Ruth 2 2

Ruth 2:2 kjv

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

Ruth 2:2 nkjv

So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2 niv

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor." Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2 esv

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2 nlt

One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it." Naomi replied, "All right, my daughter, go ahead."

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 2 Meaning

Ruth 2:2 depicts Ruth, out of her deep loyalty and concern for her mother-in-law Naomi, humbly requesting permission to go to the fields and gather leftover grain. This act, known as gleaning, was a divinely instituted provision for the poor and foreigners in Israel. Her intention is to seek sustenance through hard work, specifically hoping to find grace or kindness from a landowner who would permit her to collect grain behind the reapers. This verse reveals Ruth's proactiveness, humility, and trust in divine favor amidst destitution.

Ruth 2 2 Context

Ruth 2:2 is set immediately after Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem from Moab. Chapter 1 details their immense loss: Naomi loses her husband and two sons, and Ruth loses her husband. Both are left childless and without male protection or provision in a patriarchal society. They return to Bethlehem destitute, "at the beginning of barley harvest." The Jewish Law (Deuteronomy 24:19-22, Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22) provided for the poor, orphans, widows, and foreigners to "glean" in the fields after the reapers had passed through. This act was not begging but a divinely ordained right to perform honorable labor for survival. Ruth's initiative in this verse is crucial as it transitions Naomi's despair and passive return into an active pursuit of survival and future hope. It sets the stage for Ruth's encounter with Boaz, who embodies the kind of gracious landowner Ruth hoped to find.

Ruth 2 2 Word Analysis

• And Ruth the Moabitess: This emphasizes Ruth's foreign origin (HaMoabiyah - הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּה). Despite the Law restricting Moabites from the assembly (Deut 23:3-6), Ruth’s faith and loyalty transcend this restriction, highlighting God’s grace. Her identity as a "Moabitess" underscores the extent of God’s redemptive work.
• said to Naomi: Demonstrates Ruth’s respect, deference, and loyalty to her mother-in-law. She doesn't act independently but seeks Naomi's permission and blessing, acknowledging their shared dependency.
• 'Please let me go': The Hebrew word na (נָא) or "please" reflects politeness and humility in her request, rather than a demand. It suggests she is not asserting a right but asking for a favor or permission. This respectful tone aligns with her character throughout the book.
• to the field: The "field" (sadeh - שָׂדֶה) is the place of livelihood, labor, and sustenance, directly connecting her desire to the immediate needs of food.
• and glean: The verb laqat (לָקַט) refers specifically to collecting leftover stalks after the reapers, consistent with the Mosaic Law for the poor. This was not considered charity but a divinely ordained right and means of labor. It signifies Ruth's willingness to work diligently, rather than beg. This action embodies both her proactive character and her dependence on God's provision.
• among the ears of grain: Specifically identifies what she will gather (shibbolim - שִׁבֳּלִים), indicating she is prepared for detailed, laborious work in the aftermath of the harvest. This focus shows her pragmatic approach to providing for herself and Naomi.
• after him: Not ahead, not alongside, but behind the reapers. This indicates humility and awareness of her social standing as a poor, foreign widow. It also means she is dependent on the generosity of the one whose field she is in, or the reaper, for not being too thorough.
• in whose sight I may find favor: The phrase "find favor" (matsa' chen - מָצָא חֵן) is significant. It denotes the gaining of good will, acceptance, or grace from someone, often implying divine intervention in leading one to the right person. Ruth is not presuming a right to limitless gleaning, but humbly seeking a benevolent overseer or landowner. This hope implies a belief in divine providence that directs people's hearts and actions towards kindness.

Ruth 2 2 Bonus Section

• This verse represents Ruth's proactive decision to move from passive waiting to active participation in securing their future, a strong characteristic shown throughout her story.
• Ruth's initiative contrasts with Naomi's initial despair in chapter 1, breathing hope back into their situation.
• The hope of "finding favor" subtly foreshadows God's providence. Her "random" choice of field is divinely orchestrated to be Boaz's, highlighting God's sovereign hand in seemingly ordinary circumstances.
• The verse illustrates a key biblical principle: diligence and humble service, even in hardship, can open doors for God’s blessing and favor.

Ruth 2 2 Commentary

Ruth 2:2 marks a pivotal turning point from Naomi's despair to Ruth's determined initiative. Stripped of traditional patriarchal support and facing dire poverty, Ruth proactively embraces the opportunity provided by Israel's law for the poor to glean. Her humble request to Naomi, infused with the deferential "please," highlights her respect and acknowledgment of their communal vulnerability. The act of "gleaning" is not one of begging but of diligent, strenuous work within God’s compassionate design for social welfare. Her intention to "find favor" indicates her reliance on kindness from a landowner, demonstrating both her shrewd understanding of human nature and, implicitly, her faith in God's guiding hand. This small, brave step in a stranger's field, relying on God-ordained provisions and hoping for human kindness, providentially leads her to Boaz, illustrating how divine blessings often meet humble, diligent effort. Ruth’s character—loyalty, humility, and willingness to work—is beautifully laid out here, setting the stage for God's provision and redemptive plan for both women.