Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 15:8
Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses instructs the Israelites on the plains of Moab regarding their conduct toward a poor brother residing within the gates of the land they are about to possess. The command follows a prohibition against hardening one's heart or withholding help.
The words — The Hebrew תִּפְתַּח (tiftach) means "you will open," directly governing יָדְךָ (yadkha, "your hand"), while the verbal forms הַעֲבֵט (ha'abet) and תַעֲבִיטֶנּוּ (ta'avitenhu) denote the act of lending or extending credit.
The thread — The directive to provide for a neighbor in need is echoed in Matthew 5:42, and the danger of calculating generosity is highlighted by the contrast in Luke 6:34.
Why it lands — The text commands immediate, unreserved financial provision for a poor brother, explicitly forbidding hesitation or calculated withholding based on the approaching sabbatical year.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
Cross-references
- Matthew 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
- Luke 6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.