Old Testament
Leviticus 23:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When you harvest your land, don't cut all the way to the edges of your field, and don't go back to pick up what you missed. Leave that for the poor and for foreigners. I am the LORD your God."
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And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.
What Leviticus 23:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 23:22, God instructs the Israelites on how to conduct their harvest. They are commanded not to harvest all the way to the edges of their fields or to pick up any leftover crops. This practice is meant to provide for the poor and the foreigners living among them. By leaving some of the harvest behind, the Israelites demonstrate compassion and generosity, ensuring that those in need have access to food. This command reflects God's concern for social justice and the well-being of the vulnerable in society. It emphasizes the importance of sharing resources and caring for others, reminding the Israelites that their blessings should also benefit those less fortunate. The verse concludes with a reminder of God's authority, as He identifies Himself as the LORD, reinforcing the significance of following His commands.
How to apply Leviticus 23:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of those in need in our communities. We can practice generosity by sharing our resources, whether it’s food, time, or support. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and care for the less fortunate.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 23:22
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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 23:22 mean?
Leviticus 23:22 instructs the Israelites to leave the edges of their fields unharvested and not to collect leftover crops. This command is meant to provide for the poor and foreigners, highlighting the importance of generosity and social justice.
What is the significance of leaving crops for the poor in Leviticus 23:22?
Leaving crops for the poor in Leviticus 23:22 signifies compassion and responsibility towards those in need. It reflects God's desire for His people to care for the vulnerable in society.
What does the phrase 'I am the LORD your God' mean in Leviticus 23:22?
The phrase 'I am the LORD your God' in Leviticus 23:22 emphasizes God's authority and the importance of obeying His commands. It serves as a reminder that these instructions come from God, reinforcing their significance.
How can we apply Leviticus 23:22 today?
We can apply Leviticus 23:22 today by being mindful of those in need in our communities. This can involve sharing our resources, such as food or time, to support the less fortunate.
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