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Deuteronomy 23:25 - Grapes: Eat, don't hoard.

Deuteronomy 23:25 - דברים 23:25

Hebrew Text

כִּי תָבֹא בְּכֶרֶם רֵעֶךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ עֲנָבִים כְּנַפְשְׁךָ שָׂבְעֶךָ וְאֶל־כֶּלְיְךָ לֹא תִתֵּן׃

English Translation

When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou mayst eat thy fill of grapes at thy desire; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.

Transliteration

Ki tavo becherem re'echa ve'achalta anavim kenafshecha save'echa ve'el-kelyecha lo titein.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י תָבֹא֙ בְּכֶ֣רֶם רֵעֶ֔ךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ֧ עֲנָבִ֛ים כְּנַפְשְׁךָ֖ שׇׂבְעֶ֑ךָ וְאֶֽל־כֶּלְיְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִתֵּֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כִּ֤י תָבֹא֙ בְּכֶ֣רֶם רֵעֶ֔ךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ֧ עֲנָבִ֛ים כְּנַפְשְׁךָ֖ שׇׂבְעֶ֑ךָ וְאֶֽל־כֶּלְיְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִתֵּֽן׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 23:25) appears in the context of laws pertaining to ethical behavior and interpersonal relationships. It is part of a broader discussion of mitzvot that govern how one interacts with another's property, particularly in agricultural settings. The Torah permits a worker or passerby to eat from a neighbor's vineyard or field under specific conditions, while prohibiting exploitation or theft.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 23:25) clarifies that this permission applies specifically to a worker laboring in the vineyard, not just any passerby. He cites the Talmud (Bava Metzia 87b), which states that a worker is allowed to eat from the produce they are harvesting, as derived from the verse (Devarim 23:25). However, this is limited to eating on the spot and not taking produce away in a vessel.

Halachic Boundaries (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchos Gezeilah Va'Aveidah 5:10) elaborates on the legal parameters:

  • The worker may eat only during the time of work, not before or after.
  • They may eat only what is directly related to their labor (e.g., grapes in a vineyard, not other fruits).
  • The prohibition against putting produce in a vessel applies even if the owner permits it, as the Torah sets an absolute boundary.

Moral and Ethical Lessons (Midrash and Mussar)

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 266) highlights that this mitzvah teaches balance between kindness and responsibility:

  • The owner must allow workers to eat, reflecting compassion.
  • The worker must not abuse this right, reflecting integrity.

This aligns with the mussar (ethical) principle that rights come with limits—permission to eat is not license to take greedily.

Practical Application (Talmud Bava Metzia 92a)

The Talmud discusses cases where this law applies:

  • A worker may eat only until satisfied ("שָׂבְעֶךָ"), not excessively.
  • The prohibition of using a vessel prevents future benefit, ensuring the act remains one of immediate sustenance, not accumulation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 87b
The verse is discussed in the context of the rights of a worker to eat from the produce they are harvesting, as per biblical law.
📖 Bava Batra 92a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ethical treatment of workers and their rights to sustenance while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:25 mean about eating grapes from a neighbor's vineyard?
A: The verse teaches that when you enter a neighbor's vineyard, you are permitted to eat grapes to satisfy your hunger, but you may not take any with you in a container. This is a kindness granted to workers and passersby, allowing them to eat directly from the vines but not to harvest for later use (Rashi, Deuteronomy 23:25).
Q: Why is it allowed to eat grapes from someone else's vineyard but not take them away?
A: The Torah permits eating on the spot to prevent unnecessary hardship for workers or travelers who may be hungry. However, taking grapes in a vessel would resemble theft, as it implies harvesting for personal gain rather than immediate need (Mishnah, Pe'ah 5:6; Rambam, Hilchot Gezeilah 1:10).
Q: Does this law apply to other crops besides grapes?
A: Yes, the Talmud extends this principle to other types of produce in a field (e.g., grains, figs) based on the general mitzvah of 'pe’ah' (leaving corners of the field for the poor). However, the verse specifically mentions grapes because vineyards were common in ancient Israel (Talmud, Bava Metzia 87b).
Q: How does this verse apply to ethical behavior today?
A: This law teaches balance between kindness and fairness: owners must allow reasonable access to their produce, while others must respect boundaries and not take advantage. It emphasizes honesty and consideration in daily interactions (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 569).
Q: Can a vineyard owner refuse to let someone eat from their grapes?
A: No, the Torah grants this right to anyone entering the vineyard, and the owner cannot withhold it. However, the eater must follow the rules—eating only what is needed at that moment and not collecting extra (Sifrei Devarim 266; Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 359:1).