King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:19 in the King James Version says “When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetc... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 · KJV


Context

17

Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

18

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

19

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

20

When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. go: Heb. bough it after thee

21

When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. afterward: Heb. after thee


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gleaning rights: 'When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.' Forgotten sheaves belong to poor. Landowners can't retrieve overlooked produce—it's gleaners' provision. The beneficiaries (stranger, fatherless, widow) are vulnerable groups. The motivation: 'that the LORD thy God may bless thee'—generosity brings blessing. This institutionalizes charity through agricultural practice, creating dignified work (gleaning) rather than demeaning begging. The wealthy provide opportunity; poor provide labor. This balances generosity with dignity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Leviticus 19:9-10 and 23:22 give similar laws. Ruth's story exemplifies gleaning (Ruth 2)—Boaz generously allowed gleaning, and Ruth worked hard. This provided for Naomi and Ruth while maintaining dignity. The system prevented absolute poverty while avoiding dependency—work was still required. Modern equivalents might include job training programs, employment opportunities, and systems helping people work their way out of poverty rather than perpetual welfare. The goal: meeting needs while preserving dignity and work ethic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we provide for vulnerable in ways that maintain dignity rather than creating dependency?
  2. What modern systems balance generosity (providing opportunity) with responsibility (requiring work)?
  3. How does the promise of divine blessing motivate generosity toward those in need?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִקְצֹר֩2 of 21

When thou cuttest down

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

קְצִֽירְךָ֙3 of 21

thine harvest

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה4 of 21

in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְשָֽׁכַחְתָּ֧5 of 21

and hast forgot

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

עֹ֣מֶר6 of 21

a sheaf

H6016

properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure

בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה7 of 21

in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

לֹ֤א8 of 21
H3808

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

תָשׁוּב֙9 of 21

thou shalt not go again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְקַחְתּ֔וֹ10 of 21

to fetch

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לַגֵּ֛ר11 of 21

it it shall be for the stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

לַיָּת֥וֹם12 of 21

for the fatherless

H3490

a bereaved person

וְלָֽאַלְמָנָ֖ה13 of 21

and for the widow

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה14 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְמַ֤עַן15 of 21
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֙16 of 21

may bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֣ה17 of 21

that the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ18 of 21

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּכֹ֖ל19 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה20 of 21

thee in all the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדֶֽיךָ׃21 of 21

of thine hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v


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 24:19 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 24:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study