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Deuteronomy 15:11 - Always give to the needy

Deuteronomy 15:11 - דברים 15:11

Hebrew Text

כִּי לֹא־יֶחְדַּל אֶבְיוֹן מִקֶּרֶב הָאָרֶץ עַל־כֵּן אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ לֵאמֹר פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח אֶת־יָדְךָ לְאָחִיךָ לַעֲנִיֶּךָ וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ בְּאַרְצֶךָ׃

English Translation

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thy hand wide to thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Transliteration

Ki lo-yechdal evyon mikerev ha'aretz al-ken anochi metzavecha lemor poteach tiftach et-yadcha le'achicha la'aniyecha ule'evyoncha be'artzecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֛י לֹא־יֶחְדַּ֥ל אֶבְי֖וֹן מִקֶּ֣רֶב הָאָ֑רֶץ עַל־כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר פָּ֠תֹ֠חַ תִּפְתַּ֨ח אֶת־יָדְךָ֜ לְאָחִ֧יךָ לַעֲנִיֶּ֛ךָ וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ֖ בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כִּ֛י לֹא־יֶחְדַּ֥ל אֶבְי֖וֹן מִקֶּ֣רֶב הָאָ֑רֶץ עַל־כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר פָּ֠תֹ֠חַ תִּפְתַּ֨ח אֶת־יָדְךָ֜ לְאָחִ֧יךָ לַעֲנִיֶּ֛ךָ וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ֖ בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Perpetual Presence of the Poor

The verse states, "כִּי לֹא־יֶחְדַּל אֶבְיוֹן מִקֶּרֶב הָאָרֶץ" ("For the poor shall never cease out of the land"). Rashi explains that this is not merely a prediction but a reality embedded in the divine plan—there will always be needy individuals to provide opportunities for others to perform tzedakah (charity). The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:1) elaborates that this ensures the mitzvah of giving remains perpetually relevant, allowing each generation to fulfill this essential commandment.

The Command to Open Your Hand

The phrase "פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח אֶת־יָדְךָ" ("You shall open your hand wide") is emphatic, using a doubled verb form. The Sifrei (Devarim 116) teaches that this repetition underscores the obligation to give generously and repeatedly, not just once. The Talmud (Ketubot 67b) further clarifies that one must give according to the needs of the poor—whether food, clothing, or other necessities—and not just a minimal amount.

Identifying the Recipients

The verse specifies three categories of recipients:

  • "לְאָחִיךָ" ("to your brother")—Rashi explains this refers to a fellow Jew, emphasizing familial responsibility.
  • "לַעֲנִיֶּךָ" ("to your poor")—The Ibn Ezra notes this includes those who are locally known to be in need.
  • "וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ בְּאַרְצֶךָ" ("and to your needy in your land")—The Chizkuni teaches that this extends the obligation even to those who are not immediate relatives but reside within the community.

The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 479) highlights that this mitzvah cultivates compassion and reinforces the principle that wealth is a divine trust, to be shared with those less fortunate. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:8) compares withholding charity to idolatry, stressing its severity. Conversely, the Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:2) teaches that giving joyfully elevates the act into a higher spiritual merit.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 67b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the obligation to give charity and the importance of supporting the poor.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the mitzvah of giving charity and the perpetual presence of the poor in society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:11 mean when it says 'the poor shall never cease out of the land'?
A: This verse teaches that poverty will always exist in some form, as Rashi explains, to give us constant opportunities to perform the mitzvah (commandment) of tzedakah (charity). The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:1) also notes that this is part of Hashem's plan to allow people to earn merit through kindness.
Q: Why does the Torah command us to 'open your hand wide' to the poor?
A: The phrase 'open your hand wide' (פתח תפתח) uses a double language to emphasize generosity, as the Sifrei explains. The Talmud (Ketubot 67b) teaches that we should give according to the needs of the poor person - not just minimal assistance. The Rambam lists different levels of tzedakah, with the highest being helping someone become self-sufficient.
Q: Who is included in 'your brother, your poor, and your needy' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'your brother' refers to fellow Jews, while 'your poor' includes all needy people in your community. The Talmud (Gittin 61a) extends this to include supporting non-Jewish poor as well for the sake of peaceful relations. However, Jewish poor take priority according to halacha (Jewish law).
Q: How should we apply Deuteronomy 15:11 today?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 247) rules that this commandment applies in all times and places. Today this means supporting food banks, interest-free loans (gemach), job training programs, and other forms of assistance. The Chofetz Chaim taught that giving tzedakah brings redemption closer.
Q: What's the connection between this verse and the mitzvah of tzedakah?
A: This verse is the Torah source for the mitzvah of tzedakah (charity). As Rambam explains (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 7:1), it's a positive commandment to give to the poor. The word 'tzedakah' comes from 'tzedek' (justice), teaching that helping others isn't just kindness - it's fulfilling our moral obligation.