King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:11 Mean?

Exodus 23:11 in the King James Version says “But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. oliveyard: or, olive trees”

Exodus 23:11 · KJV

Context

9

Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. heart: Heb. soul

10

And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

11

But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. oliveyard: or, olive trees

12

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

13

And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Read Exodus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.

The seventh year 'rest and lie still' (תִּשְׁמְטֶנָּה וּנְטַשְׁתָּהּ, tishmettennah untashtah)—release and abandon it. Why? 'That the poor may eat' (וְאָכְלוּ אֶבְיֹנֵי עַמֶּךָ, ve'akhelu evyonei ammekha)—whatever grows wild is public property. This provides for poor, demonstrates trust in God, and gives land rest. The command extends to vineyards and olive groves. Leviticus 25:5-7 clarifies all can eat from the voluntary growth. This is built-in wealth redistribution without socialism—land ownership continues but poor access God's provision. Jesus feeds multitudes and says 'I am the bread of life'—He is the ultimate Sabbath provision.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sabbath Year's volunteer crop provision for the poor was unique in the ancient world. It required landowners to sacrifice seventh-year income, trusting God for sufficient provision in years 6 and 8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sabbath Year's provision for the poor demonstrate God's heart for economic justice?
  2. What would observing a Sabbath Year teach about trust in God's provision versus self-reliance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהַשְּׁבִיעִ֞ת1 of 14

“But the seventh”

H7637

seventh

תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה2 of 14

“year thou shalt let it rest”

H8058

to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit

וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ3 of 14

“and lie”

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

תֹּאכַ֖ל4 of 14

“may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶבְיֹנֵ֣י5 of 14

“still that the poor”

H34

destitute

עַמֶּ֔ךָ6 of 14

“of thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְיִתְרָ֕ם7 of 14

“and what they leave”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

תֹּאכַ֖ל8 of 14

“may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חַיַּ֣ת9 of 14

“the beasts”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה10 of 14

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

כֵּֽן11 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה12 of 14

“In like manner thou shalt deal”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְכַרְמְךָ֖13 of 14

“with thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לְזֵיתֶֽךָ׃14 of 14

“and with thy oliveyard”

H2132

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 23:11 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 Exodus 23:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:11-12Leviticus 26:34-35Leviticus 25:2-7Leviticus 25:20Leviticus 25:22

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