King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:21 in the King James Version says “When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 24:21 · KJV

Context

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 gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward—extending the gleaning principle from grain (24:19) and olives (24:20) to viticulture. The prohibition lo te'olel acharekha (לֹא תְעוֹלֵל אַחֲרֶיךָ) means 'you shall not glean after yourself.' Initial harvest took ripe grape clusters; remaining grapes were for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.

Vineyards represented significant investment—land clearing, vine planting, years waiting for productivity. Yet God commanded landowners to intentionally harvest inefficiently, leaving portions for the vulnerable. This required faith that God's blessing on nine-tenths exceeded human grasping for ten-tenths. The principle appears in Jesus's teaching: 'Give, and it will be given to you' (Luke 6:38).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Delivered circa 1406 BC as preparation for settled life in Canaan. Grape cultivation was central to Israelite agriculture—providing fresh fruit, raisins, and wine for daily consumption, celebration, and religious offerings. The vintage season (September-October) was joyous but labor-intensive. The law balanced landowners' legitimate profit with communal responsibility, reflecting God's ownership of the land: 'The land is Mine' (Leviticus 25:23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does intentionally 'inefficient' obedience demonstrate trust that God's blessing exceeds human scheming?
  2. What would 'gleaning laws' look like in your business, budget, or time management?
  3. How does this law reveal that God's economic vision prioritizes people over profit maximization?

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

תִבְצֹר֙2 of 10

“When thou gatherest”

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

כַּרְמְךָ֔3 of 10

“the grapes of thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לֹ֥א4 of 10
H3808

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

תְעוֹלֵ֖ל5 of 10

“thou shalt not glean”

H5953

to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)

אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ6 of 10

“it afterward”

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 24:21 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 24:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:9-10Deuteronomy 24:19

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