Deuteronomy 24:21 Meaning and Explanation
“When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After harvesting grapes, do not glean again; leave the remainder for the poor.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:21
Gleaning laws for vineyard harvest.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:21 Mean?
The gleaning law extends to vineyard grapes as well as grain and olives. The law forbids a thorough, second pass ('glean it afterward'), making provision for the poor a built-in feature of harvest practice rather than an afterthought or burden.
Three harvest laws (grain, olives, grapes) establish a pervasive principle: the productive land is not solely the owner's property but carries inherent obligations to the community's poorest members.
Deuteronomy 24:21 in the Original Language
כָּרְמוֹ (karmo), 'vineyard'—planted field of grapevines; a significant agricultural asset and source of wine and food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:21
What does Deuteronomy 24:21 mean?
After harvesting grapes, do not glean again; leave the remainder for the poor.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:21?
Gleaning laws for vineyard harvest.