Deuteronomy 23:25 Meaning and Explanation
“When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →You may hand-pluck grain in a neighbor's field but cannot use a sickle to harvest.
The Context of Deuteronomy 23:25
Rights of travelers in grain fields.
What Does Deuteronomy 23:25 Mean?
Similar to the vineyard law, a traveler could pluck grain ears by hand to satisfy hunger while passing through. However, using a sickle—the harvesting tool—was prohibited, as that constituted actual reaping of the neighbor's crop and crossed into deliberate harvesting.
The line between satisfying need and theft was drawn by the method and scale. Hand-plucking a few ears was permitted; systematic harvesting was not. This law protected both the poor's access to food and the farmer's harvest, reflecting covenant concern for justice and mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 23:25
What does Deuteronomy 23:25 mean?
You may hand-pluck grain in a neighbor's field but cannot use a sickle to harvest.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 23:25?
Rights of travelers in grain fields.