Proverbs 28:27 kjv

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Proverbs 28:27 nkjv

He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

Proverbs 28:27 niv

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

Proverbs 28:27 esv

Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Proverbs 28:27 nlt

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 27 Meaning

Proverbs 28:27 declares that those who generously give to the poor will not experience lack or want, as they will be provided for by God. Conversely, individuals who deliberately ignore the plight of the poor and turn a blind eye to their suffering will incur numerous curses and face severe negative consequences. This verse establishes a direct causal link between compassion for the needy and divine blessing or judgment.

Proverbs 28 27 Context

Proverbs 28 falls within the larger section of Proverbs attributed to Solomon (chapters 10-29). This chapter contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting characteristics and consequences of each. Themes include justice (vv. 3-5, 12, 16), integrity (v. 6), wisdom versus folly (vv. 7, 26), and particularly the treatment of the poor and needy (vv. 3, 8, 27). The historical context is that of ancient Israel, where social justice was a core tenet of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing care for the vulnerable, including the poor, widows, and orphans. This proverb reiterates that divine blessing and curses are intrinsically linked to obedience to God's covenant, which includes showing compassion to those in distress. It functions as a warning and an encouragement, upholding God's righteous character which demands equity and care for the less fortunate, often implicitly challenging societal structures that permitted exploitation or neglect.

Proverbs 28 27 Word analysis

• Whoever gives (נוֹתֵן - noten): Present participle, signifying a continuous action, habit, or characteristic. It's not a one-time act but a way of life—a generous disposition. The Hebrew term implies freely bestowing, without expectation of immediate return from the recipient, aligning with the concept of God's unmerited favor to the giver.
• to the poor (לָרָשׁ - larash): From rash (רָשׁ), meaning poor, needy, indigent. This refers to someone experiencing economic hardship, but in a broader sense in biblical wisdom literature, it encompasses those who are vulnerable, dependent, or marginalized, who lack the means to support themselves.
• will not want (לֹא מַחְסוֹר - lo' machsor): Literally "not lack" or "not come to want." This signifies freedom from destitution, lack of necessity, and sufficiency. It implies divine provision, ensuring the giver's own needs are met, and even abundance. It speaks of security and freedom from distress regarding one's sustenance.
• but he who hides his eyes (וּמַעְלִים עֵינָיו - u'ma'alim einav): This is a strong idiom. Ma'alim comes from the verb ‘alam (עלם), meaning to hide or conceal. "Hides his eyes" means to willfully disregard, ignore, or deliberately refuse to see or acknowledge the suffering and needs of others. It implies an intentional turning away, a hardened heart, or a pretense of not noticing, despite clear evidence. It is an act of moral callousness.
• will get many a curse (רַב מְבַקְּשֵׁי קְלָלָה - rav mevakshe kelalah): Literally "many seekers of a curse" or "many will seek (or cause) a curse upon him." This suggests severe, multifaceted negative consequences, perhaps coming from many directions or people. It could also imply divine judgment or disapproval, where misfortune (curse) naturally follows from unrighteous action. The curses might manifest as poverty, social isolation, divine displeasure, or even retribution from those who observe his cruelty.

Words-group analysis:

• "Whoever gives to the poor will not want": This phrase establishes a principle of divine reciprocity. The act of compassion for the needy activates God's providential care. It suggests that true security and abundance come not from hoarding resources, but from releasing them to help others. This principle resonates throughout scripture as a fundamental aspect of walking with God.
• "but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse": This antithetical parallelism vividly contrasts the fate of the compassionate with that of the indifferent. "Hiding eyes" emphasizes the conscious, volitional choice to neglect. The "many a curse" highlights the severe and manifold consequences—not just absence of blessing, but active judgment and negative outcomes from various sources. This consequence serves as a warning, emphasizing that God judges social injustice.

Proverbs 28 27 Bonus section

• The wisdom of this proverb extends beyond individual behavior to community ethics. A society that prioritizes the welfare of its most vulnerable members is more likely to thrive, whereas one that neglects them risks instability and divine judgment.
• This verse can be understood as an "iron law" of the kingdom of God, similar to sowing and reaping, where the measure of compassion given dictates the measure of provision or consequences received.
• While financial giving is primary, "giving to the poor" also encompasses offering time, skills, advocacy, and a listening ear—any act that alleviates suffering and affirms the dignity of the needy.
• The "curses" are not necessarily a direct magical infliction, but often represent the natural, spiritual, and communal consequences of an unrighteous life lived out of alignment with God's principles of love and justice. This may include strained relationships, lack of true prosperity, or a feeling of spiritual emptiness.

Proverbs 28 27 Commentary

Proverbs 28:27 succinctly encapsulates a profound theological and ethical principle: compassion towards the poor is intricately linked with divine blessing, while indifference leads to significant spiritual and practical detriment. The phrase "will not want" suggests not just freedom from literal poverty for the giver, but a sense of sufficiency, peace, and spiritual abundance derived from God's favor. It’s a promise of holistic provision that transcends mere material goods, ensuring that one’s needs are consistently met. This promise underscores God's commitment to covenantal justice and His appreciation for those who reflect His character through active charity.

On the other hand, "he who hides his eyes" denotes a deliberate moral failure. This isn't passive ignorance, but an active rejection of moral duty. Such callousness offends God, who champions the cause of the poor and oppressed. The consequence, "many a curse," signals multifaceted negative outcomes: potentially social rejection, lack of divine favor, experiencing poverty themselves (as a poetic justice), or simply living under the burden of God's disapproval. This proverb teaches that generosity towards the vulnerable is not merely an optional act of goodness, but a crucial aspect of righteousness that yields divine favor and avoids severe judgment, serving as a pillar of God's expectation for His people.