Deuteronomy 15 4

Deuteronomy 15:4 kjv

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:

Deuteronomy 15:4 nkjv

except when there may be no poor among you; for the LORD will greatly bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance?

Deuteronomy 15:4 niv

However, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you,

Deuteronomy 15:4 esv

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 ?

Deuteronomy 15:4 nlt

"There should be no poor among you, for the LORD your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession.

Deuteronomy 15 verses

Deuteronomy 15 4 Meaning

Deuteronomy 15:4 sets forth an ideal state of divine blessing and national prosperity for ancient Israel, where, if they fully obey the Lord, systemic poverty would not exist among them. It envisions a community so abundantly blessed by God in the land He gives them that none would remain chronically destitute or needy. This verse highlights God's desire for His people to thrive in covenant fidelity, reflecting His character as provider and advocate for justice.

Deuteronomy 15 4 Context

Deuteronomy 15 presents the specific laws concerning the "release" (shemitah) every seventh year. This involves the cancellation of debts among Israelites (Deut 15:1-3) and freeing of Israelite bondservants (Deut 15:12-18). Verse 4 provides the overarching theological premise and desired outcome for these social welfare laws. It directly follows the command regarding debt release, showing God's ideal for a prosperous and equitable society free from perpetual economic hardship. Historically, these laws distinguished Israel from surrounding ancient Near Eastern nations, where economic inequality often led to oppressive debt slavery. The legislation was part of the covenant instructions for life in the Promised Land, emphasizing community solidarity and preventing the accumulation of extreme wealth by some while others suffered extreme poverty. This verse, therefore, states God's conditional promise for His people, if they remained faithful to His covenant laws.

Deuteronomy 15 4 Word analysis

• However: While not present in all direct translations of the Hebrew (some use "for" as an introductory particle to connect it to the preceding thought), its implication bridges the preceding command (debt release) with the stated ideal outcome. It implies "as a result" or "provided that."
• there will be: From the Hebrew root hayah (היה), "to be" or "to become." It indicates a state of being or coming into existence. The nuance suggests that such a condition (no poor) would exist.
• no: From the Hebrew lo' (לֹא), an absolute negative particle. Emphatically states the absence.
• poor: From the Hebrew evyon (אֶבְיוֹן). This word denotes not just one who lacks possessions, but a needy person, often helpless, suffering from destitution and social oppression. It emphasizes dependence and a state of being without means or power. This contrasts with other words for poor like dal (weak, low class) or aniy (afflicted, humble). Evyon highlights the state of dependency that God's laws aim to prevent.
• among you: Indicates within the community of Israel. It applies to the collective national body and their internal socio-economic structure.
• for: From the Hebrew ki (כִּי), introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding statement.
• the Lord: Refers to Yahweh (יהוה), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal involvement and covenant faithfulness.
• will greatly bless you: This is an emphatic construction in Hebrew, using an infinitive absolute of the verb barakh (בָּרֵךְ יְבָרֶכְךָ), meaning "to bless." It literally translates as "blessing He will bless you" or "He will surely bless you," signifying an abundant, continuous, and comprehensive outpouring of divine favor. It's not a minimal blessing, but overflowing prosperity.
• in the land: Refers to the physical territory of Canaan, the Promised Land. This is crucial as the land was foundational to their identity and economic well-being.
• which the Lord your God: Reiterates God's ownership and His personal relationship with Israel through the covenant.
• is giving you: Indicates a divine gift and ongoing provision.
• as an inheritance: From the Hebrew nachalah (נַחֲלָה), meaning "possession," "property," or "heritage." It emphasizes that the land is a permanent, God-given legacy, not earned, but bestowed as part of the covenant relationship, implying the ongoing responsibilities that come with this gift.
• to possess: From the Hebrew yarash (לְרִשְׁתָּהּ), "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to occupy." It denotes their right and responsibility to inhabit and utilize the land granted by God.

Deuteronomy 15 4 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "bless" (barakh) is often linked to fertility, abundance, and favor from God. The emphatic repetition of the verb here indicates a superabundant, complete blessing that leaves no room for lack. The promise in Deuteronomy 15:4 illustrates a key tenet of covenant theology: God’s blessings are conditional, flowing from obedience. This theme runs through the entire book of Deuteronomy, often referred to as "sermons on the covenant."

The idea of "no poor" in God's ideal is deeply radical for the ancient world, challenging typical societal structures where a rigid class system and widespread poverty were normal. Israel’s economic laws, including debt release and the Jubilee, were revolutionary in aiming to reset socio-economic disparities, ensuring families could reclaim lost land and avoid perpetual bondage. This demonstrated God's counter-cultural vision for His people, rooted in the principles of equity and dignity, reflecting His own righteous and compassionate character. The New Testament church, as seen in Acts, in some ways sought to live out this communal ideal by having "all things in common," ensuring that "there was not a needy person among them." While not a direct fulfillment, it's an aspirational echo of God's heart revealed in this Deuteronomic vision.

Deuteronomy 15 4 Commentary

Deuteronomy 15:4 encapsulates God's benevolent ideal for Israel: a society free from chronic, systemic poverty. This vision is deeply intertwined with Israel's obedience to God's covenant laws, particularly those related to the Sabbatical Year's debt release and the principles of justice and generosity. The verse posits that if Israel faithfully adheres to God's ways, His blessing will be so profound and encompassing that none will suffer abject poverty. The phrase "no poor among you" reflects God's desired intention and the potential outcome of covenant obedience, where divine provision combines with human compliance to prevent the enduring impoverishment of any member.

This verse should be understood in direct connection with Deuteronomy 15:11, which states, "For the poor will never cease from the land." There is no contradiction; rather, a tension between ideal and reality. Verse 4 presents God's ideal under perfect obedience—a truly utopian, blessed society. Verse 11 acknowledges the unfortunate reality that, due to human sinfulness, imperfection, and failure to consistently obey God's laws, poverty would persist. Therefore, while God's ideal state for His people was one of shared prosperity and dignity, the commands for ongoing charity (gleaning laws, open hand to the poor, etc.) were necessary because humanity would fail to fully live up to that ideal.

The "great blessing" (emphatic Hebrew construction) promised by the Lord is contingent. It signifies divine enablement and provision that empowers a nation to avoid systemic poverty. This goes beyond mere material wealth; it encompasses flourishing in all aspects—social, spiritual, and economic. It serves as a reminder that economic well-being in God's covenant is not merely about individual accumulation, but about communal equity and the responsible stewardship of divine gifts. God desired Israel to be a testimony to the nations, demonstrating how living under His just and generous laws could create a distinct society marked by mutual care and shared blessing.

For practical usage, this verse compels believers to reflect on:

• The nature of true prosperity: It originates from God and thrives in community where care for the vulnerable is paramount.
• The responsibility of abundance: Those who are blessed by God are conduits for His continued blessing to others, especially the poor.
• The call to social justice: While literal poverty may always exist (as per v.11), the goal for the people of God is to actively work against its causes and alleviate its effects through generosity and just systems, mirroring God's heart.