Deuteronomy 23:25
Deuteronomy 23:25 in Multiple Translations
When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not put a sickle to your neighbor’s grain.
When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.
When thou comest into thy neighbor’s standing grain, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thy hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbor’s standing grain.
When you go into your neighbour's field, you may take the heads of grain with your hand; but you may not put your blade to his grain.
When you walk through your neighbor's grainfield, you may pick the ears of grain with your hand, but you must not use a sickle to harvest it.
When thou commest into thy neighbours corne thou mayest plucke the eares with thine hand, but thou shalt not moue a sickle to thy neighbours corne.
When thou comest in among the standing-corn of thy neighbour, then thou hast plucked the ears with thy hand, but a sickle thou dost not wave over the standing-corn of thy neighbour.
When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, then you may pluck the ears with your hand; but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain.
When thou comest into the standing-corn of thy neighbor, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thy hand: but thou shalt not move a sickle to thy neighbor's standing-corn.
If thou go into thy friend’s corn, thou mayst break the ears, and rub them in thy hand: but not reap them with a sickle.
When you walk along a path in someone else’s field of grain, you are allowed to pluck/pick some of the grain and eat it, but you must not cut any grain with a sickle and take it with you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 23:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
תָבֹא֙
בְּ/כֶ֣רֶם
רֵעֶ֔/ךָ
וְ/אָכַלְתָּ֧
עֲנָבִ֛ים
כְּ/נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖
שָׂבְעֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אֶֽל
כֶּלְיְ/ךָ֖
לֹ֥א
תִתֵּֽן
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תָבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/כֶ֣רֶם
kerem
H3754
vineyard
Prep | N-cs
רֵעֶ֔/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אָכַלְתָּ֧
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
עֲנָבִ֛ים
ʻênâb
H6025
grape
N-mp
כְּ/נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
שָׂבְעֶ֑/ךָ
sôbaʻ
H7648
satiety
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
כֶּלְיְ/ךָ֖
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:25
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תָבֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בְּ/כֶ֣רֶם
kerem
H3754
"vineyard"
Prep | N-cs
A vineyard, or kerem, was a garden or plot of land used for growing vines and other crops. In the Bible, vineyards were often used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the book of Isaiah and the parables of Jesus.
Definition: vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also H1021 (בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם). See also: Genesis 9:20; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 107:37.
רֵעֶ֔/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/אָכַלְתָּ֧
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
עֲנָבִ֛ים
ʻênâb
H6025
"grape"
N-mp
Enab refers to a grape or grapes in the Bible, and is also related to wine. It is a common term in the Old Testament.
Definition: grape(s)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (ripe) grape, wine. See also: Genesis 40:10; Deuteronomy 32:14; Isaiah 5:2.
כְּ/נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֖
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
שָׂבְעֶ֑/ךָ
sôbaʻ
H7648
"satiety"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means satisfaction or being full, like having enough food or feeling joyful. It appears in the Bible when talking about being content. In the KJV, it is translated as fill or fullness.
Definition: 1) satiety, abundance, fulness 1a) satiety 1b) abundance
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fill, full(-ness), satisfying, be satisfied. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ruth 2:18; Psalms 16:11.
וְ/אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כֶּלְיְ/ךָ֖
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Miscellaneous Laws
23Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
24When you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, but you must not put any in your basket.
25When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not put a sickle to your neighbor’s grain.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 12:1–2 | At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” |
| 2 | Mark 2:23 | One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along. |
| 3 | Luke 6:1–2 | One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” |
Deuteronomy 23:25 Summary
Deuteronomy 23:25 teaches us that when we are in someone else's field, we can take a little food for ourselves, but we must not take too much or use tools to harvest their crop. This is about respecting others' property and being content with what we have, as seen in Exodus 20:17. It's like the difference between picking a few grapes to eat and filling a whole basket to take home, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:24. By being mindful of this principle, we can show love and care for our neighbors, just as God shows love and care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Deuteronomy 23:25?
The main idea of Deuteronomy 23:25 is that when you are in someone else's field, you are allowed to take a little food for yourself, but you must not take more than you need or use tools to harvest their crop, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:24 where the same principle applies to vineyards.
Is this verse still relevant today?
While the specific context of Deuteronomy 23:25 may not be directly applicable to modern life, the principle of respecting others' property and being content with what you have is still relevant, as taught in Exodus 20:17 and Luke 12:15.
What is the difference between plucking grain with your hand and using a sickle?
Plucking grain with your hand implies taking a small amount for personal consumption, whereas using a sickle implies harvesting a large quantity, likely for storage or sale, which is what Deuteronomy 23:25 prohibits, highlighting the importance of not exploiting others' resources.
How does this verse relate to the concept of gleaning?
Deuteronomy 23:25 is related to the concept of gleaning, where the poor and foreigners were allowed to gather leftover crops from fields, as described in Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19, demonstrating God's care for the vulnerable and the importance of generosity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of respecting others' property in my daily life?
- How can I balance my own needs with the need to be generous and not exploit others' resources?
- What are some modern-day examples of 'plucking grain with my hand' versus 'using a sickle', and how can I discern the difference?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's care for the vulnerable, as seen in the concept of gleaning, in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:25
When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour,.... Passest through it to go to some other place, the road lying through it, as it often does through standing corn; so Christ and his
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:25
Deuteronomy 23:25 When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’ s standing corn.Ver. 25. But thou shalt not move a sickle.] Here God reserveth the right and property of the owner, which no man might invade or infringe.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:25
Verse 25. Thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand] It was on the permission granted by this law that the disciples plucked the ears of corn, as related Matthew 12:1. This was both a considerate and humane law, and is no dishonour to the Jewish code.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Rainbow in the Clouds (31 Day Devotional) by John MacDuff | John MacDuff preaches about the unchanging and everlasting love of God, assuring believers that all trials and tribulations are part of God's eternal plan of love and redemption. H |
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How to Read the Bible by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of mothers in the Beleric Isles who would hang their boys' dinners out of reach to teach them how to be good slingers. He compares thi |
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Three Marks of New Convenant Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not turning back and instead, pressing forward to win the battle and conquer new territories. He encourages the audience to |
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The Bible by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of mothers in the Beleric Isles who would hang their boys' dinners out of reach to teach them how to be good slingers. He compares thi |
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The Sabbath & Sabbatarianism by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Christian liberty in relation to the Fourth Commandment. He explains that the reformers believed that apart from attending wor |
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God's Compassion and Ours by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of forgiveness, using the story of the prodigal son from Matthew chapter 18. The father in the story exemplifies compassion and fo |
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(Through the Bible) Matthew 12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jonah and how God made him willing to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. He uses the analogy of a stubborn child who finall |