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.
Leviticus 23:22 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Leviticus 23:22 emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity towards those in need. By instructing farmers to leave the corners of their fields unharvested and not to gather leftover crops, the verse highlights the duty to provide for the poor and strangers in society. This practice, known as gleaning, was a common way for the less fortunate to access food and resources. It was a way for the community to ensure that no one went hungry and that all members were taken care of. The verse serves as a reminder that as followers of God, it is crucial to show kindness and empathy towards those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. It teaches us the importance of sharing our blessings with others and treating them with dignity and respect. Ultimately, this verse reinforces the idea that caring for the vulnerable is a fundamental aspect of living a righteous and moral life.
Theological Overview
This verse from Leviticus 23:22 emphasizes the importance of generosity and care for the marginalized in society. The directive to leave the corners of the field and the gleanings for the poor and the stranger reflects God's concern for those in need. It is a reminder to the people of Israel to share their blessings with others and not to be greedy or self-centered. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the overarching themes of compassion, social justice, and community responsibility found throughout the Bible. By obeying this commandment, the Israelites demonstrate their obedience to God and their commitment to caring for those less fortunate. This verse also serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate provider and that all blessings come from Him. In following this directive, the Israelites acknowledge God's sovereignty over their lives and their possessions, recognizing that everything belongs to Him.
Leviticus 23:22 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: thou shalt leave them for the poor, and for the sojourner: I am Jehovah your God.
World English Bible
“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap into the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest: you shall leave them for the poor, and for the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.’”
Douay-Rheims
And when you reap the corn of your land, you shall not cut it to the very ground: neither shall you gather the ears that remain. But you shall leave them for the poor and for the strangers. I am the Lord your God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when you reape the haruest of your land, thou shalt not rid cleane the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou make any aftergathering of thy haruest, but shalt leaue them vnto the poore and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God.