Ruth 2 16

Ruth 2:16 kjv

And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

Ruth 2:16 nkjv

Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her."

Ruth 2:16 niv

Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don't rebuke her."

Ruth 2:16 esv

And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her."

Ruth 2:16 nlt

And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don't give her a hard time!"

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 16 Meaning

Ruth 2:16 expresses Boaz's extraordinary generosity towards Ruth. He commands his young men to intentionally facilitate her gleaning, instructing them to specifically draw out grain from the already bound bundles and leave it for her. Furthermore, he explicitly forbids them from rebuking or shaming her in any way. This goes beyond the legal requirements for gleaning, demonstrating an exceptional act of grace, provision, and dignity towards Ruth, who was a foreign and poor woman.

Ruth 2 16 Context

Ruth 2:16 falls within the narrative of Ruth's arrival in Bethlehem with Naomi and her subsequent endeavor to find provision by gleaning in the fields. Specifically, this verse captures Boaz's further instructions to his field workers concerning Ruth. Earlier in chapter 2, Boaz had noticed Ruth, inquired about her, and commended her loyalty to Naomi, providing her protection and basic provisions. Verse 16 builds upon this initial kindness, showcasing an elevated level of intentional generosity. This chapter highlights Boaz's upright character ("a man of great wealth/worth") and God's providence in leading Ruth to his field, setting the stage for his role as her Kinsman-Redeemer. Historically, the practice of gleaning (leaving edges of fields unharvested and fallen stalks for the poor and sojourners) was a commanded part of the Mosaic Law (Lev 19:9-10; Deut 24:19-22), ensuring basic welfare. However, Boaz's command goes beyond these legal stipulations, demonstrating a proactive and extraordinary application of grace, particularly towards Ruth, a Moabite woman who legally had no right to glean from a private field but only what fell. This intentional kindness subtly rebukes the harsher treatments foreigners might face in that period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Jdg 21:25).

Ruth 2 16 Word analysis

• And also: (וְגַם֙ - ve-gam) This small phrase highlights an additional instruction, building upon previous kindnesses (like staying in his field and drawing water). It emphasizes that this specific act of grace is a deliberate extra measure.
• draw out (מִצִּיתוּ֙ - mi-tzitu): This word, from the root natsal (to snatch, deliver, pull out), means "to pull out" or "to extract deliberately." Here, it's a direct command to the young men to actively take grain out from where it would not normally be accessible for gleaning. It signifies making gleaning easier and more fruitful for Ruth, going against the norm of merely leaving what falls or is forgotten.
• some for her: This shows a specific, targeted act of generosity directed to Ruth, distinguishing her from other gleaners who might only gather what legitimately falls.
• from the bundles: (בַּצְּבָתִ֑ים - ba-tzvatim) Refers to the harvested sheaves or bundles of grain that have already been gathered and bound by the reapers. This is the significant part; gleaners were only allowed to take scattered stalks, not from tied bundles. Boaz instructs his workers to untie or loosen bundles and allow grain to fall out for Ruth, greatly increasing her yield. This transcends legalistic boundaries.
• and leave them: (וַעֲזַבְתֶּ֖ם - va-azavtem) The verb implies leaving the deliberately extracted grain on the ground, making it easy for her to find and collect, as if it fell accidentally. This provides the appearance of ordinary gleaning while enabling extraordinary abundance.

Words-group analysis:

• "draw out some for her from the bundles and leave them": This phrase details a deliberate, covert act of provision. It ensures Ruth receives much more than a typical gleaner, as she wouldn't need to scour extensively or compete for meager leavings. This proactive facilitation underscores Boaz's deep concern for Ruth's welfare and his abundant kindness, mirroring God's overflowing grace that exceeds mere obligation.
• "and do not rebuke her": (וְלֹ֥א תַגְעִ֖ירוּ בָּֽהּ - ve-lo’ tag‘iru vah) The Hebrew term ga’ar means 'to rebuke,' 'to scold,' 'to chide,' or 'to express disapproval harshly.' This instruction ensures not just the physical provision but also Ruth's dignity and emotional well-being. It guards her from any form of verbal harassment, shaming, or treating her as an unwanted nuisance, emphasizing full acceptance and protection within Boaz's sphere. This is particularly vital given her vulnerable status as a Moabite widow.

Ruth 2 16 Bonus section

• Boaz's instructions reflect an honorable leader who models compassion to his employees. His explicit commands indicate that this generosity was not an accident but a direct expression of his righteous character and likely his faith.
• The effectiveness of Boaz's instructions is immediately apparent in the subsequent verse (Ruth 2:17), where Ruth gleans "about an ephah of barley" – a significant amount, equivalent to a person's ration for 10-20 days, far more than a typical gleaner could gather in a single day. This tangible outcome underscores the power of intentional, abundant provision.
• This verse can be seen as a micro-story illustrating the principle of "divine surprise" or "overflowing blessing" for those who diligently and humbly seek provision, much like Ruth's commitment.
• Boaz's actions serve as an ethical model for employers and landowners, encouraging them to view their resources not just for personal gain but as a means to bless others, especially the vulnerable.

Ruth 2 16 Commentary

Ruth 2:16 perfectly illustrates a form of proactive, generous, and dignified grace. Boaz, recognizing Ruth's diligent effort and humble character (Ruth 2:11-12), moves beyond simply allowing her to glean according to the law. He commands his workers to facilitate an easier and more abundant harvest for her by intentionally pulling grain from tied bundles. This covert instruction demonstrates that true generosity often acts subtly to empower, rather than to shame. The concurrent command, "do not rebuke her," ensures that his provision extends to protecting her emotional and social standing, showing acceptance and honor rather than mere tolerance. This verse highlights Boaz as a model of extraordinary care, setting a divine example of how God's provision not only meets needs but also restores dignity and grants abundant favor. This generosity reflects the character of Christ, who abundantly provides for His people, not according to their merits, but according to His riches in grace, ensuring both their physical needs and spiritual acceptance.