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Deuteronomy 15:10 - Generous heart brings divine blessing

Deuteronomy 15:10 - דברים 15:10

Hebrew Text

נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן לוֹ וְלֹא־יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ בְּתִתְּךָ לוֹ כִּי בִּגְלַל הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־מַעֲשֶׂךָ וּבְכֹל מִשְׁלַח יָדֶךָ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt surely give him, and thy heart shall not be grieved when thou givest to him: because for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that to which thou puttest thy hand.

Transliteration

Naton titeyn lo velo-yera levavkha betitekha lo ki biglal hadavar haze yevarekhekha Adonai Elohekha bekhol-ma'asekha uvekhol mishlach yadekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

נָת֤וֹן תִּתֵּן֙ ל֔וֹ וְלֹא־יֵרַ֥ע לְבָבְךָ֖ בְּתִתְּךָ֣ ל֑וֹ כִּ֞י בִּגְלַ֣ל <b>׀</b> הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֗ה יְבָרֶכְךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכׇֽל־מַעֲשֶׂ֔ךָ וּבְכֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶֽךָ׃
נָת֤וֹן תִּתֵּן֙ ל֔וֹ וְלֹא־יֵרַ֥ע לְבָבְךָ֖ בְּתִתְּךָ֣ ל֑וֹ כִּ֞י בִּגְלַ֣ל ׀ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֗ה יְבָרֶכְךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכׇֽל־מַעֲשֶׂ֔ךָ וּבְכֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning

The verse (Devarim 15:10) addresses the mitzvah of giving tzedakah (charity) to those in need. The Torah emphasizes not only the act of giving but also the proper attitude—one should give willingly and without resentment. The phrase "נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן לוֹ" ("thou shalt surely give him") uses a doubled verb form, which, as Rashi explains, teaches that one should give repeatedly, even if the same person asks multiple times. The Torah further instructs that one's heart should not be grieved when giving, as generosity must come with a positive spirit.

Key Insights from Traditional Sources

  • Rashi: Explains that the repetition of "נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן" implies giving multiple times, even if the recipient asks again. Additionally, he notes that the phrase "וְלֹא־יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ" ("thy heart shall not be grieved") warns against harboring resentment when fulfilling this mitzvah.
  • Rambam (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 10:4): Teaches that one who gives grudgingly loses the merit of the mitzvah. True tzedakah requires a generous and joyful heart.
  • Talmud (Ketubot 68a): Discusses the importance of giving discreetly to preserve the dignity of the recipient, reinforcing the idea that tzedakah must be given with sensitivity.
  • Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:5): States that Hashem rewards those who give tzedakah with blessings in all their endeavors, as the verse concludes: "כִּי בִּגְלַל הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה יְבָרֶכְךָ ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee").

Practical Halachic Implications

This verse serves as the foundation for several halachic principles regarding tzedakah:

  • One must not delay giving when a poor person asks (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 247:1).
  • The mitzvah is not fulfilled properly if given with reluctance or complaint (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 10:4).
  • Giving tzedakah brings divine blessing in return, as the verse explicitly promises (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 479).

Spiritual and Ethical Lessons

The verse teaches that tzedakah is not merely a financial obligation but a spiritual refinement of character. By giving generously and with a whole heart, a person emulates Hashem's kindness and invites divine blessing into their life. The Sages (Taanit 9a) further explain that tzedakah hastens the redemption, demonstrating its profound impact on both the individual and the world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 67b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the mitzvah of giving charity and the blessings that come from it.
📖 Bava Batra 10a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the rewards for giving charity and the importance of doing so with a willing heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Thou shalt surely give him' mean in Deuteronomy 15:10?
A: This verse commands us to give generously to those in need, particularly to poor people or borrowers (as discussed in the context of the chapter). The Torah emphasizes that we should not hesitate or feel reluctant when giving charity (tzedakah). Rashi explains that the double language 'נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן' (literally 'giving you shall give') teaches us that we should give repeatedly, not just once.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'thy heart shall not be grieved' when giving?
A: The Torah is teaching us that giving charity should be done with a full and happy heart, not with resentment or regret. The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:4) explains that giving with a positive attitude is even greater than the act of giving itself. A person should recognize that everything we have comes from Hashem, and giving to others is fulfilling His will.
Q: What is the blessing promised in Deuteronomy 15:10 for giving charity?
A: The verse promises that Hashem will bless 'all your deeds and all that you undertake' when you give charity willingly. The Talmud (Taanit 9a) states that one who gives charity will become wealthy, as the verse implies that giving does not lead to loss but rather brings divine blessing. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that charity is so powerful that it can even overturn harsh decrees.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 15:10 apply to giving charity today?
A: This verse teaches us that giving tzedakah (charity) is a fundamental mitzvah that applies in all generations. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 247) rules based on this verse that we must give charity happily and without delay. Many Jewish communities have charitable funds (gemachim) to fulfill this commandment, and it is customary to give before Shabbat and holidays.
Q: Who is the 'him' we are commanded to give to in this verse?
A: In context, 'him' refers to a poor person or borrower, as the surrounding verses discuss helping those in financial need. The Talmud (Ketubot 67b) explains that we must assess each person's needs appropriately - some need loans, others gifts, and others business partnerships. The Sifrei (Devarim 116) notes that this includes both Jews and non-Jews in need, as all are created in G-d's image.