Deuteronomy 23:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou comest {H935} into thy neighbour's {H7453} vineyard {H3754}, then thou mayest eat {H398} grapes {H6025} thy fill {H7648} at thine own pleasure {H5315}; but thou shalt not put {H5414} any in thy vessel {H3627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you enter your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat enough grapes to satisfy your appetite; but you are not to put any in your basket.

Berean Standard Bible

When you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, but you must not put any in your basket.

American Standard Version

When thou comest into thy neighbor’s vineyard, then thou mayest eat of grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:24 articulates a specific and compassionate law concerning a traveler's immediate sustenance from a neighbor's vineyard, granting permission to eat grapes to one's full satisfaction on the spot, while strictly prohibiting the carrying away of any produce in a vessel. This statute masterfully balances the divine principles of generosity and provision for genuine human need with an unwavering respect for private property rights and the diligent labor of the landowner, thereby distinguishing between immediate necessity and opportunistic accumulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Deuteronomic Code, specifically in Deuteronomy 23, which presents a diverse collection of covenant stipulations and ethical guidelines for Israel as they prepare to inherit the Promised Land. Chapter 23 itself addresses various aspects of communal life, including eligibility for the assembly, sexual purity, usury, and the sanctity of vows. Verses 24-25 form a distinct mini-section dealing with agrarian ethics, immediately following laws concerning vows (vv. 21-23) and preceding regulations on divorce and gleaning (Deuteronomy 24:1-4, 19-22). This placement highlights God's holistic concern for justice and compassion across all facets of Israelite society, demonstrating how even seemingly minor interactions in daily life are governed by divine principles. The law here complements broader themes of generosity towards the vulnerable, seen in gleaning laws, while simultaneously upholding the boundaries of private ownership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society, where the cultivation of vineyards, olive groves, and grain fields formed the bedrock of its economy and sustenance. Travel was often arduous and undertaken on foot, making provisions a constant concern, particularly for the poor, the sojourner, or those on long journeys. This law reflects a deeply ingrained cultural understanding of hospitality and communal responsibility, where the bounty of the land, ultimately seen as a gift from Yahweh, was to be shared in a regulated and ethical manner. It addresses a common, practical scenario of a person passing through cultivated land, acknowledging their potential hunger while simultaneously safeguarding the landowner's livelihood and the concept of private property, which was fundamental to social order and economic stability in the nascent Israelite nation. The law prevents both exploitation of the needy and abuse of the landowner's generosity.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 23:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It vividly illustrates **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's meticulous care for the immediate and basic needs of His people, especially the vulnerable and the traveler. This echoes the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16:1-36](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")) and the promise of a land flowing with abundance. Concurrently, the verse underscores the vital importance of **Respect for Property Rights**, drawing a clear and unyielding distinction between satisfying immediate hunger and outright theft or exploitation. This balance promotes integrity, trust, and social order within the community. Furthermore, the law subtly yet profoundly teaches **Contentment and the Distinction Between Need and Greed**, encouraging individuals to take only what is necessary for the moment rather than accumulating beyond immediate requirements. This principle is consistently reinforced by other agrarian laws, such as those concerning [gleaning](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning") and [leaving portions for the poor](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Gleaning for the Poor and Sojourner"), which emphasize generosity while firmly maintaining the landowner's primary claim to their harvest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **grapes (Hebrew, _ʻênâb'_):** This term specifically refers to the fruit of the vine. Its inclusion precisely defines the type of produce permitted for consumption, indicating that the law's allowance is not a blanket permission for all crops but is limited to this particular fruit, which was readily edible on the spot and common in vineyards.
* **thy fill (Hebrew, _sôbaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be satisfied" or "to be full," this word emphasizes that the individual is permitted to eat until their hunger is genuinely satiated. It implies a generous allowance for immediate need, not just a token amount, highlighting the compassionate intent behind the provision for genuine physical hunger.
* **vessel (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** This comprehensive term denotes any kind of implement, utensil, or container. The explicit prohibition against putting grapes into a "vessel" (like a basket, bag, or pouch) is crucial. It unequivocally clarifies that the permission is solely for immediate, personal consumption on the spot, strictly forbidding the gathering, storage, transport, or commercial intent of the produce. This boundary protects the landowner's livelihood and prevents any abuse of the privilege.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard":** This opening clause establishes the specific context and condition for the law's application. It delineates the setting as a vineyard belonging to another individual, implying a scenario where a person is passing through or entering this cultivated area. This sets the stage for a compassionate allowance within defined boundaries.
* **"then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill":** This grants explicit and generous permission. The object, "grapes," specifies the permitted produce, and the phrase "thy fill" emphasizes that the allowance is for satisfying genuine hunger to the point of satiety, ensuring the traveler's immediate need is met without restriction on quantity for that moment.
* **"at thine own pleasure":** This phrase, literally "according to your soul" (Hebrew, _b'nafsh'kha_), further clarifies the scope of the permission. It signifies that the eating is for personal, immediate gratification of hunger or desire for sustenance in that specific moment, driven by one's own need, rather than an obligation or a pre-determined quantity.
* **"but thou shalt not put [any] in thy vessel":** This is the critical prohibition that defines the strict limits of the generosity. It unequivocally forbids the gathering or carrying away of any grapes in a container. This sharp distinction is vital, separating immediate, on-the-spot consumption for hunger from taking for personal gain, storage, or potential resale, thereby protecting the property owner's rights, labor, and economic interest.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:24 employs **Legal Casuistry**, a common legal formulation in the Old Testament, by using a "when...then..." (or protasis-apodosis) structure. This precise phrasing presents a specific hypothetical case ("When thou comest...") and its corresponding legal ruling ("then thou mayest eat... but thou shalt not put..."), providing clear and unambiguous guidance for a particular scenario in daily life. Furthermore, the verse makes powerful use of **Antithesis** or **Contrast**. It sharply juxtaposes the permitted action ("eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure") with the strictly forbidden action ("but thou shalt not put [any] in thy vessel"). This stark distinction effectively highlights the ethical boundary between satisfying a genuine, immediate need and exploiting a resource for personal gain or accumulation. The law, as a divine utterance, also functions as an act of **Divine Legislation**, showcasing God's meticulous care for the practical, ethical, and economic dimensions of His people's daily lives, demonstrating His wisdom in balancing competing interests within the community while fostering both compassion and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple agrarian law profoundly reflects God's character as both a compassionate Provider and a righteous Lawgiver who upholds justice and order. It is a testament to His concern for the poor and the traveler, ensuring that basic human needs can be met even when passing through another's property. This provision is not merely a social custom but a divinely ordained principle that fosters a spirit of generosity and communal welfare within Israel, preventing absolute private property rights from overriding fundamental human needs. It sets a precedent for ethical conduct, teaching individuals to be content with sufficiency and to respect the labor and ownership of others, thus building a society founded on fairness, mutual consideration, and the recognition that all resources ultimately belong to God.

* [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning for the Poor")
* [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws of Gleaning for the Poor, Sojourner, and Orphan")
* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus' Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 23:24, though rooted in an ancient agrarian context, offers timeless and profound principles for contemporary life. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of generosity, recognizing that our abundance, whether material or spiritual, is ultimately a gift from God and should be shared with those in genuine need. This does not necessarily mean an indiscriminate open-door policy to all our possessions, but rather fostering a spirit of open-handedness, compassion, and practical help, especially towards the vulnerable and those experiencing immediate lack. Conversely, the law also calls us to integrity, self-control, and profound respect for the property, labor, and boundaries of others. It cautions against taking advantage of kindness, opportunities, or resources for personal gain beyond what is legitimately offered or truly needed. This reminds us that true stewardship involves honoring the rights and efforts of others. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to discern wisely between genuine necessity and excessive desire, promoting contentment, responsible consumption, and ethical conduct in a world often driven by accumulation, entitlement, and greed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we apply the principle of compassionate provision from this verse in our modern, non-agrarian society, particularly towards those in immediate need?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to take advantage of others' resources, kindness, or generosity beyond what is genuinely needed or offered?**
* **How does this law challenge our understanding of private property rights in relation to communal responsibility and the needs of the marginalized?**
* **What does "eating until your fill" mean for us today in terms of cultivating contentment and resisting the pervasive pressures of consumerism and excessive accumulation?**

### FAQ
**Is this law an endorsement of theft or trespassing?**

Answer: No, this law is explicitly *not* an endorsement of theft or trespassing; rather, it is a very specific, limited provision for immediate consumption to satisfy hunger. The crucial distinction lies in the strict prohibition against putting any grapes into a "vessel" (a container for carrying away). This clearly differentiates satisfying a momentary, genuine need from taking for personal gain, storage, or resale, which would indeed constitute theft and a violation of property rights. It is a compassionate allowance, demonstrating God's care for the hungry, not a license to steal or exploit.

**Does this law apply to other types of crops or only grapes?**

Answer: The verse specifically mentions "grapes" and "vineyard." While the *spirit* of the law—God's concern for the hungry and the balance between provision and property rights—might extend to similar situations in principle, the letter of this particular law is precise to grapes in a vineyard. Other laws, such as those concerning gleaning in a grain field ([Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Plucking Grain")), address other types of crops with similar, yet distinct, provisions, indicating that specific regulations applied to different agricultural contexts.

**How does this law reflect God's character?**

Answer: This law beautifully reflects God's multifaceted character. It demonstrates His **compassion and provision** for the vulnerable and the traveler, ensuring that basic human needs are met even when they are not on their own land. It also showcases His **wisdom and justice** by simultaneously establishing clear boundaries that protect the property rights and livelihood of the landowner. This intricate balance reveals a God who is both gracious and orderly, deeply caring for His people's welfare while upholding ethical standards and fostering social harmony within the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:24 finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, primarily through Jesus' own life and teachings, which consistently upheld the spirit of the Law over rigid legalism. When His disciples plucked grain on the Sabbath ([Matthew 12:1-2](/matthew/12-1-2 "Matthew 12:1-2 - Jesus and the Sabbath")), Jesus defended their action by appealing to the principle of immediate human need, echoing the very spirit of this Deuteronomic law. He demonstrated that acts of mercy and provision for hunger supersede strict adherence to ritualistic interpretations, aligning with the compassionate intent behind such Old Testament statutes. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate **Provider**, the one who miraculously feeds the hungry multitudes ([John 6:1-14](/john/6-1-14 "John 6:1-14 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and offers Himself as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), from whom we can eat our fill and never hunger spiritually. He is also the "true vine" ([John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus the True Vine")), from whom believers draw all their spiritual sustenance, freely and abundantly, yet without hoarding or exploiting. The principle of self-sacrificial generosity, where Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake to enrich us ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")), perfectly embodies the divine generosity seen in this law, while His teachings on wise stewardship and avoiding greed ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Greed")) reinforce the necessary boundaries for ethical living in the Kingdom of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:26

For the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.