King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:9 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. fruit of thy seed: Heb. fulness of the seed”

Deuteronomy 22:9 · KJV

Context

7

But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.

8

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

9

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. fruit of thy seed: Heb. fulness of the seed

10

Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.

11

Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds—The Hebrew kil'ayim (divers kinds/mixed seeds) refers to forbidden mixture, violating created order. Lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled—Qadash (defiled/consecrated) here means 'become holy' in the technical sense of being set apart to the sanctuary, forfeited to God's exclusive use, unavailable for personal consumption.

This law symbolizes covenant separation—Israel must not mix with pagan nations or practices (Exodus 34:12-16). The principle extends beyond agriculture to every area of life: maintain distinctive holiness, avoid syncretism, preserve boundaries God established. Paul applies this in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 ('unequally yoked') regarding spiritual compromise. The law taught Israel to see all of life through the lens of God's created order and covenant distinctiveness—even farming bore theological meaning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law was given to agricultural Israel entering Canaan (circa 1406 BC). Mixed planting was common in pagan agriculture, often connected to fertility cult rituals attempting to manipulate nature through magical mixture. Israel's distinctiveness extended even to farming practices, constantly reminding them of covenantal separation. Violation resulted in economic loss (forfeiture to sanctuary) and taught that compromising God's order brings consequences. These laws cultivated a mindset of holiness in every sphere—nothing was 'secular,' all of life was lived before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's creation boundaries and order principles apply to contemporary issues of mixing what God has separated (e.g., truth and error, righteousness and lawlessness)?
  2. What does this law teach about the importance of maintaining distinctiveness rather than conforming to surrounding cultural practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִּזְרָ֔ע2 of 12

“Thou shalt not sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

הַכָּֽרֶם׃3 of 12

“of thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

כִּלְאָ֑יִם4 of 12

“with divers seeds”

H3610

two heterogeneities

פֶּן5 of 12
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּקְדַּ֗שׁ6 of 12

“be defiled”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

הַֽמְלֵאָ֤ה7 of 12

“lest the fruit”

H4395

something fulfilled, i.e., abundance (of produce)

הַזֶּ֙רַע֙8 of 12

“of thy seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּזְרָ֔ע10 of 12

“Thou shalt not sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וּתְבוּאַ֖ת11 of 12

“and the fruit”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

הַכָּֽרֶם׃12 of 12

“of thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 22:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:192 Corinthians 11:3Matthew 9:16Matthew 6:24James 1:6-8James 3:10

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 22 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes