Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.

DEUTERONOMY 22:9KJV
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Deuteronomy 22:9 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:9 mean?

Deuteronomy 22:9 tells the Israelites not to plant different kinds of seeds together in their vineyards, warning that doing so would cause both the crop and the vineyard’s produce to become “defiled” or unacceptable. The verse sets a boundary for agricultural practices, linking the purity of the harvest to the way it is planted.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, giving them laws meant to set them apart from other nations. This command is part of a larger section on everyday life and purity, emphasizing distinctness and order in how the Israelites live and work. The idea is not just about farming, but about keeping things unmixed, reflecting a broader theme of holiness in their community.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:9

  • "sow" (זָרַע, zara‘): This word means to scatter seed for planting. The command is not just about what grows, but about the act of intentionally mixing seeds at the start.
  • "seeds" (כִּלְאַיִם, kil'ayim): This word refers to mixtures, especially of different kinds. The focus is on combining things that are meant to stay separate, which is a recurring idea in the law.
  • "defiled" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): While often translated as “defiled” here, this word usually means “to make holy” or “set apart.” In this context, it carries the sense of something being made unfit for ordinary use, possibly because it has become mixed or confused.

Why Deuteronomy 22:9 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the concern is not just about farming efficiency, but about keeping boundaries and distinctions, which was a key part of Israel’s identity.
  • The use of the word often translated as “defiled” actually points to something being set apart or made unsuitable, showing that the law is about more than ritual purity—it’s about preserving order and meaning.
  • Deuteronomy 22:9 fits into a larger pattern of laws in this chapter that deal with mixing things (like fabrics or animals), highlighting a theme of separation and holiness in daily life.