Deuteronomy 15:4
New International Version
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,

New Living Translation
“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.

English Standard Version
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—

Berean Standard Bible
There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance,

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
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—

New American Standard Bible
However, there will be no poor among you, since the LORD will certainly bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,

NASB 1995
“However, there will be no poor among you, since the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,

NASB 1977
“However, there shall be no poor among you, since the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,

Legacy Standard Bible
However, there will be no needy one among you, since Yahweh will surely bless you in the land which Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,

Amplified Bible
However, there will be no poor among you, since the LORD will most certainly bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,

Christian Standard Bible
“There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD is certain to bless you in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance —

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD is certain to bless you in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance—

American Standard Version
Howbeit there shall be no poor with thee (for Jehovah will surely bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it),

English Revised Version
Howbeit there shall be no poor with thee; (for the LORD will surely bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it;)

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In any case, there shouldn't be any poor people among you, because the LORD your God will certainly bless you in the land he is giving you as your own possession.

Good News Translation
"The LORD your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. Not one of your people will be poor

International Standard Version
Moreover, there will be no poor person among you, for the LORD will surely bless you in the land that he is about to give you to possess.

Majority Standard Bible
There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance,

NET Bible
However, there should not be any poor among you, for the LORD will surely bless you in the land that he is giving you as an inheritance,

New Heart English Bible
However there shall be no poor with you; (for the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it;)

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

World English Bible
However there will be no poor with you (for Yahweh will surely bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess)
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
except there is an end [when] no poor [are] with you; for YHWH greatly blesses you in the land which your God YHWH is giving to you [for] an inheritance to possess it,

Young's Literal Translation
only when there is no needy one with thee, for Jehovah doth greatly bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee -- an inheritance to possess it.

Smith's Literal Translation
Only when no needy shall be with thee; for Jehovah blessing will bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God gave to thee an inheritance to possess it:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there shall be no poor nor beggar among you: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in the land which he will give thee in possession.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And there shall not be anyone indigent or begging among you, so that the Lord your God may bless you in the land which he will deliver to you as a possession.

New American Bible
However, since the LORD, your God, will bless you abundantly in the land the LORD, your God, will give you to possess as a heritage, there shall be no one of you in need

New Revised Standard Version
There will, however, be no one in need among you, because the LORD is sure to bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as a possession to occupy,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that there will be no poor among you; for the LORD your God shall greatly bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That there shall not be poor among you, because LORD JEHOVAH your God will certainly bless you in the land that LORD JEHOVAH your God gives you to possess it:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit there shall be no needy among you--for the LORD will surely bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For thus there shall not be a poor person in the midst of thee, for the Lord thy God will surely bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God gives thee by inheritance, that thou shouldest inherit it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Seventh Year
3You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you. 4There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, 5if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commandments I am giving you today.…

Cross References
Acts 4:34-35
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

2 Corinthians 8:14-15
At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. / As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

Leviticus 25:35-38
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. / Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. / You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. ...

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

2 Corinthians 9:8-11
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” / Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. ...

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 37:25-26
I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. / They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Exodus 23:10-11
For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, / but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.


Treasury of Scripture

Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it:

Save, etc.

greatly bless

Deuteronomy 14:29
And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Deuteronomy 28:1-8,11
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: …

Proverbs 11:24,25
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty…

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Bless Blessing Howbeit However Inheritance Need Needy Poor Possess Richly Save Surely
Deuteronomy 15
1. The seventh year a year of release for the poor
7. one must be generous in lending or giving
12. A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year
19. All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord.














There will be no poor among you
This phrase reflects the ideal state of Israel under God's covenant. The Mosaic Law included provisions to prevent poverty, such as the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) and the cancellation of debts every seven years (Deuteronomy 15:1-2). These laws were designed to ensure economic balance and social justice. The absence of poverty was contingent upon Israel's obedience to God's commandments (Deuteronomy 15:5). This ideal foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom of God, where there will be no lack (Revelation 21:4).

however, because the LORD will surely bless you
The promise of blessing is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, contingent upon Israel's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). God's blessings were both material and spiritual, intended to set Israel apart as a witness to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). This blessing is a type of the spiritual blessings found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), who fulfills the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17).

in the land that the LORD your God is giving you
The land of Canaan was a central element of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7). It was a tangible sign of God's promise and faithfulness. The land was not just a physical territory but a place where Israel could live out its covenant relationship with God. This promise of land is a type of the eternal inheritance believers have in Christ (Hebrews 4:8-10).

to possess as an inheritance
The concept of inheritance in the Old Testament often refers to the land, but it also carries spiritual significance. The land was a gift from God, not earned by Israel's merit (Deuteronomy 9:4-6). This inheritance is a type of the believer's inheritance in Christ, which is imperishable and kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). The idea of inheritance underscores God's grace and the believer's identity as God's children (Romans 8:17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the laws and preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises blessings and provision.

5. Jubilee and Sabbatical Year
Contextual events related to debt release and economic reset, ensuring no long-term poverty.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and Blessing
Trust in God's promise of provision. The assurance of no poverty is rooted in God's blessing and faithfulness.

Community Responsibility
The community of believers is called to care for one another, ensuring that no one is in need, reflecting God's heart for justice and equity.

Faith and Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is linked to experiencing His blessings. Faithful stewardship and adherence to God's laws lead to a flourishing community.

Generosity and Compassion
Cultivate a spirit of generosity. As God blesses, believers are called to share and support those in need, embodying the love of Christ.

Hope in God's Promises
Hold onto the hope of God's promises. Even when circumstances seem dire, God's word assures us of His ultimate provision and care.(4) Save when there shall be no poor (man) among you.--This clause is the source of a very interesting passage in the Acts of the Apostles, Deuteronomy 4:34, "Great grace was upon them all, for neither was there among them any (one) that lacked" The words at the beginning of the verse in Hebrew, "save when" may also be rendered (as in the Margin) "to the end that," or "to such an extent that there shall be no poor man among you." Those who can well afford to pay need not be excused from their obligations.

For the Lord thy God shall greatly bless thee.--So in Acts 4:33, "Great grace was upon them all." The blessing need not be equal and universal prosperity, if those who have the good things of this world will always remember the poor to such an extent that no member of the community shall be left in want.

Verse 4. - Save when there shall be no poor among you; rather, only that there shall be no poor among you; q.d., this ordinance is not intended to prevent creditors seeking the payment of their just debts, but only to prevent there being poor in the land. The reason assigned is that the Lord would greatly bless them in the land which he had given them, so that the creditor would be no loser by refraining from exacting his debt from his brother in the seventh year.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
There will be
יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

no
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

poor among you,
אֶבְי֑וֹן (’eḇ·yō·wn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor

however,
אֶ֕פֶס (’e·p̄es)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 657: Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, foot

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will surely bless you
בָרֵ֤ךְ (ḇā·rêḵ)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

in the land
בָּאָ֕רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

is giving
נֹֽתֵן־ (nō·ṯên-)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you
לְךָ֥ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

to possess
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ (lə·riš·tāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

as an inheritance,
נַחֲלָ֖ה (na·ḥă·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:4 However there shall be no poor (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 15:3
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