Deuteronomy 23:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou comest {H935} into the standing corn {H7054} of thy neighbour {H7453}, then thou mayest pluck {H6998} the ears {H4425} with thine hand {H3027}; but thou shalt not move {H5130} a sickle {H2770} unto thy neighbour's {H7453} standing corn {H7054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you enter your neighbor's field of growing grain, you may pluck ears with your hand; but you are not to put a sickle to your neighbor's grain.

Berean Standard Bible

When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not put a sickle to your neighbor’s grain.

American Standard Version

When thou comest into thy neighbor’s standing grain, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thy hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbor’s standing grain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:25 presents a compassionate and ethically balanced law within ancient Israel's agrarian society, permitting an individual passing through a neighbor's standing grain field to hand-pluck and eat enough ears to satisfy immediate hunger. This provision ensures basic sustenance for travelers or the needy without formal begging, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable. Crucially, the law simultaneously prohibits the use of a sickle or any harvesting tool, thereby rigorously upholding the property rights of the landowner and clearly distinguishing between an act of personal need and an act of theft or commercial harvesting. It beautifully exemplifies God's heart for both mercy towards the vulnerable and respect for private property, fostering a just and ethical community under His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23 is situated within a larger block of laws (chapters 12-26) that detail the specific statutes and ordinances governing Israel's life in the Promised Land, serving as a practical outworking of the covenant established at Sinai. This chapter, in particular, addresses a diverse array of social and cultic regulations, including rules for assembly, cleanliness, lending, vows, and the treatment of foreign workers. Verse 25 is immediately preceded by laws concerning the treatment of runaway slaves and the prohibition of certain cultic practices (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:15-18](/deuteronomy/23-15-18 "Deuteronomy 23:15-18 - Laws on Runaway Slaves and Cultic Purity")), and it is followed by regulations concerning vows (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Laws Concerning Vows")) and the use of vineyards (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:24](/deuteronomy/23-24 "Deuteronomy 23:24 - Law on Eating Grapes from a Vineyard")). It stands as a practical, compassionate provision within a broader legal framework designed to establish a just and merciful society, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The law demonstrates how the principles of justice and mercy are to be lived out in daily interactions, particularly concerning basic needs and property.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where land ownership and agricultural produce were central to economic stability and survival. Grain, such as barley and wheat (often referred to as "corn" in older translations, meaning any cereal grain), constituted a staple food. Fields of "standing corn" (grain ready for harvest) represented the primary livelihood and wealth of a family. In such a society, travel often necessitated passing through cultivated lands, and immediate hunger could be a pressing concern for travelers or the poor. This law, therefore, addresses a common scenario, providing a safety net for immediate hunger while simultaneously protecting the farmer's property. It reflects a communal ethic where the welfare of the individual, even a stranger, was considered within the framework of established property rights—a stark contrast to many surrounding cultures that might not have such provisions. This balance underscores the unique covenantal identity of Israel, called to be a light to the nations through its just and compassionate laws, as seen in other provisions like gleaning laws in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws for the Poor and Sojourner").
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 23:25 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Covenantal Compassion and Care for the Vulnerable**, a recurring motif where God commands His people to extend mercy and provision, especially to the poor, the sojourner, and the needy, mirroring His own gracious character (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Respect for Property Rights**, establishing clear boundaries for ownership and preventing theft or exploitation, which is foundational to a stable and just society (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:19](/deuteronomy/5-19 "Deuteronomy 5:19 - The Commandment Against Stealing")). Thirdly, the verse demonstrates the principle of **Ethical Boundaries and Responsible Consumption**, distinguishing between satisfying immediate, personal need and systematic, commercial harvesting. This distinction teaches discernment and integrity in interactions, emphasizing that while generosity is commanded, it does not negate the rights of the owner. These themes collectively paint a picture of a society striving to live out God's righteous standards in practical, everyday life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pluck (Hebrew, _qâṭaph'_):** From H6998, this verb signifies "to strip off" or "crop off." In this context, it specifically refers to the manual action of taking ears of grain by hand, emphasizing a limited, personal gathering for immediate consumption rather than a systematic harvest. This word choice underscores the compassionate intent of the law, allowing for the satisfaction of hunger without infringing upon the landowner's livelihood.
* **Sickle (Hebrew, _chermêsh'_):** From H2770, this noun denotes "a sickle (as cutting)." The explicit prohibition against "moving a sickle" into the field highlights the stark distinction between a small, personal act of gathering and a large-scale, commercial act of harvesting. The use of this specific tool signifies an intent to take a significant portion of the crop, which would constitute theft and undermine the property rights of the owner.
* **Standing Corn (Hebrew, _qâmâh'_):** From H7054, this term refers to "something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain" that is still upright in the field, ripe for harvest. It signifies the farmer's investment, labor, and anticipated yield. The permission to pluck from "standing corn" specifically addresses the situation where the grain is still the property of the farmer and has not yet been gathered, thus requiring a specific legal provision that balances immediate need with property rights.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour":** This clause sets the scene, describing a common scenario for travelers or those passing through agricultural lands. It establishes the context of entering another's private property, specifically a field of grain ready for harvest, which is central to the farmer's livelihood and represents a significant investment of time and resources. This opening phrase grounds the law in the practical realities of an agrarian society.
* **"then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand":** This is the permissive clause, granting the right to an individual to gather a small quantity of grain. The emphasis on "with thine hand" is crucial, limiting the action to what can be manually taken for immediate consumption, thereby preventing large-scale collection or damage to the field. It reflects a compassionate provision for immediate hunger, demonstrating God's concern for the basic needs of individuals within His covenant community.
* **"but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn":** This is the prohibitive clause, establishing a clear and unequivocal boundary. The explicit ban on using a "sickle" (or any harvesting tool) unequivocally distinguishes between satisfying personal hunger and engaging in an act of theft or commercial harvesting. This prohibition rigorously safeguards the property rights of the owner and prevents exploitation of the compassionate allowance, ensuring justice and order within the community by defining the limits of permissible action.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:25 employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, sharply delineating between a permissible action and a forbidden one. The phrase "pluck the ears with thine hand" is set in direct opposition to "shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn." This stark **Antithesis** highlights the ethical boundary: one action is a compassionate allowance for immediate personal need, while the other is a clear infringement on property rights, tantamount to theft. The specificity of the actions—manual plucking versus using a harvesting tool—serves as a **Metonymy**, where the tool represents the act of large-scale harvesting or stealing. This precise legal language, characteristic of Deuteronomic law, uses **Juxtaposition** to emphasize the fine line between grace and transgression, illustrating the careful balance God's law strikes between individual need and communal justice. The concise formulation ensures clarity and leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the limits of the allowance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This law in Deuteronomy 23:25 is a beautiful illustration of God's character, which is both just and merciful. It reflects the broader biblical principle of balancing individual rights with communal responsibility and compassion for the vulnerable. The allowance for plucking grain by hand aligns with other Old Testament provisions for the poor and the stranger, such as the laws of gleaning (leaving portions of the harvest for the needy) and the tithe, which included provisions for the Levite, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow. These laws collectively demonstrate God's concern for equitable distribution and the prevention of extreme poverty within His covenant community. They underscore the theological truth that all resources ultimately belong to God, and landowners are stewards, called to administer their possessions with generosity and justice, reflecting divine benevolence. The prohibition against the sickle reinforces the sanctity of private property and the importance of ethical boundaries, teaching that compassion does not negate justice, nor does need justify theft.

* [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning the Harvest")
* [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws for the Harvest and the Poor")
* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of "standing corn" may seem distant from modern life, the timeless principles embedded in Deuteronomy 23:25 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart of generosity and discernment, recognizing that true compassion extends beyond formal charity to practical, everyday acts of kindness. It encourages us to be mindful of the immediate needs of those around us, whether it's hunger, loneliness, or a lack of resources, and to consider how we can offer relief without enabling exploitation or disrespecting the efforts and property of others. The law also serves as a powerful reminder of ethical consumption and stewardship. It calls us to reflect on how we acquire and use resources, urging us to distinguish between genuine need and covetousness, and to respect the labor and property of others. Ultimately, this ancient statute invites us to live out the spirit of God's law—a law rooted in love, justice, and mercy—in all our interactions, fostering communities marked by both grace and integrity, reflecting the character of our benevolent God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of generosity and property rights in today's society?**
* **In what practical ways can I extend compassion to those with immediate needs, while also respecting the boundaries of others' resources or labor?**
* **How can I apply the principle of "plucking by hand" versus "using a sickle" to my own consumption habits and stewardship of resources?**

### FAQ
**Is this law still applicable today, given that most people don't encounter "standing corn"?**

Answer: While the literal context of "standing corn" is less common in modern, industrialized societies, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 23:25 are profoundly applicable. It teaches us about **compassionate provision** for immediate need, **respect for private property**, and the importance of **ethical boundaries**. In contemporary terms, it encourages us to find ways to alleviate basic human suffering (e.g., food insecurity, homelessness) while also upholding the rights of individuals and businesses. It calls for discernment, distinguishing between genuine need and exploitation, and fostering a society that balances generosity with justice, reflecting the heart of God's law.

**How does this law relate to the New Testament account of Jesus and His disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath?**

Answer: This Deuteronomic law provides the legal backdrop for the incident described in [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus and the Sabbath Grain"), [Mark 2:23-28](/mark/2-23-28 "Mark 2:23-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath"), and [Luke 6:1-5](/luke/6-1-5 "Luke 6:1-5 - The Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath"). The Pharisees did not criticize Jesus' disciples for plucking the grain itself, as Deuteronomy 23:25 explicitly permitted this act for immediate hunger. Their contention was that doing so on the Sabbath constituted "work," thereby violating their interpretation of Sabbath law. Jesus' defense, appealing to the spirit of the law and the example of David, highlighted that human need and God's compassionate intent often supersede rigid legalistic interpretations. This demonstrates that the Mosaic Law, including Deuteronomy 23:25, was given not as an oppressive burden but as a framework for life, mercy, and justice, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the [Lord of the Sabbath](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:25, with its delicate balance of compassion and justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This Old Testament law, which provides for the hungry while upholding property rights, foreshadows the boundless generosity and perfect righteousness embodied in Christ. Jesus Himself, as the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), fully satisfies the deepest hunger of humanity, not merely physical sustenance but spiritual nourishment (cf. [John 6:48-51](/john/6-48-51 "John 6:48-51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, demonstrating its true spirit of love and mercy (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His willingness to allow His disciples to pluck grain, defending their action against legalistic scrutiny, underscores His compassion for human need and His authority as [Lord of the Sabbath](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"). Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of divine provision, where He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), gave Himself completely to meet humanity's greatest need—redemption from sin—without infringing upon divine justice. In Him, both the compassionate provision for the needy and the upholding of God's righteous standards are perfectly reconciled, inviting believers to live lives of both radical generosity and unwavering integrity, empowered by His Spirit to be stewards of His abundant grace.

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

Mark 2:23

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

Matthew 12:1

¶ At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

Matthew 12:2

But when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

Luke 6:1

¶ And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing [them] in [their] hands.

Luke 6:2

And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?