Deuteronomy 15:10
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The verse highlights that the reason for the blessing isn't just the act of giving, but the attitude behind it. God's blessing is promised not simply for the generosity, but specifically for giving "freely" with a heart that isn't "grudging" or complaining.
You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of God's instructions to Israel about the "year of release," a time every seven years when debts were to be forgiven. The preceding verses warn against developing a stingy or resentful attitude as this year approaches, specifically urging them to lend freely and generously to those in need. This passage emphasizes that such open-handedness and a joyful heart in giving are not only a command but also a path to God's blessing on all their endeavors.
The law commanded giving, but it also demanded something deeper. What does it mean to give not out of duty, but from a willing heart?
Deuteronomy 15:10 speaks powerfully about the attitude behind our generosity. It's not just about handing over money or resources; it's about the state of our heart.
From Grudging to Glad
The verse directly addresses the temptation to feel grieved or resentful when giving. The context of the 'year of release' (Deuteronomy 15:1-2) meant that debts would be forgiven, and lenders might not see their money again. This could easily lead to a 'grudging' heart, focusing on what's being lost rather than the act of kindness.
God's command is clear: 'your heart shall not be grudging.' This isn't about faking joy, but cultivating a genuine willingness. It's the opposite of giving out of mere obligation or fear of punishment. Instead, it’s about embracing the act of generosity as a positive expression of love and obedience.
What if generosity isn't a financial drain, but a pathway to greater abundance? This verse promises a remarkable outcome for those who give freely.
The reason given for giving without a grudging heart is profoundly encouraging: 'because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.' This isn't a transactional 'if you give, then I'll give back' scenario, but a statement of God's faithful character.
A Blessing in Everything
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God's blessing isn't limited to the act of giving itself. It extends to 'all your work and in all that you undertake.' This implies that a generous spirit, rooted in obedience and a willing heart, aligns us with God's provision and favor in every area of our lives.
This blessing isn't just about material wealth, but about God's active presence and support in our endeavors. It’s a promise that generosity, done with the right heart, doesn't deplete our resources but invites God's active participation and blessing.
This passage echoes the principle that generous giving leads to abundance, directly mirroring the promise of blessing in Deuteronomy 15:10 for a cheerful heart when helping the needy.
2 Corinthians 9:7Paul's instruction to give 'cheerfully' or 'with good will' directly reflects the command in Deuteronomy 15:10 not to have a 'grudging' heart when giving, highlighting the importance of the giver's attitude.
Luke 6:38Jesus' teaching to 'give, and it will be given to you' strongly parallels the promise in Deuteronomy 15:10 that God will bless those who give freely, reinforcing the idea that generosity is met with divine favor.
Matthew 6:3-4Jesus' teaching on almsgiving, emphasizing secrecy and a heart unconcerned with recognition, aligns with the spirit of Deuteronomy 15:10 that the giving should be done without a grudging heart, focusing on the act itself and God's blessing.
calvinDeuteronomy 15:1-11: "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release."
And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbor shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbor, or of his brother; because it is called the Lord's release.
Haec autem est ratio remissionis, ut remittat omnis qui mutuum dederit manu sua, id quod mutuum dederit amico suo: non reposcet ab amico suo, aut a fratre suo, quia proclamata est remissio Jehovae.
3.…
ellicottDeuteronomy 15:10: "Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto."
(10) Thou shalt surely give. —“Even a hundred times.” Him.—“Between thee and him alone.” (Comp. “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth” in Matthew 6:3). I have thought it worth while to borrow the comments of Rashi on these verses (Deuteronomy 1…
The verse highlights that the reason for the blessing isn't just the act of giving, but the attitude behind it. God's blessing is promised not simply for the generosity, but specifically for giving "freely" with a heart that isn't "grudging" or complaining.
This verse is part of God's instructions to Israel about the "year of release," a time every seven years when debts were to be forgiven. The preceding verses warn against developing a stingy or resentful attitude as this year approaches, specifically urging them to lend freely and generously to those in need. This passage emphasizes that such open-handedness and a joyful heart in giving are not only a command but also a path to God's blessing on all their endeavors.
This verse is part of God's instructions to Israel about the "year of release," a time every seven years when debts were to be forgiven. The preceding verses warn against developing a stingy or resentful attitude as this year approaches, specifically urging them to lend freely and generously to those in need. This passage emphasizes that such open-handedness and a joyful heart in giving are not only a command but also a path to God's blessing on all their endeavors.
"You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake." — The verse highlights that the reason for the blessing isn't just the act of giving, but the attitude behind it. God's blessing is promised not simply for the generosity, but specifically for givi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
