Proverbs 19:17 Meaning and Explanation
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Kindness to the poor is a loan to God, who will repay it.
The Context of Proverbs 19:17
Mercy to the poor creates a debt that God will repay.
What Does Proverbs 19:17 Mean?
This verse reimagines charity as a transaction with God Himself. When you show pity to the poor—compassion expressed in concrete help—you are, in effect, lending to the Lord. The poor person may have nothing to repay you, but God takes on the debt. This transforms an act of mercy into a covenant promise: God becomes the guarantor, and His repayment is certain.
The promise is not that you will become wealthy, but that your kindness will not be lost or forgotten. God's repayment may come through provision, blessing, or simply the joy of knowing your gift mattered. The verse dignifies both giver and receiver: the giver's generosity is recognized by heaven, and the poor person is not left to the whim of human charity alone—God Himself is involved in the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 19:17
What does Proverbs 19:17 mean?
Kindness to the poor is a loan to God, who will repay it.
What is the context of Proverbs 19:17?
Mercy to the poor creates a debt that God will repay.