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Leviticus 19:9

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.

Leviticus 19:9 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Leviticus emphasizes the importance of generosity, compassion, and fairness towards those in need. The practice of leaving the corners of the field unharvested and allowing the poor and the stranger to come and glean from the leftover crops was a way for the Israelites to show kindness and provide for the less fortunate in their community. It served as a reminder to not be consumed by greed or selfishness but to share the blessings of the land with those who were in need. By obeying this commandment, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to social justice and caring for the marginalized in society. This practice also highlighted the concept of stewardship, reminding the people that the land and its resources ultimately belonged to God, and it was their responsibility to manage them in a way that reflected His values and care for all of His creation.

Theological Overview

The verse from Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs the Israelites to leave the corners of their fields unharvested and not gather the gleanings during the harvest. This commandment was meant to teach the people of Israel to be generous and compassionate towards the less fortunate in their community. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable, as the gleanings were left for them to gather for their own sustenance. Additionally, this practice served as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of sharing His blessings with others. Through this act of leaving the corners of the fields unharvested, the Israelites were also demonstrating their trust in God's provision and acknowledging that the land ultimately belonged to Him.

Leviticus 19:9 in other translations

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.

World English Bible

“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest.

Douay-Rheims

When thou reapest the corn of thy land, thou shalt not cut down all that is on the face of the earth to the very ground: nor shalt thou gather the ears that remain.

Geneva Bible (1599)

When yee reape the haruest of your land, ye shall not reape euery corner of your field, neither shalt thou gather the glainings of thy haruest.