Deuteronomy 24:19 Meaning and Explanation
“When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Leave forgotten sheaves in the field for the poor; this brings God's blessing on your work.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:19
Economic provision for the poor through gleaning laws.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:19 Mean?
Rather than gathering every last grain, the law permits—even mandates—that forgotten sheaves be left for vulnerable members of the community to glean. This practice provides food for those without land or means while keeping the owner's obligation voluntary and realistic (only forgotten sheaves, not additional loss).
The promise of blessing ties material generosity to divine favor. The law frames charity not as loss but as an investment in covenant faithfulness and divine response.
Deuteronomy 24:19 in the Original Language
עֹמֶר (omer), 'sheaf'—a bound bundle of grain stalks, the unit of harvest left for gleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:19
What does Deuteronomy 24:19 mean?
Leave forgotten sheaves in the field for the poor; this brings God's blessing on your work.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:19?
Economic provision for the poor through gleaning laws.