Deuteronomy 15:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:7 commands the Israelites not to ignore or turn away from a fellow Israelite who is poor, but instead to be open-hearted and generous toward them. The verse specifically warns against hardening one’s heart or closing one’s hand when a poor brother is in need within their community.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to live in the land God is giving them. The context is a set of laws about caring for the poor, especially in relation to the practice of forgiving debts every seven years. The verse highlights a personal, neighborly responsibility: each Israelite is to look after any poor person ("one of thy brethren") living within their town or city ("within any of thy gates"), emphasizing compassion and practical help.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:7

• "Poor" (אֶבְיוֹן, ’evyon): This word describes someone who is needy or destitute, not just lacking money but truly vulnerable. The use of this word stresses the seriousness of the need.
• "Harden" (תָּאַמֵּץ, ta’ametz): This verb means to make strong or stiff, often understood as becoming stubborn or unfeeling. Here, it warns against becoming emotionally closed off to the needs of others.
• "Heart" (לֵבָב, levav): In Hebrew thought, the heart is not just emotions but the center of will and decision-making. The verse is about an inner attitude, not just outward actions.
• "Shut" (קָפַץ, qafatz): This word means to close tightly, like a fist. The image is of someone refusing to give, keeping their resources to themselves instead of sharing.

Why Deuteronomy 15:7 matters

• Deuteronomy 15:7 clarifies that helping the poor is not just a general principle but a personal, practical command for each member of the community.
• The verse emphasizes that generosity starts with an attitude of the heart, not just external actions, making it clear that compassion is a core value in Israelite society.
• This command is part of a larger passage about debt release and care for the vulnerable, showing that social justice and mercy were built into the laws of ancient Israel.