Ruth 2 7

Ruth 2:7 kjv

And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Ruth 2:7 nkjv

And she said, 'Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house."

Ruth 2:7 niv

She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.' She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."

Ruth 2:7 esv

She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest."

Ruth 2:7 nlt

She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes' rest in the shelter."

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 7 Meaning

Ruth 2:7 describes the overseer's report to Boaz concerning Ruth. It highlights Ruth's proactive and humble request to glean in the field, diligently following the reapers from early morning until that moment, pausing only for a brief rest in the shelter. This verse underscores her industrious character and dedication to providing for herself and Naomi.

Ruth 2 7 Context

Ruth 2:7 is spoken by Boaz’s field overseer, who is answering Boaz’s question about the identity of the young woman gleaning in his field. This occurs shortly after Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem, having left Moab in dire poverty due to a famine and the deaths of their husbands. Naomi’s bitterness ("Mara") reflects their desperate situation. Ruth, recognizing the need for provision, takes initiative by seeking permission to glean, an established Israelite custom designed by God to provide for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners (Lev 19:9-10, Deut 24:19-22). The field overseer's report highlights Ruth’s remarkable diligence, humility, and steadfastness in her work, setting the stage for Boaz's subsequent kindness and divine favor upon her.

Ruth 2 7 Word analysis

• And she said: This refers to Ruth's initial request. Her voice is conveyed as humble, proactive, and purposeful.
• Please (נָא, na): A particle of entreaty or request, indicating politeness, humility, and respect. Ruth doesn't demand, but humbly asks.
• let me glean (אֲלַקֳטָה, 'alakketah): From the root לָקַט, laqat, "to gather," "to pick up," specifically "to glean." This highlights Ruth’s active participation and acceptance of hard labor, showing her resourcefulness and dignity rather than passively waiting for charity.
• and gather (וְאָסַפְתִּי, v'asaftee): From the root אָסַף, asaf, "to collect," "to bring in." This word emphasizes the outcome of her gleaning—collecting the scattered grain into bundles or containers, indicating effective and productive labor.
• after the reapers: This shows her understanding and adherence to the custom. She follows those who cut the main harvest, picking up what they leave behind, thereby not impeding their work or taking what isn’t intended for her. It reflects humility and orderliness.
• among the sheaves: This phrase precisely defines her working area. The "sheaves" (בָּעֳמָרִים, ba'omarim) are bundles of reaped grain. Gleaners typically gathered from what fell to the ground during the bundling or transportation process, emphasizing painstaking and often arduous work.
• So she came: Confirms her arrival at the field, acting on her intention.
• and has continued (וַתָּבוֹא וַתַּעֲמֹד, va-tavo va-ta'amod): Lit. "she came and she stood" or "she came and remained." The latter verb עָמַד, 'amad, implies standing firm, continuing, persevering. This describes sustained, consistent effort, not just a momentary appearance. It emphasizes her diligence from the moment she entered the field.
• from early morning: Indicates her extraordinary commitment to the work. She started at the very beginning of the workday, suggesting a disciplined and industrious character.
• until now: Describes her continuous labor up to the present moment, i.e., Boaz's arrival and inquiry. This conveys her exceptional endurance.
• except for a short rest: (זֶה שִׁבְתָּהּ הַבַּיִת מְעָט, zeh shivtah habayit m'at) Lit. "this her sitting in the house (shelter) a little." This brief respite in the shelter (often a small temporary hut for workers or gleaners) shows she is human, but highlights how minimal her break was, further underscoring her profound dedication. She was not idle.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Please let me glean and gather": This phrase conveys humility, active seeking of opportunity, and acceptance of labor rather than passive reception of charity. It sets the tone for Ruth’s character, demonstrating her drive to contribute.
• "after the reapers among the sheaves": This details the specific parameters of gleaning and highlights Ruth's adherence to the Law and customary practices. She wasn't simply wandering, but intentionally working within the prescribed method, ensuring her gleaning was legitimate and orderly.
• "from early morning until now, except for a short rest": This powerful testimony from the overseer encapsulates Ruth’s exceptional work ethic, endurance, and unwavering commitment. It contrasts with a casual worker, presenting Ruth as extraordinarily diligent, reflecting a virtue highly esteemed in the Scriptures (Prov 6:6-11, 1 Thess 4:11).

Ruth 2 7 Bonus section

• The overseer's detailed report shows Ruth’s distinctiveness among the gleaners. Most gleaners might have worked, but Ruth’s continuous, "from early morning until now" effort stood out, drawing the overseer’s particular attention and commendation to Boaz.
• Ruth's initiative in seeking work and her humble approach contrast sharply with any potential sense of entitlement. She actively pursued an opportunity for honest labor rather than expecting provision without effort, a core biblical principle.
• This verse contributes to establishing Ruth's chesed (loyal love/kindness), as her hard work is fundamentally for Naomi's provision. It's an act of loving devotion and sacrificial effort.

Ruth 2 7 Commentary

Ruth 2:7 is a pivotal verse in understanding Ruth's character and the unfolding divine providence. The overseer’s report to Boaz is not merely informative; it is a profound testimony to Ruth's extraordinary qualities. He paints a picture of a woman driven by initiative and profound humility, exemplified by her initial "Please let me glean" request, which honored the established custom of gleaning rather than demanding charity. Her diligence is highlighted by her relentless work "from early morning until now," pausing only for a brief and necessary rest. This commitment goes beyond what might be expected from a typical gleaner, suggesting a deeper well of character marked by selflessness and a determination to provide for Naomi.

This verse subtly underscores God's providential care, using Ruth's commendable qualities as the vehicle for His blessings. Her diligence and faithfulness, even in the arduous and lowly task of gleaning, attract Boaz's notice and ultimately lead to her being blessed far beyond what she could have imagined. Her quiet endurance in the field serves as a testament to the truth that faithfulness in seemingly small tasks often opens doors to greater favor and opportunity. This is a divine principle echoed throughout Scripture: diligent hands find blessing (Prov 10:4), and faithful service to others can attract divine favor (Matt 25:21). Ruth's consistent effort also subtly challenges any notions of idleness, highlighting the dignity and importance of honest labor in God's eyes.