Leviticus 19:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when ye reap {H7114} the harvest {H7105} of your land {H776}, thou shalt not wholly reap {H3615} the corners {H6285} of thy field {H7704}, neither shalt thou gather {H3950} the gleanings {H3951} of thy harvest {H7105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'When you harvest the ripe crops produced in your land, don't harvest all the way to corners of your field, and don't gather the ears of grain left by the harvesters.

Berean Standard Bible

When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.

American Standard Version

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleaning of thy harvest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:9, nestled within the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), is a foundational command outlining God's expectation for ethical and compassionate agricultural practices in ancient Israel. It mandates that landowners, during harvest, are not to completely reap the edges of their fields nor gather the fallen gleanings. This seemingly simple agricultural regulation serves as a profound theological statement, demonstrating how true holiness, rooted in God's own character, extends beyond ritual purity to encompass practical social justice, generosity, and intentional care for the vulnerable members of society, ensuring that the poor and the sojourner have access to sustenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:9 is situated within the heart of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a significant section primarily concerned with defining what it means for Israel to be a holy people, set apart for the Lord. The chapter begins with the overarching divine imperative, "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). This foundational principle then unpacks into a series of diverse commands that touch upon nearly every aspect of daily life—from ritual purity and Sabbath observance to ethical business practices, sexual morality, and social responsibility. Verse 9, specifically, is part of a cluster of laws (Leviticus 19:9-18) that emphasize justice, compassion, and neighborly love, illustrating that holiness is not merely an internal spiritual state or a set of cultic rituals, but a holistic way of life expressed through righteous actions and a deep concern for the well-being of others, particularly the marginalized within the community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society, where the annual harvest was not merely an economic activity but the very bedrock of survival and prosperity for the entire community. In such a context, the vulnerability of those without land or means—the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow—was acutely pronounced. Without a formal, centralized welfare system as we know it today, God's law provided a divinely ordained social safety net. The command in Leviticus 19:9 ensured that even the most destitute members of the community would have a legitimate, dignified means to obtain food, thereby preventing absolute starvation and fostering a sense of communal responsibility. This principle was so vital that it is reiterated and expanded upon in other parts of the Law, such as in [Leviticus 23:22](/leviticus/23-22 "Leviticus 23:22 - The Law of Gleaning Repeated") and the more detailed regulations found in [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Further Harvest Regulations"), underscoring its central importance in the Mosaic covenant as a reflection of God's own compassionate character.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 19:9 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the Holiness Code and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is **holiness**, demonstrating that being "set apart" for God involves practical righteousness and social justice, not just ritual purity. It exemplifies **divine compassion and provision**, revealing God's heart for the marginalized and His desire that His people reflect His care for the vulnerable. The command also highlights the theme of **stewardship**, reminding landowners that their resources are a trust from God, to be managed in a way that benefits the entire community, challenging the notion of absolute private ownership. Furthermore, it underscores **communal responsibility**, fostering a society where the well-being of each member is a concern for all, echoing principles of neighborly love found elsewhere in the Law, such as [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wholly Reap (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, a primitive root meaning "to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete, prepare, consume)." In this context, "wholly reap" signifies a prohibition against harvesting every last bit of the crop, to "consume entirely" the field's yield for personal gain. It mandates a deliberate act of restraint, ensuring that the harvest is not exhaustively gathered for the owner's sole benefit, but intentionally left unfinished in certain areas.
* **Corners (Hebrew, _pêʼâh'_):** From H6285, feminine of פֹּה, meaning "mouth in a figurative sense, i.e. direction, region, extremity." In the context of a field, it refers to the perimeter, outer boundary, or edge. The command not to "wholly reap" the _pêʼâh_ signifies a deliberate and intentional act of leaving a substantial portion of the field's edges untouched by the reapers. This was a proactive provision, ensuring that a designated area was reserved for those who would come to glean, rather than merely relying on accidental drops.
* **Gleanings (Hebrew, _leqeṭ'_):** From H3951, derived from לָקַט (lâqaṭ), meaning "the gleaning." This word refers to the stalks of grain or ears of corn that fall to the ground during the harvesting process, or those that are simply left behind by the reapers. The prohibition against gathering the _leqeṭ_ means that landowners were forbidden from collecting every last bit of their harvest. This allowed the poor to follow behind the reapers, gathering what remained. Unlike the _pêʼâh_, which was intentionally left standing, the _leqeṭ_ was what was dropped or missed, emphasizing that even the seemingly insignificant remnants were to be made available for the needy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye reap the harvest of your land":** This opening clause establishes the specific setting and the primary actors: the landowners in Israel during a time of agricultural abundance. It highlights the context of prosperity and the responsibility that comes with it, indicating that the command is not for a time of scarcity, but when God has blessed their efforts with a plentiful yield, thereby creating an opportunity for generosity.
* **"thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field":** This is the first specific prohibition, targeting the practice of maximizing one's personal gain by harvesting every square inch. The Hebrew verb implies a complete, exhaustive gathering. Thus, the command is to intentionally leave a portion of the crop at the edges of the field, ensuring that the harvest is not entirely gathered for the owner's sole benefit, but deliberately left for others.
* **"neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest":** This second prohibition reinforces the first, focusing on what is left behind or dropped during the harvesting process. It forbids the landowner or their servants from going back through the field to collect every last stalk or fallen ear. This ensures that the poor, who would follow the reapers, would find enough to sustain themselves, transforming potential waste into a vital provision for the vulnerable.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. It functions as a clear example of **Case Law**, providing a specific, practical application of the broader ethical principles of justice and compassion found throughout the Holiness Code. The "corners" (_pêʼâh_) and "gleanings" (_leqeṭ_) serve as **Metonymy**, where these specific agricultural remnants stand in for the broader concept of provision for the poor and vulnerable. The act of leaving these portions is rich in **Symbolism**, representing God's own generosity and Israel's call to reflect His character by sharing their abundance. Furthermore, the command itself is an **Imperative**, a direct divine order, underscoring its non-negotiable nature and the seriousness with which God views this aspect of social justice. The most famous **Narrative Illustration** of this law in practice is found in the [Book of Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth"), where Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz, demonstrating the law's practical impact on the lives of the marginalized and the blessing that flows from obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:9 is far more than an ancient agricultural regulation; it is a profound theological statement on God's character and His expectations for His people. It reveals a God who is deeply concerned with justice, equity, and the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. This command teaches that true holiness (being set apart for God) is inextricably linked to ethical conduct and compassionate action towards one's neighbor. It challenges the notion of absolute private ownership, reminding landowners that their wealth and resources are ultimately a stewardship from God, to be managed in a way that honors Him and benefits the entire community. The act of leaving portions for the poor transforms the harvest from a mere economic endeavor into an act of worship and obedience, embodying God's own generous and merciful nature and demonstrating that true prosperity is found not in accumulation, but in sharing.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Hand to the Needy")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth Gleaning in Boaz's Field")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific agrarian context of Leviticus 19:9 may seem distant from modern life, the timeless principles it embodies remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart of intentional generosity, recognizing that all we possess—whether financial resources, time, talents, or influence—is a gift from God, entrusted to us for His glory and the good of others. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate needs and desires, actively seeking opportunities to share our abundance with those who are less fortunate. This isn't about giving from our excess, but about purposefully leaving "corners" in our lives, creating space and provision for the vulnerable. It compels us to advocate for and support systems that promote social justice and care for the marginalized, reflecting God's compassion in our communities and demonstrating a faith that is active in love. Ultimately, Leviticus 19:9 reminds us that our faith is not confined to religious rituals or personal piety, but must manifest in tangible acts of love and justice that demonstrate God's character to a watching world, transforming our prosperity into a blessing for all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Leviticus 19:9 challenge my understanding of wealth and stewardship in a modern context, prompting me to consider how my resources can serve God's purposes?**
* **In what practical ways can I "leave the corners of my field" or "not gather the gleanings" in my current sphere of influence, whether personal, professional, or communal, creating space for the marginalized?**
* **How does this command deepen my appreciation for God's character and His unwavering concern for justice, compassion, and the well-being of all people?**

### FAQ
**Question?**
Is this law still relevant for Christians today, given that we don't live in an agrarian society under the Mosaic Law?

Answer: While the specific form of the law in Leviticus 19:9 is tied to the agrarian context of ancient Israel under the Mosaic covenant, the enduring principles behind it are profoundly relevant for Christians today. The New Testament affirms the spirit of these laws, emphasizing compassion, generosity, and care for the poor and vulnerable. Jesus himself taught extensively on these themes, and the early church practiced radical sharing and mutual support ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - All Things in Common")). Paul encourages cheerful giving ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giver")), and James strongly condemns a faith that does not manifest in practical care for those in need ([James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works is Dead")). Therefore, while we are not bound to literally leave corners of a field, we are called to embody the same spirit of intentional generosity, social justice, and responsible stewardship in our contemporary contexts, finding modern equivalents for "corners" and "gleanings."

**Question?**
What does "wholly reap" mean, and why is it significant?

Answer: The phrase "wholly reap" translates the Hebrew verb _kalah_ (כָּלָה, H3615), which means "to complete," "to finish," or "to consume entirely." In this context, it signifies a prohibition against harvesting every last bit of the crop for personal gain. It's not just about accidental oversight but about a deliberate, ethical restraint. The significance lies in its counter-cultural nature: in a world where maximizing profit was (and still is) often the primary goal, this command mandated a purposeful act of leaving a portion for others. It demonstrated that God's people were to operate by a different economy, one rooted in generosity and trust in His provision, rather than self-serving accumulation. This intentional act of restraint underscored the landowner's role as a steward, not an absolute owner, and highlighted God's priority for the well-being of all, especially the most vulnerable, transforming economic activity into an act of worship and justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:9, with its command to leave portions of the harvest for the poor, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the divine embodiment of the generosity and compassion that this law foreshadowed. While the Old Testament law mandated leaving "corners" and "gleanings" from an earthly harvest, Christ did not merely leave a portion; He gave His entire life, becoming poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His ministry was characterized by an overflowing provision for the spiritually and physically destitute, feeding the hungry multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), healing the sick, and extending grace to the marginalized. He is the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering Himself as the ultimate spiritual sustenance, freely available to all who are spiritually "poor" and "needy" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ ensures that no one who comes to Him is left spiritually destitute, gathering the "gleanings" of humanity—the outcasts, the broken, and the lost—into His kingdom, providing an eternal harvest of grace and salvation that far surpasses any earthly provision and perfectly fulfills the spirit of the law.

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

Leviticus 23:22

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the 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.

Deuteronomy 24:22

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Ruth 2:2

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after [him] in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

Ruth 2:15

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

Leviticus 23:10

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:

Leviticus 23:29

For whatsoever soul [it be] that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.