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.
LEVITICUS 23:22KJVWhat does Leviticus 23:22 mean?
Leviticus 23:22 commands landowners in ancient Israel not to harvest the very edges of their fields or pick up leftover crops after reaping, but to leave these for the poor and for foreigners living among them. This law ties generosity and care for the vulnerable directly to the harvest, reminding the people that their land and produce ultimately belong to God.
In Leviticus 23, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about holy days and how to honor God with their work and resources. This verse interrupts the festival instructions to emphasize social responsibility, showing that worship includes practical care for others, especially those in need.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:22
- "corners" (פֵּאָה, pe'ah): This word means the edges or corners of a field. The instruction is not to harvest these areas, ensuring that some produce is always left for others.
- "gleaning" (לֶקֶט, leqet): This refers to the bits of grain or produce that fall to the ground during harvest. The law says not to gather these leftovers, but to leave them for the poor and the stranger.
- "poor" (עָנִי, 'ani): This word is used for those who are needy or afflicted, highlighting that the law is meant to provide for people who cannot provide for themselves.
- "stranger" (גֵּר, ger): This term refers to a foreigner or resident alien, someone not originally from Israel but living among them. The law includes them in the community’s care.
Why Leviticus 23:22 matters
- Leviticus 23:22 clarifies that worship of God in Israel was never just about rituals and festivals, but also about daily actions that showed kindness and justice.
- The verse interrupts a list of sacred times to stress that generosity to the poor and outsider is as much a part of honoring God as any religious observance.
- This law sets a pattern for practical compassion, making sure that the vulnerable always have a share in the community’s blessings, and reminding everyone that the land and its produce are gifts from God.