What Does the Bible Say About Helping the Poor?
What Does the Bible Say About Helping the Poor? The Bible commands care for the poor as a reflection of God's own heart — declaring that how we treat the needy is how we treat Christ Himself.
Key verse: Matthew 25:40 (KJV)
The Bible commands care for the poor as a reflection of God's own heart — declaring that how we treat the needy is how we treat Christ Himself.
The Bible commands care for the poor as a reflection of God's own heart — declaring that how we treat the needy is how we treat Christ Himself.
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." — Matthew 25:40 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture is emphatic about caring for the poor. Proverbs 19:17 declares, 'He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.' Jesus identified with the poor: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matthew 25:40). James 1:27 defines pure religion as visiting 'the fatherless and widows in their affliction.' Deuteronomy 15:11 commands, 'Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy.' Isaiah 58:6-7 connects fasting with practical justice: 'Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?' Galatians 2:10 records the apostles' exhortation that Paul 'should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.' Ignoring the poor is condemned: 'Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard' (Proverbs 21:13).
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Key Scripture References
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD."
"Pure religion... is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Helping the Poor?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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