Definition: When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean [it] afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 24:21. It’s a really important passage about fairness and responsibility in a community. Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse says: “Don’t take anything from the harvest – the grapes of your vineyard – after you’ve gathered them.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard…” : This refers to the farmer who grows grapes. It's about harvesting the grapes – collecting the fruit from their vines. “…thou shalt not glean [it] afterward:” This is the key part. "Glean" means to pick, harvest, or take something. So, it’s saying you shouldn’t continue to collect the grapes after you've finished harvesting them. “it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.” : This is where the idea of fairness comes in. It means that if someone is struggling – perhaps they are a traveler, a child without a parent, or someone facing hardship – it’s right to let them have what they need from the harvest. It's about being kind and generous to those who are less fortunate. What’s the point of this? This verse is meant to remind us of our responsibility as part of a community. It’s about: Fairness: Everyone deserves a chance, and we shouldn’t take more than what we need. Compassion: Showing kindness and concern for those who are struggling. Trust: It encourages us to be trustworthy in our dealings with others – not to exploit their resources. In short, it's a call to practice generosity and respect towards those who are less fortunate. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail or perhaps connect it to a specific story or example? For instance, would you like to know: Why this verse is important in the Old Testament? How it relates to the concept of “the law” as described in the Bible?