Deuteronomy 24:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִבְצֹר֙
When thou gatherest
H1219
תִבְצֹר֙
When thou gatherest
Strong's:
H1219
Word #:
2 of 10
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְעוֹלֵ֖ל
thou shalt not glean
H5953
תְעוֹלֵ֖ל
thou shalt not glean
Strong's:
H5953
Word #:
5 of 10
to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)
אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ
it afterward
H310
אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ
it afterward
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לַגֵּ֛ר
it shall be for the stranger
H1616
לַגֵּ֛ר
it shall be for the stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
Historical Context
Delivered circa 1406 BC as preparation for settled life in Canaan. Grape cultivation was central to Israelite agriculture—providing fresh fruit, raisins, and wine for daily consumption, celebration, and religious offerings. The vintage season (September-October) was joyous but labor-intensive. The law balanced landowners' legitimate profit with communal responsibility, reflecting God's ownership of the land: 'The land is Mine' (Leviticus 25:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does intentionally 'inefficient' obedience demonstrate trust that God's blessing exceeds human scheming?
- What would 'gleaning laws' look like in your business, budget, or time management?
- How does this law reveal that God's economic vision prioritizes people over profit maximization?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward—extending the gleaning principle from grain (24:19) and olives (24:20) to viticulture. The prohibition lo te'olel acharekha (לֹא תְעוֹלֵל אַחֲרֶיךָ) means 'you shall not glean after yourself.' Initial harvest took ripe grape clusters; remaining grapes were for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.
Vineyards represented significant investment—land clearing, vine planting, years waiting for productivity. Yet God commanded landowners to intentionally harvest inefficiently, leaving portions for the vulnerable. This required faith that God's blessing on nine-tenths exceeded human grasping for ten-tenths. The principle appears in Jesus's teaching: 'Give, and it will be given to you' (Luke 6:38).