King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:20 in the King James Version says “When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fathe...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 24:20 · KJV

Context

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

22

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Read Deuteronomy 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again—the Hebrew lo tefa'er acharekha (לֹא תְפַאֵר אַחֲרֶיךָ) means 'you shall not search/go through after yourself.' After the initial harvest by beating the branches with poles, remnant olives were to remain. It shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow—the three classes most economically vulnerable in ancient society, lacking land inheritance or male providers.

This continues the gleaning laws (also Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22) that institutionalized compassion into Israel's agricultural economy. Unlike charity depending on goodwill, these laws created legal rights for the poor to harvest leftovers. The practice allowed dignified provision through labor rather than begging, preserving both sustenance and self-respect. Ruth and Naomi survived by this system (Ruth 2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Given circa 1406 BC before Israel possessed the Promised Land's olive groves and vineyards. Olive oil was essential for food, lighting, anointing, and religious rituals—a staple of Mediterranean economy. The law presupposed private land ownership (impossible in Egypt, where Pharaoh owned everything), preparing Israel for an agrarian society structured on covenant justice rather than exploitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's design allow provision for the poor while preserving their dignity through work?
  2. What modern economic structures either help or hinder the poor's ability to provide for themselves?
  3. How can Christians create 'gleaning rights'—systemic opportunities rather than mere charity handouts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

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

תַחְבֹּט֙2 of 10

“When thou beatest”

H2251

to knock out or off

זֵֽיתְךָ֔3 of 10

“thine olive tree”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

לֹ֥א4 of 10
H3808

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

תְפָאֵ֖ר5 of 10

“thou shalt not go over the boughs”

H6286

to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree

אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ6 of 10

“again”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לַגֵּ֛ר7 of 10

“it shall be for the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

לַיָּת֥וֹם8 of 10

“for the fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

וְלָֽאַלְמָנָ֖ה9 of 10

“and for the widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

יִֽהְיֶֽה׃10 of 10
H1961

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

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 24:20 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 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:10

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