Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
FIELD. The Hebrew word translated "field" conveys a contrary idea to ours, inasmuch as it implies the absence of enclosure. " Lev 25:31. "Field "means the open country apart from habitations, in Gen 25:27; Gen 37:15. Stones were used to separate one plot of ground from another; curses were threatened for removing these landmarks. Deut 19:14; Deut 27:1;Job 24:2; Prov 22:28. If such unfenced fields were pasture grounds, the herd or flock would require constant watching. Ex 22:5. T. V. " Mark 5:14; Mark 6:36,Mark 6:56.
The knowledge of these unenclosed fields throws light upon the parable of the Sower. Some of the seed scattered as he draws near the end of his lot is certain to fall beyond the ploughed portion, and the birds will devour it. Again, the custom of running footpaths between, and not over, fields explains the Sabbath-walk of our Lord and his disciples. Luke 6:1. The little band did not trample down the ripened grain. They merely walked between the fields and plucked the wheat on either hand.
The complaint was not brought against them because they took the wheat, but because they broke the Sabbath.