feminine active participle of עָלַל; only in plural gleanings; by extension gleaning-time; (gleaning) (of the) grapes, grapegleanings.
Transliteration:ʻôlêlâh
Pronunciation:o-lay-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5955}}`, *ʻôlêlâh* (עֹלֵלָה), is a feminine active participle derived from the root `{{H5953}}` (ʻalal), which means "to glean" or "to gather." As a participle, it signifies "that which is gleaned" or "the act of gleaning." It is exclusively used in the plural form in the biblical text.
Its primary meaning refers to the "gleanings" of the vineyard, specifically the small clusters of grapes that remain on the vine after the main harvest has been completed. These are not grapes that have fallen to the ground (which would be `{{H6525}}`, *peret*), but those intentionally left or overlooked by the harvesters. By extension, the term can also refer to the "gleaning-time," the period during which these remnants are collected. The word thus encapsulates the concept of what is left behind, whether by design or oversight, after a primary gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5955}}` appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in legal and prophetic contexts, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
* **Legal Mandate:** In [[Leviticus 19:10]] and [[Deuteronomy 24:21]], ʻôlêlâh is part of a divine command concerning agricultural practices. Landowners are explicitly forbidden from gathering the "gleanings of their vineyard" (Leviticus) or "picking the grapes clean" (Deuteronomy). Instead, these remnants are to be left for the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. This highlights God's provision for the vulnerable and the ethical responsibility of the landowner.
* **Metaphor of Judgment and Scarcity:** The prophetic books employ ʻôlêlâh metaphorically to describe the devastating effects of divine judgment, often using the imagery of a stripped vineyard:
* In [[Isaiah 17:6]], the remnant of Israel after judgment is likened to "gleanings" or "a few berries" left on the top branches after a thorough beating of an olive tree, or "two or three berries on the highest bough." This conveys a sense of severe reduction and scarcity.
* [[Isaiah 24:13]] similarly uses the imagery of "gleanings" after the grape harvest to depict the desolate state of the earth and its inhabitants following God's judgment, emphasizing a sparse survival.
* [[Jeremiah 6:9]] uses the verb form of the root (ʻalal) but the context speaks of a thorough "gleaning" of Israel, implying a complete and devastating judgment, much like a vintager meticulously gathers every last grape. The thoroughness here contrasts with the *leaving* of gleanings in the legal texts.
* [[Obadiah 1:5]] contrasts the limited "gleanings" left by common thieves or grape-gatherers (who might take most but not all) with the complete desolation brought by the Edomites, implying they would leave nothing at all. This underscores the severity of the coming plunder.
* [[Micah 7:1]] presents the prophet lamenting the moral decay of his people, comparing himself to one searching for good fruit after the harvest, finding only "gleanings" (referring to the scarcity of righteous individuals), akin to the last grapes after the vintage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "gleanings" (`{{H5955}}`) is intricately linked to other terms and practices related to agricultural charity and social justice in ancient Israel:
* `{{H5953}}` (ʻalal): The verbal root from which ʻôlêlâh is derived, meaning "to glean" or "to gather."
* `{{H3951}}` (leqet): General "gleanings" or "what falls" during harvest, typically referring to fallen grain or produce (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:9]], [[Ruth 2:2]]). While ʻôlêlâh specifically refers to grapes left on the vine, leqet is broader.
* `{{H6525}}` (peret): "Fallen grapes" or "scattered grapes" from the vineyard, also forbidden for the owner to gather and designated for the poor ([[Leviticus 19:10]]). This emphasizes the distinction between what is left on the vine (ʻôlêlâh) and what falls to the ground (peret).
* `{{H7915}}` (shikḥah): "Forgotten sheaf" or "forgotten produce" in the field ([[Deuteronomy 24:19]]), another provision for the poor, the sojourner, and the widow.
These terms collectively highlight the comprehensive nature of Israel's divinely ordained social welfare system, which was embedded directly into the agricultural cycle.
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H5955}}`, *ʻôlêlâh*, carries significant theological weight, embodying both divine compassion and sovereign judgment:
* **Divine Compassion and Social Justice:** The legal injunctions concerning ʻôlêlâh are a powerful testament to God's deep concern for the marginalized and vulnerable in society. By mandating that landowners leave the gleanings, God establishes a system of economic justice that ensures basic provision for the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. This is not merely charity but a divinely commanded right, reflecting God's own character as protector of the weak and provider for all creation. It underscores the principle that the land and its produce ultimately belong to God, and humans are stewards, obligated to share His bounty.
* **Stewardship and Generosity:** The practice of leaving gleanings fostered a spirit of generosity and communal responsibility. It prevented absolute ownership and encouraged a recognition that resources were to be managed with a view toward the well-being of the entire community, particularly those in need. This act of intentional "incompleteness" in harvesting served as a tangible expression of faithfulness to the covenant.
* **Metaphor of Judgment and Remnant:** The prophetic use of ʻôlêlâh is equally profound. It transforms the image of agricultural remnants into a vivid metaphor for divine judgment. When God "gleans" His people or the earth, it signifies a thorough and devastating purification, leaving only a sparse remnant. This imagery powerfully conveys the severity of God's righteous anger against sin. Yet, even in this context, the idea of "gleanings" can subtly point to the concept of a "remnant" – a small, surviving portion that, despite desolation, might hold the seeds of future hope or restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5955}}`, *ʻôlêlâh* (עֹלֵלָה), refers to the "gleanings" of grapes—the small clusters left on the vine after the main harvest. Its core meaning extends to the time of such gathering.
Biblically, ʻôlêlâh functions in two primary ways:
1. **Legal Mandate:** In the Torah, it signifies the divinely commanded portion of the harvest to be left for the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, reflecting God's compassionate provision and the community's responsibility for social justice.
2. **Prophetic Metaphor:** In prophetic literature, it vividly portrays the devastating effects of divine judgment, likening the desolation of a land or people to a vineyard stripped bare, with only sparse "gleanings" remaining. This imagery underscores the thoroughness of God's judgment and, at times, the concept of a surviving remnant.
Theologically, ʻôlêlâh encapsulates themes of divine compassion, social justice, human stewardship, and the dual nature of God's sovereignty expressed in both merciful provision and righteous judgment. It is a word that speaks to both the abundance of God's grace and the severity of His discipline.
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