Deuteronomy 23:25

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

إِذَا دَخَلْتَ حَقْلَ قَمْحِ صَاحِبِكَ فَاقْطِفْ مِنْ سَنَابِلِهِ، وَلَكِنْ لاَ تَحْصُدْ مِنْهُ بِمِنْجَلِكَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy allows someone to pluck ears of grain by hand from a neighbor's field but forbids cutting the field with a sickle. It reflects a balance between compassion and respect for others' property. God, through Moses, is speaking to the Israelites to establish fair and just laws.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're walking by your friend's garden, and you're really hungry. You can pick a few strawberries by hand to eat, but you can't take a big basket and pick all their strawberries. It's okay to help yourself a little, but you have to be careful not to take too much.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Moses around 1200 BCE. The Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, and Moses was giving them laws to follow. This law reflects the agricultural society and the need for fair practices among neighbors.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse teaches us to be mindful of others' property and to take only what we need. For instance, if you're at a community garden, you can help yourself to a few vegetables but shouldn't harvest entire plants without permission.

Topics

• justice
• compassion
• property rights
• agriculture
• neighborly love
• fairness

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:15
• Proverbs 21:25
• Matthew 12:1-2
• Luke 6:1-2
• 1 Corinthians 9:9

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this verse only allow plucking by hand and not with a sickle?

This reflects a balance between allowing people to meet their immediate needs and preventing the exploitation of others' property. Using a sickle would be too destructive.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of justice in the Old Testament?

It shows God's concern for just practices in daily life, ensuring that while people can help themselves in need, they do so without harming others.

Can this verse be applied to situations beyond just agricultural settings?

Yes, the principle of respecting others' property and taking only what is necessary can be applied in various contexts, such as sharing communal resources.

What modern examples can illustrate the concept of this verse?

Community food banks or shared gardens where individuals can take what they need but are encouraged to leave enough for others.