But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

DEUTERONOMY 15:8KJV
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Deuteronomy 15:8 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:8 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:8 commands the Israelites to generously help a fellow Israelite in need by willingly lending whatever is necessary to meet that person’s needs. The verse emphasizes not withholding help but instead opening one’s hand wide to provide sufficient support.

In this passage, Moses is instructing the people of Israel about how to treat the poor among them, especially as they approach the year of debt release. The verse stresses practical generosity, calling for an open-handed attitude rather than reluctance or stinginess, and highlights the importance of meeting real needs rather than offering only minimal help.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:8

  • פָּתֹחַ (pathoach, “open”): This word, used here with the image of an open hand, suggests a readiness and willingness to give, not just a minimal or reluctant gesture.
  • יָד (yad, “hand”): The hand in Hebrew thought often represents action and ability; opening the hand wide (not just a little) signals full-hearted generosity.
  • הַעֲבֵט (ha’avet, “surely lend”): This word is doubled in the Hebrew for emphasis, indicating a strong obligation to actually provide a loan, not just consider it.
  • דֵּי (dei, “sufficient”): The command is to give enough to truly meet the person’s need, not just a token amount.
  • מַחְסֹרוֹ (machsoro, “need”) and יֶחְסַר (yechsar, “wanteth”): These words highlight that the help should be tailored to what the person actually lacks, not just what the giver feels like offering.

Why Deuteronomy 15:8 matters

  • Deuteronomy 15:8 corrects any idea that generosity is optional or can be half-hearted; it insists on real, practical help that matches the actual need.
  • The verse connects to the larger context of debt release and care for the poor, showing that God’s law is concerned with both justice and compassion.
  • The strong language about opening the hand “wide” and lending “sufficient” makes clear that the expectation is not just charity, but dignity and restoration for the person in need.