor and needy relatives in your land."

Majority Standard Bible
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.

NET Bible
There will never cease to be some poor people in the land; therefore, I am commanding you to make sure you open your hand to your fellow Israelites who are needy and poor in your land.

New Heart English Bible
For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the poor shall never cease from the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thy hand wide to thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

World English Bible
For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you to surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because the poor does not cease out of the land, therefore I am commanding you, saying, You certainly open your hand to your brother, to your poor and to your needy one in your land.

Young's Literal Translation
because the needy one doth not cease out of the land, therefore I am commanding thee, saying, Thou dost certainly open thy hand to thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy one, in thy land.

Smith's Literal Translation
For the needy shall not cease from the midst of thy land: for this I command thee, saying, Opening, thou shalt open thy hand to thy brother, to thy afflicted and to thy needy in thy land.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
There will not be wanting poor in the land of thy habitation: therefore I command thee to open thy hand to thy needy and poor brother, that liveth in the land.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The poor will not be absent from the land of your habitation. For this reason, I instruct you to open your hand to your indigent and poor brother, who lives among you in the land.

New American Bible
The land will never lack for needy persons; that is why I command you: “Open your hand freely to your poor and to your needy kin in your land.”

New Revised Standard Version
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your poor brother and to the needy in your land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For the poor does not cease from within the land, because of this, I command you and I say to you that you shall open your hand to your poor brother and to the afflicted who is in your land.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying: 'Thou shalt surely open thy hand unto thy poor and needy brother, in thy land.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the poor shall not fail off thy land, therefore I charge thee to do this thing, saying, Thou shalt surely open thine hands to thy poor brother, and to him that is distressed upon thy land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Generosity in Lending and Giving
10Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. 11For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.

Cross References
Matthew 26:11
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.

Mark 14:7
The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.

John 12:8
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.”

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Luke 6:20-21
Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. / Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

Luke 14:13-14
But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Galatians 2:10
They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Leviticus 25:35
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you.

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.

Isaiah 58:7
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?

Isaiah 58:10
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.


Treasury of Scripture

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and to your needy, in your land.

Proverbs 22:2
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Matthew 26:11
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Mark 14:7
For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

Thou shalt

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.

Matthew 5:42
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 12:33
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

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Always Cease Command Commanding Countrymen Hand Need Needy Open Openhanded Orders Poor Surely Time Wide Within
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Always Cease Command Commanding Countrymen Hand Need Needy Open Openhanded Orders Poor Surely Time Wide Within
Deuteronomy 15
1. The seventh year a year of release for the poor
7. one must be generous in lending or giving
12. A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year
19. All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord.














For there will never cease to be poor in the land
This phrase acknowledges a perpetual reality within human society. The Hebrew word for "poor" here is "אֶבְיוֹן" (evyon), which refers to those who are economically disadvantaged or destitute. Historically, this reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where economic fluctuations were common due to factors like drought or invasion. Theologically, this statement underscores the fallen nature of the world, where inequality and hardship persist. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for compassion and justice, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that calls for care for the marginalized.

That is why I am commanding you
The phrase emphasizes divine authority and instruction. The Hebrew word for "commanding" is "מְצַוֶּה" (metzaveh), which implies a directive from God that is not optional but obligatory. This command reflects God's character as just and merciful, and it is a call to His people to mirror these attributes. The historical context of Deuteronomy is a covenantal framework where Israel is called to live in a way that reflects God's holiness and justice, serving as a light to the nations.

to open wide your hand
This vivid imagery of generosity is rooted in the Hebrew phrase "פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח" (patoach tiftach), which literally means "opening you shall open." It conveys an attitude of liberality and willingness to give. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the hand symbolizes power and action. Thus, opening one's hand signifies an active choice to use one's resources for the benefit of others. This phrase challenges believers to practice radical generosity, reflecting God's abundant provision and grace.

to your brother
The term "brother" (אָח, ach) in Hebrew extends beyond biological relationships to include fellow members of the community of faith. This reflects the covenantal relationship among the Israelites, who were to see each other as family. In a broader Christian context, it calls believers to recognize the spiritual kinship among all who are in Christ, urging them to act with love and solidarity.

and to the poor and needy
The repetition of "poor" (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon) and the addition of "needy" (עָנִי, ani) emphasize the breadth of those who require assistance. "Ani" often refers to those who are afflicted or oppressed, highlighting the social and economic vulnerabilities present in society. This dual focus on the poor and needy underscores the comprehensive nature of God's concern for all who suffer, and it calls His people to a holistic approach to charity and justice.

in your land
The phrase "in your land" (בְּאַרְצְךָ, be'artzecha) situates the command within the specific context of the Promised Land, a place of divine blessing and provision. It reminds the Israelites of their stewardship responsibilities over the land God has given them. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder that wherever God has placed them, they are to act as stewards of His resources, ensuring that His justice and mercy are evident in their communities.

(11) For the poor shall never cease.--There is no contradiction between this verse and Deuteronomy 15:4 above. There will always be some men falling into poverty; but it is our business to see that they do not remain in want. The poor will never cease, except by the provision made for them by their brethren. God will never make all men absolutely equal in this world.

Thy brother, thy poor, and thy needy.-According to Rashi, the word translated "needy" is stronger than the word for "poor." The "poor" are in humble circumstances; the "needy" are actually in want. In commenting on this verse, Rashi asks a similar question to that of the lawyer in Luke 10:29, "Who is this brother? Thy poor man." He might have added that "thy poor" and "thy needy" are expressions teaching the truth that we are "members one of another." We may not pass by our poorer brethren, and say we have nothing to do with them. Jehovah calls them ours--"thy poor man," and "thy needy man." The words are both in the singular number in the Hebrew. We cannot shake off the relationship or the responsibility in any one case.

Verse 11. - They were to open their hand wide to their poorer brethren, for there should always be such in the land. This statement is not inconsistent with that in ver. 4, for there it is the prevention of poverty by not dealing harshly with the poor that is spoken of; here it is the continuance of occasion for the relief of the poor that is referred to.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there will never
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

cease
יֶחְדַּ֥ל (yeḥ·dal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle

to be poor
אֶבְי֖וֹן (’eḇ·yō·wn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor

in
מִקֶּ֣רֶב (miq·qe·reḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center

the land;
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

that is why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

I
אָנֹכִ֤י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am commanding you
מְצַוְּךָ֙ (mə·ṣaw·wə·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

to
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

open
פָּ֠תֹחַ (pā·ṯō·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

wide
תִּפְתַּ֨ח (tip̄·taḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

your hand
יָדְךָ֜ (yā·ḏə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

to your brother
לְאָחִ֧יךָ (lə·’ā·ḥî·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and to the poor
לַעֲנִיֶּ֛ךָ (la·‘ă·nî·ye·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble

and needy
וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ֖ (ū·lə·’eḇ·yō·nə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor

in your land.
בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃ (bə·’ar·ṣe·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:11 For the poor will never cease out (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 15:10
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