Overview
The Bible addresses gleaning across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Ruth. Closely related themes include Poor, Poor, the, Strangers in Israel and Agriculture or Husbandry. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
Key Bible verses about gleaning
Old Testament
Leviticus
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.
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy
When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.
When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. go: Heb. bough it after thee
Ruth
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. hap: Heb. hap happened
People in the Bible and gleaning
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying gleaning for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 19:9, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Ruth each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Poor, Poor, the, Strangers in Israel and Agriculture or Husbandry.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about gleaning?
The Bible addresses gleaning across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Ruth. Closely related themes include Poor, Poor, the, Strangers in Israel and Agriculture or Husbandry. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
How many Bible verses are about gleaning?
The Bible references gleaning in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention gleaning?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 19:9: “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.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with gleaning?
Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
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