Old Testament
Leviticus 19:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"When you harvest your fields, don't cut all the way to the edges, and don't go back to pick up what you missed.
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 19:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 19:9, God instructs the Israelites on how to conduct their harvests. They are commanded not to harvest all the way to the edges of their fields and to leave any leftover crops for the poor and the foreigner. This practice of leaving the corners unharvested and not picking up what is missed is a way to ensure that those in need have access to food. It reflects God's concern for social justice and compassion for the marginalized. By allowing the poor to glean from the fields, the Israelites are reminded of their responsibility to care for others and to share their blessings. This commandment emphasizes the importance of generosity and community support, encouraging a culture of sharing rather than hoarding resources. It also serves as a reminder that God provides for everyone, and that the land's produce is a gift that should be shared with those who are less fortunate.
How to apply Leviticus 19:9 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this principle by being mindful of those in need around us. Whether it’s sharing food, resources, or time, we should look for ways to support others. Creating opportunities for generosity can foster a stronger community and reflect God's love.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 19:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 19:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 19:9 teach about harvesting crops?
Leviticus 19:9 instructs the Israelites not to harvest their fields completely, specifically leaving the corners unharvested and not picking up what is missed. This command is designed to ensure that the poor and foreigners have access to food, promoting social justice and compassion within the community.
How can we apply the message of Leviticus 19:9 today?
We can apply the message of Leviticus 19:9 by being intentional about sharing our resources with those in need. This could involve donating food, volunteering time, or supporting local charities. By fostering a culture of generosity, we can strengthen our communities and reflect the values of compassion and care for others.
Why is leaving crops for the poor important in Leviticus 19:9?
Leaving crops for the poor is important as it demonstrates God's concern for social justice and the well-being of marginalized individuals. It encourages the Israelites to remember their responsibility to care for others and to share their blessings, reinforcing the idea that everyone deserves access to basic needs like food.
How does Leviticus 19:9 relate to modern concepts of social justice?
Leviticus 19:9 relates to modern concepts of social justice by emphasizing the importance of caring for the vulnerable in society. It encourages practices that promote equity and support for those in need, aligning with contemporary efforts to address poverty and ensure that everyone has access to essential resources.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.