Gleaning and the Poor

The Bible says gleanings and remaining harvest portions are to be left for the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow. Leviticus 19:9 prohibits reaping a field’s edge completely or gathering its gleanings; Leviticus 19:10 directs that vineyard gleanings and broken grapes be left for the afflicted and the sojourner. Deuteronomy says a forgotten sheaf, later olive-tree produce, and vineyard gleanings belong to the sojourner, orphan, and widow (Deuteronomy 24:19, Deuteronomy 24:20, Deuteronomy 24:21). It also commands open-handed support for needy people (Deuteronomy 15:7, Deuteronomy 15:11).