Deuteronomy 15:4-5
But there will be no poor among you; for the LORD will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess— if only you will strictly obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about releasing debts; it's a bold declaration of God's ideal for His people: a community so blessed and fruitful that poverty itself wouldn't be a regular feature. The statement "there shall be no poor among you" is presented not as a hopeful wish, but as a direct result of God's promised blessing upon obedience.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing laws for the Sabbatical year, a time of release for debts and rest for the land. The preceding verses instruct the Israelites to cancel debts owed by their fellow Israelites. This verse then sets forth an ideal: a community so blessed by God's favor that poverty becomes virtually non-existent. The subsequent verses will explain that this ideal state is conditional on their obedience to God's commands.
Ever dreamed of a place where everyone has enough, where poverty isn't a constant struggle? This verse paints that picture for ancient Israel.
Deuteronomy 15:4 isn't just about laws; it's about God's intention for His people. The promise of a land, given as an inheritance, comes with a powerful assurance: 'the LORD will bless you in the land... for an inheritance to possess.' This blessing is intended to be so abundant that it prevents poverty from taking root among them.
This speaks to a vision of a prosperous community, not just for the wealthy, but for everyone. The 'greatly bless' suggests an overflowing provision from God, meant to ensure that the fundamental needs of all His people are met. It's a divine blueprint for a society where scarcity doesn't define people's lives.
The verse states a remarkable outcome: 'there will be no poor among you.' How is this lofty ideal meant to be achieved?
The phrase 'save when there shall be no poor among you' is not just a casual observation; it's presented as a conditional ideal, a result of God's promised blessing and the people's faithfulness. Commentators suggest this is the goal – a community where such extreme poverty is overcome.
This ideal is intimately connected to the preceding laws about releasing debts and caring for the needy. It implies that by faithfully observing these commands, and by experiencing God's abundant blessing, Israel would be in a position where widespread poverty would be rare. It's a vision where God's provision and the people's compassionate action work together to prevent destitution.
Understand the original words
ebyon · Hebrew Noun
The state of being destitute or lacking the necessities of life. Biblically, poverty is seen as a condition that demands the care and generosity of the community, as God is the special protector of the poor.
barak · Hebrew Verb
To bestow favor, prosperity, or divine benefit. It signifies God's active involvement in the lives of His people, providing not only material needs but also spiritual well-being and favor.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A portion or property received through divine promise or ancestral right. It signifies the security and stability granted by God to His people as His covenant possession.
shama · Hebrew Verb
This verse echoes the promise that God will provide abundantly for those who are generous, mirroring the assurance in Deuteronomy that obedience leads to a blessing where needs are met.
2 Corinthians 9:8Paul's exhortation to cheerful giving here directly relates to the principle in Deuteronomy: God blesses those who provide for the needy, enabling them to continue in generosity.
Acts 4:32This passage describes the early church community as having 'no one who lacked,' reflecting the ideal state of prosperity and mutual care envisioned in Deuteronomy for obedient Israel.
Proverbs 28:27This proverb directly links giving to the poor with a promise of blessing and prosperity, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship seen in Deuteronomy between generosity and divine favor.
gillDeuteronomy 15:4: "Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it:"
Save when there shall be no poor among you,.... Then such a law could not take place, there would be no debts to be released; for this was never designed to screen rich persons from the payment of their just debts, or whoever were in a capacity of so doing, only such as were really poor, and unable to pay; and it s…
clarkeDeuteronomy 15:4: "Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it:"
There shall be no poor - That is, comparatively; see Deuteronomy 15:11 .
This verse isn't just about releasing debts; it's a bold declaration of God's ideal for His people: a community so blessed and fruitful that poverty itself wouldn't be a regular feature. The statement "there shall be no poor among you" is presented not as a hopeful wish, but as a direct result of God's promised blessing upon obedience.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing laws for the Sabbatical year, a time of release for debts and rest for the land. The preceding verses instruct the Israelites to cancel debts owed by their fellow Israelites. This verse then sets forth an ideal: a community so blessed by God's favor that poverty becomes virtually non-existent. The subsequent verses will explain that this ideal state is conditional on their obedience to God's commands.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing laws for the Sabbatical year, a time of release for debts and rest for the land. The preceding verses instruct the Israelites to cancel debts owed by their fellow Israelites. This verse then sets forth an ideal: a community so blessed by God's favor that poverty becomes virtually non-existent. The subsequent verses will explain that this ideal state is conditional on their obedience to God's commands.
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To hear and act upon; to submit to divine authority. Obedience in the Bible is active, not passive, involving a life aligned with God's revealed will and moral standards.
mitzvah · Hebrew Noun
A divine instruction or moral directive given by God for the well-being and holiness of His people. It is an expression of God's character and a path for life.
"But there will be no poor among you; for the LORD will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess— if only you will strictly obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this co…" — This verse isn't just about releasing debts; it's a bold declaration of God's ideal for His people: a community so blessed and fruitful that poverty itself wouldn't be a regular feature. The statem…
