Ruth 2 23

Ruth 2:23 kjv

So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Ruth 2:23 nkjv

So she stayed close by the young women of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law.

Ruth 2:23 niv

So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Ruth 2:23 esv

So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Ruth 2:23 nlt

So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz's fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 23 Meaning

Ruth 2:23 describes Ruth's continued faithful obedience to both Naomi's counsel and Boaz's protective instructions. She remained diligently working in Boaz's fields alongside his female servants, gleaning grain throughout the entire harvest seasons for barley and wheat. Each evening, she returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and devotion to their established household unit.

Ruth 2 23 Context

Ruth 2:23 is the culminating verse of the second chapter, which details Ruth's providential encounter with Boaz. Following her initial request to glean in the fields, Boaz extends extraordinary favor and protection to her, beyond the requirements of the Law. He instructs his servants not to molest her and even to pull out extra grain for her. Naomi, upon hearing of Boaz's kindness, recognizes God's hand and begins to hope for Ruth's redemption. This verse illustrates Ruth's immediate and continued compliance with both Boaz's instructions to stay near his workers and Naomi's advice, showing her diligence and submission within the new framework of protection and provision. Historically, gleaning was a labor-intensive, often vulnerable activity for the poor, emphasizing the significance of Boaz's specific care and Ruth's grateful acceptance. This sustained obedience and effort set the stage for the dramatic events of chapter three, where Naomi actively seeks a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth.

Ruth 2 23 Word analysis

• So she kept close (וַתִּדְבַּק֙, vat-tid-baq):

  • Word: Root דבק (dabaq).
  • Meaning: To cling, cleave, stick fast to, join.
  • Significance: This word denotes a strong, persistent bond or attachment, more than just "staying near." It implies loyalty, devotion, and adherence. It is used in Gen 2:24 for a man "cleaving" to his wife and in Deut 4:4 for Israel "cleaving" to the LORD. Ruth's commitment is not superficial but deep-seated, reflecting her character from Ruth 1:16-17. Her active choice to "cling" to Boaz's group signifies her wise decision to remain under his protection and within his sphere of generosity, showing an understanding of security and obedience.

• to the maidens of Boaz (אֶל־נַעֲרוֹת֙ בֹּ֔עַז, ’el-na‘arōṯ bō‘az):

  • Word: נַעֲרוֹת (na'arot), plural of נַעֲרָה (na'arah).
  • Meaning: Young women, girls, maidservants.
  • Significance: This highlights Boaz's specific provision. By staying with his maidens, Ruth is under Boaz's direct authority and protection. This contrasts with a foreign, vulnerable widow gleaning wherever she could, often unprotected. It underscores the security and social integration offered by Boaz, separating her from other potentially rougher laborers.

• to glean (לְלַקֵּט֙, le-laq-qêṭ):

  • Word: Root לקט (laqáṭ).
  • Meaning: To gather, pick up, glean.
  • Significance: This verb emphasizes Ruth's continued diligence and hard work. Her privilege did not negate her responsibility to labor. She actively participated in the harvest, humbling herself to glean according to the custom for the poor, yet doing so in a safe and favorable environment. This shows her humble work ethic despite the extraordinary favor shown to her.

• until the end of barley harvest (עַד־תֹּם֙ קְצִ֥יר הַשְּׂעֹרִ֔ים, ‘ad-tōm qeṣir has-se‘ōrîm):

  • Meaning: Completion of the barley harvesting season.
  • Significance: This marks a specific duration, signifying sustained effort and a process that leads to completion. The barley harvest typically began in April.

• and of wheat harvest (וּקְצִ֥יר הַחִטִּֽים, ū-qeṣir haḥit-ṭîm):

  • Meaning: Completion of the wheat harvesting season.
  • Significance: Wheat harvest followed barley, extending through May and into early June. This phrase indicates Ruth's prolonged, consistent presence in the fields, encompassing the full agricultural cycle. It demonstrates her sustained perseverance and the continuity of Boaz's provision and her obedience over a significant period.

• And she lived with her mother-in-law. (וַתֵּשֶׁב֙ אֶת־חֲמוֹתָֽהּ׃, wat-tê-šeḇ ’eṯ ḥamôṯāh):

  • Word: וַתֵּשֶׁב (wat-tesheb), from root ישׁב (yasháb), to sit, dwell, live.
  • Meaning: She dwelled, she stayed, she lived.
  • Significance: This phrase reiterates Ruth's enduring loyalty to Naomi. After her daily work, her primary allegiance remained with her mother-in-law. It reinforces the familial bond and mutual dependence, preparing for Naomi's strategic advice in the next chapter. It emphasizes Ruth's commitment to her adopted family, rather than pursuing independence.

Ruth 2 23 Bonus section

The sustained nature of Ruth's activity, indicated by her remaining in the fields until the end of both harvests, signifies more than just a single act of obedience. It speaks to her steadfast character and capacity for perseverance. The period from the barley harvest through the wheat harvest spans roughly two months, representing a significant duration of continuous effort and sustained trust in Boaz's protective provision. This long-term faithfulness establishes Ruth as an individual of remarkable integrity, a vital characteristic for her eventual role in the lineage of David and, ultimately, the Messiah. Her continued presence near Boaz's resources can be seen as a metaphorical "dwelling in the house of the Lord," finding refuge and provision where she has been welcomed. This extended period also allowed Boaz to observe her character more fully, confirming his initial favorable impression and strengthening his resolve to act as kinsman-redeemer.

Ruth 2 23 Commentary

Ruth 2:23 encapsulates themes of obedience, diligence, provision, and faithfulness that are central to the book of Ruth. Ruth's "cleaving" to Boaz's maidens is a demonstration of her intelligent response to both counsel and grace. It shows her active submission to the benevolent authority of Boaz and the wise guidance of Naomi. This persistent labor, enduring through the full cycle of the harvests, underlines her dedication not only to provide for herself and Naomi but also to honor the unique protective relationship Boaz had initiated. The return to Naomi each evening consistently highlights the deep loyalty first established in Ruth 1, grounding her individual efforts within her primary commitment to family. This steadfastness in a season of divine favor prepares her for the greater acts of redemption to come, as her consistent character reinforces Naomi's trust and allows for the development of Boaz's affections, ultimately securing her future. It also provides a beautiful picture of what it means to remain within the "borders" of God's blessing and provision.

• Practical Application Example: Like Ruth, believers are called to diligently work within the spheres God provides (Eph 6:6), faithfully abiding in Him (Jn 15:4) and submitting to righteous guidance. Even when provision is abundant, hard work and humble reliance are still required. This obedience and steadfastness position individuals to receive further blessings and divine guidance.