Gleaning
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
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.
What 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
- Why did the biblical author mention Gleaning in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gleaning clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.