Ruth 2 15

Ruth 2:15 kjv

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

Ruth 2:15 nkjv

And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.

Ruth 2:15 niv

As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, "Let her gather among the sheaves and don't reprimand her.

Ruth 2:15 esv

When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.

Ruth 2:15 nlt

When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, "Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her.

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 15 Meaning

Ruth 2:15 details Boaz's direct instruction to his workers concerning Ruth, demonstrating his escalating favor and unprecedented generosity. This command went beyond the legal requirement of gleaning, permitting Ruth to gather grain not just from the edges of the field but even from among the cut bundles (sheaves), while also strictly forbidding any form of harassment or shaming. This act showcases Boaz's exceptional compassion and establishes a turning point in Ruth's desperate situation, setting the stage for her provision and future redemption.

Ruth 2 15 Context

Ruth 2:15 is nestled within the unfolding narrative of Ruth and Boaz, after Ruth has been working diligently in his field. Immediately preceding this verse, Boaz had invited Ruth to eat with him and had already instructed his young men to pull out extra grain for her. This particular verse, however, elevates Boaz's generosity from subtle favors to an open, authoritative command, signaling an extraordinary level of provision and protection for a foreign widow. The surrounding context highlights Ruth's humility and diligence, which seemingly earns Boaz's deep respect and motivates his increasing acts of loving-kindness. Historically, gleaning was regulated by Deuteronomic law (Deut 24:19-22) to provide for the poor, but Boaz's command "even among the sheaves" went significantly beyond the legal minimum, which usually limited gleaning to the field edges and only after reapers had passed. This radical departure underscored Boaz's character as a "worthy man" (Ruth 2:1), extending unusual favor to the vulnerable, particularly a Moabitess, an outsider.

Ruth 2 15 Word analysis

• And when she was risen up: From קּוּם (qum), meaning to rise or stand up. This highlights Ruth's immediate and active response, her diligence in getting back to work even after Boaz's initial kindness and a meal. It speaks to her hardworking nature.
• to glean: From לָקַט (laqat), meaning to gather or pick up, specifically gleaning. This describes her purpose – survival by gathering leftover grain. It underscores her dependence on this labor.
• Boaz commanded: וַיְצַו (vay-tza), from צָוָה (tsawah), meaning to command, order, or instruct. This verb indicates a direct, authoritative instruction given by Boaz. It demonstrates his power and control within his estate.
• his young men: נְעָרָיו (n'ara), from נַעַר (na'ar), referring to servants or farm laborers. This specifies the recipients of Boaz's order, demonstrating his direct supervision and management of his workforce. It also shows he delegated the execution of his kindness.
• saying: לֵאמֹר (le'mor), a common Hebrew introductory particle, simply meaning "saying" or "to say". It signals that what follows are Boaz's direct words.
• Let her glean: תְלַקֵּט֙ (t'lakket), a permissive imperative from לָקַט (laqat). It gives explicit permission for Ruth to continue her gleaning, emphasizing that this is by Boaz's will.
• even among the sheaves: בֵּין־הָעֳמָרִים֙ (beyn ha'omarim). בֵּין (beyn) means "between" or "among". עֳמָרִים (omarim) fromעֹמֶר` (omer) means "sheaves" or "bundles of cut grain". This is the pivotal instruction. Customarily, gleaners followed reapers after the grain was bundled. To allow gleaning among the sheaves meant direct access to more substantial amounts of grain, effectively placing her almost on par with a reaper, not merely a gleaner. This reveals extreme generosity, going beyond the traditional practice and legal requirement, signifying profound favor.
• and reproach her not: וְלֹ֥א תַכְלִמֻ֖הָ (w'lo tachlimuha). לֹ֥א (lo) means "not" (negation). תַכְלִמֻ֖הָ (tachlimuha) is from כָּלַם (kalam), meaning to shame, disgrace, or humiliate. This is a powerful prohibition against verbal abuse, intimidation, or any act that would make Ruth feel inferior, unwelcomed, or embarrassed. It is a protective measure of her dignity and social standing, given her vulnerability as a foreign widow.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Boaz commanded his young men, saying: This phrase underscores Boaz's active and intentional benevolence. He isn't passively allowing her; he is issuing a direct, non-negotiable instruction to his entire staff. This reveals his control, foresight, and decisive nature in exercising kindness, making it a systematic act within his household rather than a mere spontaneous gesture. It ensures that his benevolence is effectively implemented.
• Let her glean even among the sheaves: This command goes well beyond the ethical and legal stipulations of gleaning, which primarily aimed at allowing the poor to collect stray stalks. Permitting her to gather among the sheaves means she could take grain that was still bundled and awaiting collection. This dramatically increases her potential yield, reflecting an unparalleled act of generosity. It transitions her from merely scraping by to receiving abundant provision, mirroring the overflowing grace that God provides, not just what is strictly necessary.
• and reproach her not: This phrase safeguards Ruth's dignity and emotional well-being. "Reproach" here implies any form of harassment, shaming, scolding, or making her feel unwanted or inferior for gleaning so freely. Boaz understood her vulnerable position and ensured that her increased access to resources would not come at the cost of her respect or peace of mind. This speaks volumes about Boaz's respectful and compassionate character, reflecting a divine concern for the dignity of the poor and the marginalized.

Ruth 2 15 Bonus section

• Polemics against contemporary beliefs: In a society that could often marginalize widows, foreigners, and the poor, Boaz's actions directly challenge any notion of merely fulfilling minimal legal obligations or even exploiting the vulnerable. His behavior models an expansive, proactive kindness that prioritizes human dignity and abundant provision, going beyond what was merely "due." This stands in contrast to common practices of social exclusion or strict adherence to the letter of the law without its spirit of compassion.
• The progression of Boaz's kindness: Ruth 2 details a gradual escalation of Boaz's favor towards Ruth: initially, allowing her to glean in his field (v. 8), offering her water (v. 9), sharing his meal with her (v. 14), instructing workers to leave extra stalks (v. 16), and culminating here with the radical command to glean among the sheaves and protect her dignity. This progression underscores the depth of his character and commitment to providing for her, serving as a powerful illustration of divine providence gradually unfolding.
• Theological Implications: Boaz's radical generosity here is often seen as a prefigurement of Christ's abundant grace. Just as Ruth, an outsider, received extraordinary favor and access to provision beyond her rights through Boaz, believers, who were once alienated from God, receive access to the ultimate provision and spiritual riches through Christ, the greater Kinsman-Redeemer, not by merit but by grace. It paints a picture of being "hidden" in Christ's abundance and protected by His name.

Ruth 2 15 Commentary

Ruth 2:15 encapsulates a profound moment of grace and active beneficence from Boaz towards Ruth. His command to allow her to glean "even among the sheaves" transcends typical charitable acts by providing exceptional access to sustenance, signifying abundant provision far beyond legal requirements. This not only meets her immediate need but foreshadows the rich spiritual provision found in divine favor and redemption. The concurrent prohibition against "reproaching her" speaks volumes about Boaz's character: he is not merely generous, but also profoundly respectful and protective of her dignity, ensuring that she receives kindness without humiliation. This action serves as a poignant biblical example of what it means to truly care for the vulnerable, reflecting the character of God who gives generously and respects His children, a powerful prefigurement of the Kinsman-Redeemer. It emphasizes that true giving includes not only material provision but also honor and peace.