### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term leqeṭ (לֶקֶט), Strong's `{{H3951}}`, is derived from the verbal root lāqaṭ (לָקַט), `{{H3950}}`, meaning "to gather," "to pick up," or "to glean." As a noun, leqeṭ refers specifically to the "gleaning" itself, encompassing both the act of gathering what remains after the main harvest and the produce that is thus gathered. Its semantic range is narrow but potent, focusing on the intentional leaving of a portion of the harvest for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable. This is not accidental dropping, but a divinely ordained provision, distinguishing it from general gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term leqeṭ appears exclusively in the Pentateuch, primarily within the legal framework concerning agricultural practices and social welfare. Its occurrences are found in:
* [[Leviticus 19:9]]: "And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings (leqeṭ) of your harvest." Here, leqeṭ is explicitly forbidden to the landowner, indicating it is reserved for others.
* [[Leviticus 23:22]]: "And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings (leqeṭ) of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God." This verse reiterates the command from [[Leviticus 19:9]] and clarifies the intended beneficiaries: "the poor" (ʿānî) and "the sojourner" (gēr).
The context for leqeṭ is the Mosaic Law, specifically the statutes concerning the harvest. These laws (pe'ah - leaving the corners, and leqeṭ - leaving the gleanings) were designed to prevent absolute destitution and ensure a basic means of sustenance for the most vulnerable members of Israelite society: the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. While the noun leqeṭ itself does not appear in the Book of Ruth, the practice it describes is central to the narrative of Ruth and Naomi, illustrating the practical application and profound social impact of this divine command (e.g., [[Ruth 2:2-3]], where Ruth "gleaned" - using the verb lāqaṭ - in Boaz's field).
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H3950}}` (lāqaṭ): The verbal root from which leqeṭ is derived, meaning "to gather," "to pick up," or "to glean." This is the direct action associated with leqeṭ.
* `{{H6529}}` (pe'â): "Corner" or "edge" of a field. The command to leave the "corners" of the field unharvested is a parallel statute to leqeṭ, both serving the purpose of providing for the needy ([[Leviticus 19:9]], [[Leviticus 23:22]]).
* `{{H7846}}` (šikḥâ): "Forgotten sheaf." In [[Deuteronomy 24:19]], landowners are commanded not to return for a forgotten sheaf, but to leave it for the sojourner, fatherless, and widow. This concept is closely aligned with leqeṭ as another form of divinely mandated provision for the vulnerable.
* `{{H7105}}` (qāṣîr): "Harvest." leqeṭ is a specific aspect of the harvest process, concerning what is intentionally left behind.
The underlying concepts related to leqeṭ include social justice (mišpāṭ), righteousness (ṣedāqâ), compassion (raḥămîm), and the broader theme of covenantal responsibility towards the marginalized within the community.
### Theological Significance
The concept of leqeṭ carries profound theological weight, revealing several aspects of God's character and His will for His people:
* **Divine Provision and Compassion:** The laws of gleaning demonstrate God's deep concern for the poor and vulnerable. He, as the ultimate provider, institutes a system that ensures basic sustenance for those who cannot provide for themselves. This reflects His compassionate nature and His desire for a just society.
* **Social Justice and Equity:** leqeṭ is a cornerstone of Israel's divinely mandated social welfare system. It prevents absolute poverty and ensures that the benefits of the land's productivity are shared, even if indirectly, with the most marginalized. It underscores God's demand for social equity and the fair treatment of all, especially the non-landowning and dependent.
* **Stewardship and Obedience:** Landowners were not absolute owners but stewards of God's land. The command concerning leqeṭ was a test of their obedience and a reminder that their prosperity was from God and was to be used in accordance with His righteous principles. Compliance was an act of worship and trust in God's blessing ([[Deuteronomy 24:19]]).
* **Dignity of the Poor:** While providing for the needy, the system of gleaning allowed the poor to actively participate in gathering their food. This maintained their dignity by requiring effort rather than simply providing handouts, as exemplified by Ruth's diligence in the field.
* **Covenantal Relationship:** The laws of leqeṭ, alongside pe'ah and šikḥâ, are embedded within the covenant relationship between God and Israel, serving as practical expressions of their commitment to live as a holy nation reflecting God's character.
### Summary
Leqeṭ (`{{H3951}}`) refers to the "gleaning," both the act and the produce, specifically that which was intentionally left by landowners for the poor, sojourners, fatherless, and widows during the harvest. Rooted in the Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 19:9]], [[Leviticus 23:22]]), it is derived from the verb lāqaṭ (`{{H3950}}`) meaning "to gather." This divine command underscores God's compassion and commitment to social justice, ensuring provision for the vulnerable within Israelite society. Leqeṭ serves as a tangible expression of God's character, a test of the landowner's obedience and stewardship, and a means to uphold the dignity of the needy, illustrating the practical outworking of covenantal righteousness.
TRV