Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 19:17 mean?

Proverbs 19:17 says that when someone shows kindness to a person in need, it is like giving a loan to the LORD, and God will make sure that kindness is repaid. The verse uses the idea of lending to show that caring for the poor is something God himself values and will not overlook.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon and addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses everyday language about lending and repayment to highlight how God personally identifies with the needs of the poor and promises to reward those who help them.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 19:17

• "pity" (חָנַן, ḥānan): This word means to show grace, favor, or compassion. It suggests more than just feeling sorry; it is about taking action to help someone in need.
• "poor" (דָּל, dal): This word refers to someone who is weak, lacking, or in a lowly position. It emphasizes vulnerability and real need.
• "lendeth" (לָוָה, lavah): This word means to lend or loan. The proverb uses it to create a picture of giving to the poor as if you are making a loan to God himself.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, showing that the promise is directly connected to God’s own character and faithfulness.
• "given" (מַלְוֵה, malveh): This word refers to what has been provided or lent, reinforcing the idea that what is given to the poor is not lost, but entrusted to God.
• "again" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This word means to repay, restore, or make whole. It assures the reader that God will return or reward the kindness shown.

Why Proverbs 19:17 matters

• Proverbs 19:17 corrects the idea that helping the poor is a loss or waste; it frames generosity as a secure investment with God himself as the guarantor.
• The verse emphasizes that God is personally involved in matters of justice and mercy, not just as an observer but as someone who takes responsibility for repayment.
• In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying highlights that true wisdom includes compassion and practical care for those in need, not just personal success or cleverness.