Deuteronomy 23:26 - Hungry? Take only by hand.

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

כִּי תָבֹא בְּקָמַת רֵעֶךָ וְקָטַפְתָּ מְלִילֹת בְּיָדֶךָ וְחֶרְמֵשׁ לֹא תָנִיף עַל קָמַת רֵעֶךָ׃

English Translation

When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayst pluck the ears with thy hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle to thy neighbour’s standing corn.

Transliteration

Ki tavo bekamat re'ekha vekatafta melilot beyadekha vecheremesh lo tanif al kamat re'ekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י תָבֹא֙ בְּקָמַ֣ת רֵעֶ֔ךָ וְקָטַפְתָּ֥ מְלִילֹ֖ת בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ וְחֶרְמֵשׁ֙ לֹ֣א תָנִ֔יף עַ֖ל קָמַ֥ת רֵעֶֽךָ׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 23:26 and addresses the laws of leket (gleaning) and the ethical treatment of a neighbor's property. It is part of a broader discussion on agricultural laws and interpersonal conduct.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains that the verse permits a passerby to pluck ears of grain by hand from a neighbor's standing crop to satisfy immediate hunger, but forbids using a sickle to harvest large quantities. This distinction ensures that the act remains one of necessity rather than exploitation.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah Va'Avedah 1:10) derives from this verse that while one may take small amounts for personal consumption, systematic harvesting is prohibited as theft. The Mishneh Torah further clarifies that this leniency applies only when the owner is present and implicitly consents.

Ethical and Moral Lessons (Derash)

The Sifrei (Devarim 258) emphasizes the balance between human need and property rights: the Torah permits minimal taking to alleviate hunger but sets boundaries to prevent abuse. This reflects the principle of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (avoiding unnecessary harm), extended here to a neighbor's livelihood.

Hand vs. Sickle: The Kli Yakar notes that using hands symbolizes modest need, while a sickle represents greed.
Neighborly Relations: Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 569) links this law to fostering trust and kindness within the community.

Agricultural Laws Connection

The verse aligns with other matnot aniyim (gifts to the poor), such as pe'ah (leaving corners of the field unharvested). Chizkuni suggests this permissibility is a precursor to those obligations, teaching that sustenance must be accessible to all.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 92a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding gleaning and the rights of the poor to take from the fields of others, emphasizing the ethical treatment of neighbors and their property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:26 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 23:26 teaches the law of 'pe'ah' (the corner of the field) and 'leket' (gleanings). It permits a passerby to pluck ears of grain by hand from a neighbor's field to satisfy immediate hunger, but forbids using a sickle to harvest large amounts, ensuring the poor and needy also have access to the harvest (Rashi, Chullin 131a).

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's emphasis on kindness and social responsibility. It balances private property rights with compassion for others, teaching that while landowners have rights, we must also care for those in need (Rambam, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 1:2).

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The verse teaches us to be generous within our means. While we must protect our property, we should also be willing to share with those in genuine need. This principle applies to many areas of life beyond agriculture (Talmud, Bava Metzia 92a).

Q: How does this law apply to modern times?
A: While most people today don't harvest fields, the principle remains: we must find ways to help the needy while respecting property rights. Many apply this by donating portions of income to charity (ma'aser) or supporting food banks (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 331).

Q: Why does the Torah specify using hands but not a sickle?
A: The distinction teaches moderation. Plucking by hand satisfies immediate hunger without causing significant loss to the owner, while using a sickle would be like harvesting for profit, which is prohibited (Sifrei Devarim 23:26). This maintains the balance between compassion and fairness.