Deuteronomy 15:8 Meaning and Explanation
“But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Lend generously to the poor brother, meeting his actual need.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:8
The positive duty: lend generously to meet real need.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:8 Mean?
'Open thine hand wide' is an image of abundance and generosity. The lender is not to calculate minimum assistance or impose hard terms but to give sufficiently to meet the person's genuine need. The loan is to be real help, not mere compliance.
'Sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth' suggests the lender must listen and understand what the poor person actually lacks, not determine from above what they should receive. This is lending with dignity, recognizing the other's judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:8
What does Deuteronomy 15:8 mean?
Lend generously to the poor brother, meeting his actual need.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:8?
The positive duty: lend generously to meet real need.