The answer is: 1 ephah of barley

Ruth 2:17

When Ruth gleaned an ephah of barley on her first day in the fields of Boaz, it’s a beautiful representation of hard work and divine providence. For context, an ephah is roughly equivalent to about 5 to 6 gallons or maybe 22 liters, translating to anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds of barley! That's quite a haul for a day's work simply gleaning the edges of the fields.

Her efforts not only showed her dedication to supporting herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi, but they also open up a profound conversation about community and sharing—principles that are woven throughout the Bible. This was a time when the Law instructed landowners to leave the edges of their fields for the poor and the widows to glean (Leviticus 19:9-10), reminding us of the culture of generosity that God wanted his people to maintain.

An interesting echo comes in the New Testament, where the theme of provision appears in stories like Jesus feeding the 5,000 with the little that was available, echoing Ruth's own story of abundance from scarcity. It’s extraordinary how these biblical narratives stretch across the ages, continually highlighting human resilience and the unexpected ways generosity and kindness can transform lives.

Ultimately, Ruth's gleaning wasn't just about survival; it marked the beginning of her incredible journey, leading to love and redemption—a testament to her faithfulness and wisdom in the embrace of community.