King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
When you gather the grapes from your vineyard, you are not to return and pick grapes a second time; what is left will be for the foreigner, the orphan and the widow.
Berean Standard Bible:
When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not go over the vines again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.
American Standard Version:
When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it after thee: it shall be for the sojourner, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
When thou gatherest{H1219} the grapes of thy vineyard{H3754}, thou shalt not glean{H5953} it afterward{H310}: it shall be for the stranger{H1616}, for the fatherless{H3490}, and for the widow{H490}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Leviticus 19:9
- And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
Leviticus 19:10
- And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather [every] grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I [am] the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 24:19
- 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.
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Commentary for Deuteronomy 24:21
Deuteronomy 24:21 is part of the final book of the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses, which outlines the Law given to the Israelites by God. This verse is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy that deals with various social and religious laws designed to govern the conduct of the Israelite community as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The specific instruction in Deuteronomy 24:21 continues the theme of concern for the vulnerable in society—a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch. The verse commands the Israelites, once they have harvested their vineyards, to leave the remaining grapes ungleaned. This is not to be seen as a wasteful practice but rather as a provision for those in need: the "stranger" (ger), referring to a resident alien living among the Israelites, the "fatherless" (yatom), orphaned children without familial support, and the "widow" (almanah), women who have lost their husbands and, consequently, their primary means of economic support in the patriarchal society.
The historical context of this verse reflects an agrarian society where the harvest was a matter of survival. By leaving the remains of the harvest for the marginalized, the Israelites were to practice social justice and compassion, embodying the character of God who is described as defending the cause of the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18). This law ensured that the most vulnerable members of society had the opportunity to provide for themselves, fostering a community ethic of inclusion and care for the less fortunate.
In summary, Deuteronomy 24:21 encapsulates the principles of charity and social responsibility within the Israelite community. It is a practical application of the broader command to love one's neighbor and a reflection of God's concern for justice, particularly for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. This verse underscores the importance of integrating acts of compassion into the daily rhythms of life, such as the agricultural cycle, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of biblical principles in creating a just and equitable society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1219
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּצַר
Transliteration: bâtsar
Pronunciation: baw-tsar'
Description: a primitive root; to clip off; specifically (as denominative from בָּצִיר); to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification); cut off, (de-) fenced, fortify, (grape) gather(-er), mighty things, restrain, strong, wall (up), withhold. - Strong's Number: H3754
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֶּרֶם
Transliteration: kerem
Pronunciation: keh'-rem
Description: from an unused root of uncertain meaning; a garden or vineyard; vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם. - Strong's Number: H5953
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָלַל
Transliteration: ʻâlal
Pronunciation: aw-lal'
Description: a primitive root; to effect thoroughly; specifically, to glean (also figuratively); by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e. maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal); abuse, affect, [idiom] child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully). - Strong's Number: H310
There are 766 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַחַר
Transliteration: ʼachar
Pronunciation: akh-ar'
Description: from אָחַר; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses); after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. - Strong's Number: H1616
There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גֵּר
Transliteration: gêr
Pronunciation: gare
Description: or (fully) geyr (gare); from גּוּר; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner; alien, sojourner, stranger. - Strong's Number: H3490
There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָתוֹם
Transliteration: yâthôwm
Pronunciation: yaw-thome'
Description: from an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person; fatherless (child), orphan. - Strong's Number: H490
There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַלְמָנָה
Transliteration: ʼalmânâh
Pronunciation: al-maw-naw'
Description: feminine of אַלְמָן; a widow; also a desolate place; desolate house (palace), widow.