Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 19:9. It’s a really important message about fairness and respect for our resources. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to be fair with the harvest – the fruits and vegetables we grow – and not take everything perfectly. It’s about treating our land and its bounty with a bit of care and consideration. Let's break it down word-by-word: “And when ye reap the harvest…” - This refers to the harvest – all the fruits, vegetables, and crops we grow on our land. “…thou shalt not wholly reap the corners…” - "Corners" means the edges of the field. So, this is about not completely harvesting the edges of the field. It's not about taking everything right up to the boundary line. “…nor shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.” – “Gleanings” refers to the leftover bits and pieces – the stems, leaves, fruit, etc., that are left over after the main crop is harvested. It's what’s left behind. So, putting it all together: The verse means we shouldn't take everything from the harvest. We should leave some of the leftover bits and pieces – the things that are left behind – for others to enjoy or use. It's a reminder to be mindful of how much we’re taking and to consider the impact on those who come after us. The bigger picture: This verse is rooted in God’s idea of justice and responsibility towards the land. It encourages us to treat our resources with respect, not just for our own benefit but also for the well-being of all living things. It's about sharing the bounty of the earth fairly. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain it further or perhaps relate it to a specific context (like farming)? Just let me know!