Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 19:17
What does Proverbs 19:17 mean?
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Proverbs 19:17
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This verse isn't just about being charitable; it's a profound statement about faith. The phrase "lends to the LORD" reveals that every act of kindness towards the needy is seen by God not as a loss, but as an investment in Him, with the promise of a divine return. It highlights that true generosity is rooted in recognizing that we are stewards of God's resources, and our giving is a partnership with Him.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs filled with practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting the ways of the wise with the foolish. It follows advice on honesty in business and sound judgment, and precedes warnings against hasty words and seeking wealth through dishonest means. The immediate context emphasizes the value of righteous actions and integrity over mere material possessions.
Ever wondered if your acts of kindness truly 'count' with God? This verse offers a stunning perspective on our giving.
When we show compassion and give to those in need, the Bible doesn't just say God sees it; it says we're essentially making a 'loan' to Him. This isn't a one-way street where we lose something. Instead, God Himself becomes our debtor, promising a full repayment. This highlights the immense value God places on mercy and generosity towards the vulnerable. It's not charity given away, but an investment with divine backing.
What does it mean for God to 'repay' what we've given? It's far more than just getting our money back.
The promise of repayment is central here. God assures us that He will 'pay him again.' This doesn't mean a simple financial return, though blessings can certainly come in material form. More profoundly, it signifies spiritual riches, increased grace, peace of mind, and the deep assurance of God's favor. It's a multifaceted compensation that encompasses both this life and the life to come, a reward of grace from a faithful God.
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YHWH · Hebrew Noun (Proper)
The eternal Creator and Covenant God of Israel who reveals Himself through His redemptive acts. He is the standard of righteousness and the ultimate provider and judge.
chanan · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
The act of providing material or spiritual aid to those in need. In biblical terms, it reflects the character of God who provides for the destitute and commands His people to do the same.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 19:17, as Jesus states that whatever we do for 'one of the least of these brothers and sisters,' we do for Him, highlighting that acts of kindness to the needy are seen as service to God Himself.
2 Corinthians 8:9Paul reminds the Corinthians of Christ's poverty for our sake, a profound example of divine generosity that parallels the idea in Proverbs that God's own Son 'lent' His richness for our benefit.
Luke 6:38Jesus' teaching to 'give, and it will be given to you' directly supports the principle in Proverbs that generosity, especially towards the less fortunate, results in a divine return and blessing.
Ecclesiastes 11:1This verse encourages casting our bread upon the waters, with the promise that it will be found after many days, reinforcing the prophetic certainty in Proverbs that acts of charity will yield a future return.
Psalm 37:26The psalmist declares that the righteous are generous and lend freely, and their children are a blessing, aligning with Proverbs' promise that kindness to the poor is not only honored by God but also brings lasting favor.
ellicottProverbs 19:17: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
(17) Lendeth unto the Lord.— Who “for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich” ( 2Corinthians 8:9 ), and Who regards all done to one of his poor brethren as done unto Himself ( Matthew 25:40 ).
bensonProverbs 19:17: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Proverbs 19:17 . He that hath pity on the poor — And relieves their necessities; lendeth unto the Lord — Doth not empoverish, but enrich himself: for the Lord takes what is done to them as done to himself, because it is done to those whom he has appointed in his own stead to be his receivers, and whom he hath, in a peculiar manner, commended to the care and charity of all…
This verse isn't just about being charitable; it's a profound statement about faith. The phrase "lends to the LORD" reveals that every act of kindness towards the needy is seen by God not as a loss, but as an investment in Him, with the promise of a divine return. It highlights that true generosity is rooted in recognizing that we are stewards of God's resources, and our giving is a partnership with Him.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs filled with practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting the ways of the wise with the foolish. It follows advice on honesty in business and sound judgment, and precedes warnings against hasty words and seeking wealth through dishonest means. The immediate context emphasizes the value of righteous actions and integrity over mere material possessions.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs filled with practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting the ways of the wise with the foolish. It follows advice on honesty in business and sound judgment, and precedes warnings against hasty words and seeking wealth through dishonest means. The immediate context emphasizes the value of righteous actions and integrity over mere material possessions.
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed." — This verse isn't just about being charitable; it's a profound statement about faith. The phrase "lends to the LORD" reveals that every act of kindness towards the needy is seen by God not as a loss,…
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Last reviewed October 2026