Deuteronomy 15:8 cpdv — Instead, you shall open your hand to the poor, and you shall lend to him whatever you perceive him to need.

Catholic Public Domain Version

"Instead, you shall open your hand to the poor, and you shall lend to him whatever you perceive him to need. "

— Deuteronomy 15:8, Catholic Public Domain Version

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Deuteronomy 15:8 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 15 — Context

5

But only if you heed the voice of the Lord your God, and keep to all that he has ordered, that which I am entrusting to you this day, will he bless you, just as he has promised.

6

You shall lend money to many nations, and you yourselves shall borrow in return from no one. You shall rule over very many nations, and no one shall rule over you.

7

If one of your brothers, who dwells within the gates of your city, in the land which the Lord your God will give to you, falls into poverty, you shall not harden your heart, nor tighten your hand.

8

Instead, you shall open your hand to the poor, and you shall lend to him whatever you perceive him to need.

9

Take care, lest perhaps an impious thought might creep within you, and you might say in your heart: ‘The seventh year of remission approaches.’ And so you might turn your eyes away from your poor brother, unwilling to lend to him what he has asked. If so, then he may cry out against you to the Lord, and it will be a sin for you.

10

Instead, you shall give to him. Neither shall you do anything craftily while assisting him in his needs, so that the Lord your God may bless you, at all times and in all things to which you will put your hand.

11

The poor will not be absent from the land of your habitation. For this reason, I instruct you to open your hand to your indigent and poor brother, who lives among you in the land.

Deuteronomy 15:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 15:8 say?
Deuteronomy 15:8 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “Instead, you shall open your hand to the poor, and you shall lend to him whatever you perceive him to need. ”
Where is Deuteronomy 15:8 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 15:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 15, verse 8.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 15:8.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 15:8 in?
Deuteronomy 15:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 15:8?
Deuteronomy 15:8 reads (CPDV): “Instead, you shall open your hand to the poor, and you shall lend to him whatever you perceive him to need. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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