Ruth 2 17

Ruth 2:17 kjv

So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

Ruth 2:17 nkjv

So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.

Ruth 2:17 niv

So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah.

Ruth 2:17 esv

So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.

Ruth 2:17 nlt

So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket.

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 17 Meaning

Ruth 2:17 details the result of Ruth's diligence in gleaning: she labored a full day in the field, diligently separated the grain from the stalks, and remarkably collected an approximate ephah of barley. This quantity represents an abundant yield for a single day's gleaning, highlighting both Ruth's commitment and the extraordinary provision she received, implicitly from the favor shown by Boaz and ultimately, divine providence.

Ruth 2 17 Context

Ruth chapter 2 recounts Ruth's initiative to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning in the fields, a legal provision for the poor and foreigners in Israel. Her decision, affirmed by Naomi, leads her providentially to the field of Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi's late husband. Throughout the day, Boaz demonstrates exceptional kindness and generosity to Ruth, far exceeding the requirements of the gleaning law. He instructs his workers to allow her special privileges, provide her with food and water, and even to intentionally leave extra grain for her. Verse 17 concludes her first day's labor, demonstrating the significant fruit of her hard work coupled with Boaz's immense favor. The historical context is the time of the Judges, a period marked by instability and often disregard for divine law (as implied in the lack of land inheritance for widows), making Boaz's adherence to and surpassing of the Law all the more striking and God-honoring. This period also precedes a more settled monarchy, where the covenant laws, including those for social welfare, were to be upheld.

Ruth 2 17 Word analysis

• So she gleaned (וַתְּלַקֵּט - wat·tə·laq·qeṭ): From the Hebrew verb לָקַט (laqat), meaning "to pick up," "gather," or "glean." This emphasizes her active participation in the legal right given to the poor. The word choice here reflects direct action and fulfillment of the gleaning process. It ties directly to her initial request in verse 7.

• in the field (בַשָּׂדֶה - bav·śā·ḏeh): Hebrew שָׂדֶה (śāḏeh), meaning "field" or "countryside." This highlights the place of her physical labor, exposed to the elements, engaging in demanding agricultural work.

• until evening (עַד־הָעֶרֶב - ‘ad-hā·‘e·reḇ): Signifies a full day of arduous work, demonstrating Ruth's diligence, commitment, and strong work ethic. It contrasts with idleness and highlights her perseverance.

• and beat out (וַתַּחְבֹּט - wat·taḥ·ḇōṭ): From the Hebrew verb חָבַט (chabat), meaning "to beat off," "thresh," or "flog." This describes the labor-intensive process of separating the grain kernels from the straw and chaff. It was often done with a stick or flail for small quantities, indicating her continued labor after collecting.

• what she had gleaned: Refers to the physical grain she had painstakingly collected throughout the day. It is her personal yield.

• and it was about an ephah of barley (כְּאֵיפַת שְׂעֹרִים - kə·’ê·p̄aṯ śə·‘ō·rîm):

  • "about" (כְּ - kə): Denotes an approximation, not an exact measure, but close.
  • "an ephah" (אֵיפָה - ’ê·p̄āh): A standard Hebrew unit of dry measure, equivalent to roughly 22 liters (about 0.6 U.S. bushel or 3/5 bushel), weighing approximately 33-44 pounds of barley. For context, an omer (daily ration for manna) was one-tenth of an ephah (Exo 16:36).
  • "of barley": The type of grain, signifying the specific harvest season and its use, likely for bread or gruel. This was a substantial amount for a single day's gleaning, often cited as a typical amount a gleaner might collect in an entire harvest season, or several days' work for a single individual. It implies exceptional success due to Boaz's directives and Ruth's diligence.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "So she gleaned in the field until evening": This phrase encapsulates Ruth's unwavering commitment to providing for herself and Naomi. Her active 'gleaning' for an entire 'day' underlines her strong work ethic and contrasts with the common challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in ancient societies. It illustrates obedience to the legal provisions for the poor while also embodying diligent effort.
  • "and beat out what she had gleaned": This describes the second phase of her laborious process. It indicates that her work was not merely gathering but also involved the crucial and physically demanding task of preparing the grain for consumption. This highlights thoroughness and dedication.
  • "and it was about an ephah of barley": This concluding statement reveals the bountiful result of her efforts. The large quantity of "an ephah" underscores that the day's labor was extraordinarily fruitful, surpassing normal gleaning yields. This significant return implicitly points to Boaz's exceptional favor (who intentionally left extra grain) and the divine hand overseeing events, turning diligent work into abundant provision.

Ruth 2 17 Bonus section

• The quantity of an ephah for one day's gleaning strongly suggests divine oversight (Providence) coupled with Boaz's intentional instructions to his harvesters to leave extra for Ruth. This was not typical gleaning but an act of remarkable charity.
• This abundance immediately provides security for Ruth and Naomi, establishing trust in Boaz and illustrating God's answer to Naomi's lament in Chapter 1 about "the hand of the Lord has gone out against me."
• The fact that Ruth diligently processed the grain (beat it out) before returning demonstrates not only her work ethic but also her foresight and responsible character. She prepared the gift of grace to be useful, modeling good stewardship.
• The meticulous detailing of the work and the resulting yield in Ruth 2:17 emphasizes the practical, tangible reality of God's blessing and provision in everyday life and labor, rather than some abstract or miraculous event.

Ruth 2 17 Commentary

Ruth 2:17 serves as the climactic summary of Ruth's first day in Boaz's field, revealing a confluence of her remarkable character and the divine favor extended to her. Her tenacious effort, working from dawn till "evening," exemplifies diligence (Prov 10:4). Gleaning was an arduous, low-status task, yet Ruth undertook it wholeheartedly. The act of "beating out" the barley further underscores her thoroughness and determination to transform raw grain into a usable form, going beyond mere collection.

The reported yield, "about an ephah of barley," is truly extraordinary for a gleaner, especially a foreign widow working her first day. This amount signifies a surplus, providing well beyond immediate needs for Ruth and Naomi for many days (an ephah is roughly 10 days' supply for one person). This bountiful harvest is not solely attributable to Ruth's diligence; it is a direct consequence of Boaz's exceeding generosity (Ruth 2:15-16), a man who faithfully upheld and magnified the covenantal laws regarding care for the vulnerable (Deut 24:19). Ultimately, this over-the-top provision points to God's sovereign care and blessing for Ruth, who, through her actions, embodied wisdom and faithfulness. It shows how God provides abundantly for His people, often through the kindness of others, honoring their efforts while surpassing expectations.