Deuteronomy 15:11
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The verse doesn't just state the existence of the poor; it reveals God's intentional design in allowing poverty to persist. This isn't a flaw in His plan, but an ongoing opportunity for us to practice generosity and compassion, seeing the needy as "thy poor" and "thy needy," reminding us of our shared humanity and responsibility.
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes directly after God establishes a seven-year release for debts, a radical act designed to prevent extreme poverty and maintain social balance. The command to "open wide your hand" is God's proactive response to the reality that, despite these measures, poverty will persist. He anticipates that His people might question the need for ongoing generosity when a release system is in place, explaining that the poor will always be among them, providing constant opportunities to practice compassion and care for one another.
Ever wonder why, despite our best efforts, poverty and need still exist?
This verse confronts a stark reality: 'For the poor shall never cease out of the land.' This isn't a pessimistic outlook, but a divine observation. God acknowledges that even within a blessed community, there will always be those facing hardship.
When God commands generosity, what does 'wide' really mean?
The command that follows the acknowledgment of poverty is direct and powerful: 'therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand...’ This isn't about giving grudgingly or just enough to get by.
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Understand the original words
ebyon · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those lacking the material resources necessary for basic survival or dignity; often presented in Scripture as special objects of God's concern and protection.
ach · Hebrew Noun
A kinsman or fellow member of the covenant community, implying a shared identity and mutual obligation before God.
Jesus directly quotes the sentiment of Deuteronomy 15:11, highlighting that the poor are a constant reality and that acts of compassion toward them are always appropriate.
Luke 10:30-37The Parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully illustrates the principle of 'opening wide your hand' to anyone in need, regardless of their background, echoing the spirit of Deuteronomy's command to care for the 'needy'.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7Paul connects the idea of generous giving to receiving God's blessing, mirroring the promise in Deuteronomy that liberality to the poor results in God's favor.
Proverbs 19:17This proverb reinforces Deuteronomy's command by stating that showing kindness to the poor is actually lending to the Lord, who will repay such acts.
1 John 3:17-18This passage emphasizes that true love for God is demonstrated by actively helping those in need, which is the core mandate given in Deuteronomy 15:11.
clarkeDeuteronomy 15:11: "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."
For the poor shall never cease out of the land - To this passage our Lord appears to allude Mark 14:7 : For ye have the poor with you always. God leaves these in mercy among men to exercise the feelings of compassion, tenderness, mercy, etc. And without occasions afforded to exercise these, man would…
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.
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The verse doesn't just state the existence of the poor; it reveals God's intentional design in allowing poverty to persist. This isn't a flaw in His plan, but an ongoing opportunity for us to practice generosity and compassion, seeing the needy as "thy poor" and "thy needy," reminding us of our shared humanity and responsibility.
This verse comes directly after God establishes a seven-year release for debts, a radical act designed to prevent extreme poverty and maintain social balance. The command to "open wide your hand" is God's proactive response to the reality that, despite these measures, poverty will persist. He anticipates that His people might question the need for ongoing generosity when a release system is in place, explaining that the poor will always be among them, providing constant opportunities to practice compassion and care for one another.
This verse comes directly after God establishes a seven-year release for debts, a radical act designed to prevent extreme poverty and maintain social balance. The command to "open wide your hand" is God's proactive response to the reality that, despite these measures, poverty will persist. He anticipates that His people might question the need for ongoing generosity when a release system is in place, explaining that the poor will always be among them, providing constant opportunities to practice compassion and care for one another.
"For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’" — The verse doesn't just state the existence of the poor; it reveals God's intentional design in allowing poverty to persist. This isn't a flaw in His plan, but an ongoing opportunity for us to practic…
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Last reviewed October 2026
