The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 24:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If thou have gathered the fruit of thy olive trees, thou shalt not return to gather whatsoever remaineth on the trees: but shalt leave it for the stranger, for the fatherless, and the widow.

Douay-Rheims

כִּ֤י תַחְבֹּט֙ זֵֽיתְךָ֔ לֹ֥א תְפַאֵ֖ר אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ לַגֵּ֛ר לַיָּת֥וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖ה יִהְיֶֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

The law serves as an instructor of fundamental truths, guiding believers toward the basic precepts of God's commands. It sets forth various practices that may seem minor but hold significant meaning; for instance, it instructs: "When you reap the harvest of your land and forget a sheaf in the field, do not go back to get it; it is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the works of your hands. When you harvest the olives from your tree, do not go back over the branches a second time; leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow... When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not go over it again; leave what is left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.

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Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this" (Deuteronomy 24:19-22). It is beneficial in times of joy to reflect on past afflictions and trials, as this reminder cultivates compassion for those in need and helps us to remain mindful of adversity, even in times of abundance.

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

Do not turn your gaze to check for what remains in your past. Avoid the desire to abandon your olive trees devoid of fruit, for this may lead to God wishing for them to be barren. The Lord instructs you to harvest abundantly while retaining a small portion; in your abundance, ensure that you leave at least a bit for those in need.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.