"Gleaning" in the Bible refers to the practice of collecting leftover crops from fields after the harvest. It was a common practice in ancient times, particularly in agricultural societies where people depended on the land for their livelihood.

In the Old Testament, gleaning is mentioned in several books, including Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Ruth. Leviticus 19:9-10 states, "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God."

The purpose of gleaning was to provide for those who were poor or could not afford to buy their own food. The practice was seen as a form of charity and was encouraged by the law of Moses. The poor and the foreigners were allowed to enter the fields and collect the leftover crops, which they could then use for their own sustenance.

The story of Ruth in the Old Testament provides an example of gleaning. Ruth was a foreigner who came to Israel with her mother-in-law Naomi. They were poor and had no means of supporting themselves, so Ruth went to the fields to glean. She was allowed to do so by a man named Boaz, who owned the field. Boaz showed kindness to Ruth and allowed her to collect more than she needed, providing for her and Naomi.

Overall, gleaning in the Bible was a way of showing compassion and providing for those in need. It was seen as a way of sharing God's blessings with others and was an important aspect of the community's responsibility to care for the less fortunate.