Deuteronomy 15:5 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:5 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:5 makes Israel’s enjoyment of the promised blessing in the land conditional. Moses tells the people that they must listen carefully to the LORD their God and carry out all the commands he is giving them.

The verse begins with “only if,” linking the condition to the promise just given in verse 4. Moses speaks to Israel as the people prepare to enter the land, presenting the commands as instructions for their life there.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:5

• “carefully hearken” — שָׁמַע (shamaʿ): This word means to hear or listen. In Hebrew, the word is repeated here, giving special emphasis to listening carefully.
• “observe” — שָׁמַר (shamar): This word often means to guard, watch over, or keep. Here it describes paying close attention to the commands so that they are put into practice.

Why Deuteronomy 15:5 matters

• The condition concerns the whole set of instructions, not merely one rule. Moses says to do “all these commandments,” a phrase that reaches beyond the release of debts discussed earlier in the chapter.
• The promise about poverty belongs alongside instructions for helping people in need. Verse 4 says there will be no poor among them, while verses 7–8 tell them to open their hand to a poor fellow Israelite.
• “The voice of the LORD thy God” connects Moses’ present speech with the LORD’s authority. Moses says “I command thee this day,” while identifying the voice to be heeded as the LORD’s.