John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 23:24

"When thou comest into thy neighbor`s vineyard, then thou mayest eat of grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel." — Deuteronomy 23:24 (ASV)

Since God here grants a generous allowance to the poor, some restrict it to the workers in the harvest and grape harvest,¹⁴² as if He permitted them to pick the heads of grain and grapes with their hands for immediate consumption only, and not to take any away. I have no doubt, however, that it refers to all people, and that no greater permission is given than what compassion requires.

For we must not interpret the words too strictly, but look to the intention of the Lawgiver. God forbids people to use a sickle in another's harvest; now, if a man were to pick with his hands as many heads of grain as he could carry on his shoulders, or load onto a horse, could he excuse himself with the childish explanation that he had not used a sickle?

But, if common sense itself rejects such blatant shamelessness, it is clear that the Law has another object, namely, that no one should touch even a head of grain from another person’s harvest, except for immediate consumption. This happened with Christ’s disciples when they were compelled by hunger to rub the heads of grain in their hands, so they would not faint along the way (Matthew 12:1).

The same view must be taken regarding grapes. If anyone deliberately breaks into another’s vineyard and gorges himself there, whatever excuse he may offer, he will be considered a thief.

Therefore, there is no doubt that this Law permits hungry travelers to refresh themselves by eating grapes when they do not have enough other food. But although the freedom to eat until they are full is granted, still it was not allowable on this pretext to gorge themselves.

Besides, vineyards were enclosed with hedges and guarded, from which it appears that the grapes were not accessible to every glutton. In summary, then, it is not considered theft if a traveler, in order to relieve his hunger, should reach out for the hanging fruit,¹⁴³ until he arrives at his lodging where he can buy bread and wine.

¹⁴² “The Chaldee translateth, when thou art hired; and of such do the Hebrews understand this Law, that laborers hired to work in a vineyard are to eat of the fruit thereof.” — Ainsworth. So also Vatablus from the Chaldee and Arabic, in Poole’s Synopsis.; and of such do the Hebrews understand this Law, that laborers hired to work in a vineyard are to eat of the fruit thereof.” — Ainsworth. So also Vatablus from the Chaldee and Arabic, in Poole’s Synopsis.

¹⁴³ “Cueille des espis, ou des raisins pour sa necessite,” should gather ears of corn or grapes for his necessary wants. — Fr..