Deuteronomy 23:24 Meaning and Explanation
“When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →You may eat grapes freely in a neighbor's vineyard but cannot take them away.
The Context of Deuteronomy 23:24
Rights of travelers in agricultural land.
What Does Deuteronomy 23:24 Mean?
The law granted permission to eat grapes while passing through another's vineyard—addressing hunger and travel needs. However, taking fruit away in a vessel (to transport and sell or store) crossed the line from satisfying immediate hunger to harvesting the neighbor's property.
This balanced the landowner's rights with the traveler's needs. The poor and hungry could sustain themselves from roadside plantings without stealing, while the owner's harvest remained protected. The distinction between eating in place and removing fruit was crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 23:24
What does Deuteronomy 23:24 mean?
You may eat grapes freely in a neighbor's vineyard but cannot take them away.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 23:24?
Rights of travelers in agricultural land.