King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:10 Mean?

Leviticus 19:10 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 19:10 · KJV

Context

8

Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

9

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10

And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.

11

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כַּרְמְךָ֖1 of 14

“of thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לֹ֣א2 of 14
H3808

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

תְעוֹלֵ֔ל3 of 14

“And 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)

וּפֶ֥רֶט4 of 14

“every grape”

H6528

a stray or single berry

כַּרְמְךָ֖5 of 14

“of thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לֹ֣א6 of 14
H3808

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

תְלַקֵּ֑ט7 of 14

“neither shalt thou gather”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

לֶֽעָנִ֤י8 of 14

“them for the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְלַגֵּר֙9 of 14

“and stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

תַּֽעֲזֹ֣ב10 of 14

“thou shalt leave”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֹתָ֔ם11 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲנִ֖י12 of 14
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה13 of 14

“I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃14 of 14

“your 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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:10 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 Leviticus 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 17:6Isaiah 24:13Leviticus 25:6Jeremiah 49:9Obadiah 1:5Micah 7:1

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