Gleaning
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Gleaning in the Bible?
The custom of allowing the poor to follow reapers in the field and glean fallen grain is illustrated in Ruth 2:2-23, with breaking this law being a punishable offense. The generosity of the master determined the value of the gleanings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this practice clarifies the legal framework for social welfare in ancient Israel, revealing how biblical narratives depict economic support systems rooted in religious obligation rather than mere charity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Gleaning. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gleaning in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gleaning clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ruth 2:2-23
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gleaning." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gleaning/