Ruth 2:14

KJV

And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn], and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Boaz {H1162} said {H559} unto her, At mealtime {H6256}{H400} come {H5066} thou hither {H1988}, and eat {H398} of the bread {H3899}, and dip {H2881} thy morsel {H6595} in the vinegar {H2558}. And she sat {H3427} beside {H6654} the reapers {H7114}: and he reached {H6642} her parched {H7039} corn, and she did eat {H398}, and was sufficed {H7646}, and left {H3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When meal-time came, Bo'az said to her, "Come here, have something to eat, and dip your piece of bread in the [olive oil and] vinegar." She sat by the reapers, and they passed her some roasted grain. She ate till she was full, and she had some left over.

Berean Standard Bible

At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over.

American Standard Version

And at meal-time Boaz said unto her, Come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers, and they reached her parched grain, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:14 captures a pivotal moment of profound grace and generous provision, where Boaz, the wealthy and respected landowner, extends extraordinary hospitality to Ruth, the vulnerable Moabite gleaner. During the communal mealtime, he personally invites her to join his reapers, offering her not only bread and vinegar but also specifically providing her with an abundance of roasted grain until she is completely satisfied and even has leftovers. This deeply personal act of care elevates Ruth from her precarious position as an outsider to a welcomed and honored guest, publicly demonstrating Boaz's exceptional favor and God's intricate providential hand orchestrating events in her life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 2:14 is strategically placed at the heart of Ruth's initial encounter with Boaz in his fields, marking a significant escalation in his kindness towards her. The narrative has previously established Ruth's humble request to glean ([Ruth 2:2](/ruth/2-2 "Ruth 2:2 - Ruth's Request to Glean")) and her providential arrival in Boaz's field ([Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's Providential Encounter")). Boaz has already shown remarkable favor by instructing his young men not to molest her, allowing her to glean among the sheaves, and even commanding them to deliberately leave extra stalks for her ([Ruth 2:8-9](/ruth/2-8 "Ruth 2:8-9 - Boaz's Initial Kindness") and [Ruth 2:15-16](/ruth/2-15-16 "Ruth 2:15-16 - Boaz's Continued Instructions")). This mealtime invitation transcends mere permission to glean; it is a personal, public act of fellowship and abundant provision that profoundly shifts Ruth's status and sets the stage for the deepening relationship that will culminate in Boaz's role as her kinsman-redeemer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, sharing a meal was far more than a physical necessity; it was a potent symbol of fellowship, acceptance, and the extension of protection. To invite someone to eat at one's table, particularly a stranger, a widow, or a vulnerable person, was to confer honor, integrate them into one's social sphere, and publicly declare a commitment to their well-being. Ruth, as a foreign widow, occupied the lowest rung of society, dependent on the generosity of landowners and the specific provisions of the Mosaic Law for the poor and sojourners, such as the right to glean ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning and the Poor") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Gleaning and Care for the Needy")). Boaz's invitation in Ruth 2:14 extends far beyond these legal requirements; it is an act of extraordinary personal hospitality that elevates Ruth's status from a humble gleaner to a welcomed guest, signifying his profound respect and a public declaration of his protective interest. The "vinegar" (likely a sour wine or diluted vinegar) and "parched corn" (roasted grain) were common, practical provisions for field workers, but Boaz's personal offering underscores his attentive and intentional care.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illuminates several core themes woven throughout the book of Ruth. Firstly, it showcases **Extraordinary Kindness and Generosity**, as Boaz consistently transcends societal expectations and legal obligations to provide for Ruth, a foreign widow. His actions embody the spirit of compassion and open-handedness that God desires for His people, reflecting the Hebrew concept of _hesed_ (covenant loyalty and steadfast love). Secondly, it is a clear and compelling demonstration of **Divine Providence and Favor**. What began as Ruth's humble, almost desperate, search for sustenance ([Ruth 2:2](/ruth/2-2 "Ruth 2:2 - Ruth's Humble Request")) rapidly transforms into abundant provision and surprising favor, revealing God's unseen hand guiding events and orchestrating blessings through human instruments. Thirdly, the act of **Hospitality** is central, emphasizing the profound biblical mandate to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Finally, Boaz's personal attention and abundant provision for Ruth serve as a potent **Foreshadowing of Redemption**. His care for her immediate physical needs mirrors his deeper, future role as her kinsman-redeemer (_goel_), who would ultimately redeem her and Naomi's inheritance, securing their future and lineage ([Ruth 4:4](/ruth/4-4 "Ruth 4:4 - Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reached (Hebrew, _tsâbaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to grasp" or "to hand out." In this context, it describes Boaz's personal action of "pinching off" or "reaching" the parched corn to Ruth. This is not a passive command to a servant, but a direct, physical gesture from Boaz himself. It emphasizes his personal involvement, attention, and the honor he bestowed upon Ruth, highlighting the intimate and intentional nature of his generosity.
* **Vinegar (Hebrew, _chômets'_):** This term refers to a sour drink, typically made from fermented grain or grapes. While it might sound unappetizing by modern standards, it was a common, refreshing, and practical beverage for field laborers in ancient Israel, often diluted with water to quench thirst and provide energy during strenuous work. Its inclusion in Boaz's offering signifies a thoughtful and appropriate provision for the arduous labor, demonstrating his practical care for Ruth's well-being within the context of the field.
* **Sufficed (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** This verb means "to sate," "to fill to satisfaction," or "to have enough and to spare." The text explicitly states that Ruth ate until she was _sâbaʻ_, underscoring that Boaz's provision was not merely adequate but abundant. She was not just given a taste; she was completely nourished, highlighting the overflowing generosity of Boaz and the fullness of the provision she received, which allowed her to even have some left over.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar."**: This opening clause immediately establishes Boaz's direct and personal invitation to Ruth, a gesture of immense significance given her vulnerable status. The "mealtime" (עֵת הָאֹכֶל, _‘et ha’okhel_) was a designated break for all workers, and Boaz's specific command to "come thou hither" (גְּשִׁי הֲלֹם, _gishī halom_) implies a movement from her humble position as a gleaner to a place of honor and inclusion among his reapers. The offer of "bread" and the instruction to "dip thy morsel in the vinegar" signifies a shared, communal meal, integrating her into the group and providing her with sustenance beyond what she could gather on her own. This is a public and intentional act of inclusion and care.
* **"And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn],"**: Ruth's humble and respectful obedience ("she sat beside the reapers") underscores her acceptance of Boaz's unexpected favor, demonstrating her humility and gratitude. The phrase "he reached her parched [corn]" (וַיִּצְבָּט לָהּ קָלִי, _wayyiṣbat lah qali_) is particularly impactful. It emphasizes Boaz's personal involvement; he does not delegate this task but himself "pinches off" or "hands out" the roasted grain to her. This direct, physical act of provision further highlights his personal attention, care, and the unique honor he bestows upon her. "Parched corn" (roasted grain, likely barley or wheat) was a common, nutritious, and easily portable food for workers in the field.
* **"and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left."**: This concluding clause emphasizes the immediate and abundant outcome of Boaz's generosity and Ruth's reception. She "did eat," indicating her full participation and enjoyment of the meal. Crucially, she "was sufficed" (וַתִּשְׂבַּע, _wattisba‘_), meaning she ate until she was completely full and satisfied, a stark contrast to the scarcity she had likely experienced. The final phrase, "and left" (וַתֹּתַר, _wattotar_), signifies that she had more than enough, even leaving some over, which she later brought to Naomi ([Ruth 2:18](/ruth/2-18 "Ruth 2:18 - Ruth Shares with Naomi")). This overflowing abundance powerfully underscores the nature of Boaz's provision and, by extension, God's providential care that often exceeds human expectation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Ruth 2:14 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is strikingly evident in the scene: a foreign, destitute widow, who by societal norms should remain on the margins, is personally invited by the wealthy, influential landowner to eat at his table, a place of honor, acceptance, and provision. This subversion of social hierarchy highlights Boaz's exceptional character and God's surprising and often counter-cultural ways of working. **Foreshadowing** is also prominent; Boaz's immediate, tangible provision of food and his personal care for Ruth's physical needs strongly foreshadow his later, greater act of redemption as her kinsman-redeemer, where he will secure her future, family, and inheritance. The shared meal itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not only physical sustenance but also fellowship, acceptance, and the burgeoning, divinely orchestrated relationship between Ruth and Boaz. The abundance of food, to the point that Ruth "was sufficed, and left," serves as a potent **Symbol** of God's overflowing provision and blessing, which frequently surpasses human needs and expectations. Finally, the stark **Contrast** between Ruth's initial vulnerability and Boaz's protective, proactive generosity underscores the transformative power of kindness and divine favor in the lives of the marginalized.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:14 stands as a profound illustration of God's providential care working through human instruments. Boaz's extraordinary generosity transcends mere legal obligation, demonstrating a spirit of compassion and proactive kindness that beautifully mirrors God's own character, particularly His _hesed_ ( steadfast love). This passage teaches us that God often meets the needs of the vulnerable not solely through miraculous intervention, but powerfully through the open hands and compassionate hearts of His people. This act of hospitality—welcoming the outsider, providing abundantly, and extending dignity—reflects the very heart of God, who consistently cares for the sojourner, the widow, and the orphan throughout Scripture. It serves as a powerful reminder that our acts of kindness, however seemingly small or ordinary, can be profound conduits of divine grace, bringing not only physical sustenance but also dignity, hope, and a tangible experience of God's love to those in need. This passage challenges believers to look beyond self-interest and to actively seek opportunities to extend radical generosity and inclusive hospitality, recognizing that in serving others, especially the "least of these," we are serving God Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Laws for the Poor and Sojourner")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:14 offers a powerful and enduring model for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate a spirit of proactive, personal, and abundant generosity. Boaz didn't wait for Ruth to explicitly ask for more; he anticipated her needs and went above and beyond, inviting her into his intimate circle of workers and providing for her personally with an overflowing abundance. This challenges us to look beyond mere duty and actively seek opportunities to serve and give, especially to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or overlooked in our communities, without expecting anything in return. It also encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand in our daily provisions, understanding that He often works through the kindness and open-handedness of others, even in seemingly ordinary interactions. Furthermore, Ruth's humble acceptance of this blessing and her subsequent sharing of her abundance with Naomi teach us the importance of receiving God's grace with gratitude and extending that grace to others, fostering a virtuous cycle of generosity, mutual care, and community within the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like Boaz, move beyond mere obligation to extend proactive and deeply personal generosity to those in need around us, especially those who are often overlooked?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God's providential care working through the unexpected kindness or generosity of others in your own life?**
* **How does the story of Boaz and Ruth challenge our cultural tendencies towards individualism and encourage us to embrace a more communal, hospitable, and outwardly focused approach to life and resources?**

### FAQ
**Why did Boaz offer Ruth "vinegar" and what was its purpose?**

Answer: The "vinegar" (חֹמֶץ, _chômets'_) offered by Boaz was not a culinary delicacy in the modern sense, but a very common and practical refreshment for field workers in ancient Israel. It was typically a sour wine or fermented grain drink, often diluted with water, used to quench thirst and provide a bit of energy during strenuous labor under the hot sun. By offering it, Boaz was providing a thoughtful and appropriate provision for her immediate needs as a laborer, demonstrating his practical care for her well-being in a humble yet significant way, rather than a luxurious one. It was a staple for sustenance in the fields.

**What is the significance of Boaz personally reaching her the parched corn?**

Answer: Boaz's personal action of "reaching" (וַיִּצְבָּט, _wayyiṣbat_ - literally, "he pinched off" or "he pulled out") the parched corn to Ruth is highly significant and deeply symbolic. It goes far beyond a simple command to a servant to feed her. This direct, physical gesture demonstrates his personal attention, intimate care, and the profound honor he bestows upon her. It elevates Ruth from a mere gleaner to a welcomed and respected guest at his table, signifying a deeper level of acceptance and protective interest. This personal touch highlights the extraordinary nature of his kindness and foreshadows the intimate, covenantal relationship that will develop between them.

**Did Ruth expect this level of generosity from Boaz, given her circumstances?**

Answer: It is highly unlikely Ruth expected this level of generosity. Her initial request to Boaz was simply to be allowed to glean in his fields, a right granted to the poor and sojourners by law ([Ruth 2:7](/ruth/2-7 "Ruth 2:7 - Ruth's Request to Boaz")). As a foreign, destitute widow, her social standing was very low, and she would have been accustomed to a life of scarcity and vulnerability. Boaz's invitation to eat with his reapers, his personal provision of food, and the abundance that left her "sufficed, and left" far exceeded the typical expectations for a gleaner. This highlights Boaz's exceptional character and the surprising, abundant nature of God's provision working through him, demonstrating divine favor beyond human merit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:14, with Boaz's generous invitation and abundant provision, serves as a beautiful and profound foreshadowing of the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Boaz, the wealthy and benevolent landowner, freely offers sustenance and radical welcome to Ruth, the impoverished outsider, much as Christ, the Lord of all creation and the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, extends an open and gracious invitation to all who are spiritually poor, marginalized, and alienated from God to come to Him. Just as Boaz provides the "bread" and "parched corn" that satisfies Ruth's physical hunger, Jesus declares Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), promising that those who come to Him will never spiritually hunger or thirst ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Boaz's personal act of reaching the food to Ruth speaks powerfully to Christ's intimate, personal, and compassionate care for each individual, demonstrating His willingness to draw near and meet our deepest needs, not merely a distant provision. Furthermore, Boaz's welcome of Ruth, a Moabite and thus an outsider to Israel's covenant people, prefigures Christ's radical inclusivity, breaking down the spiritual barriers between Jew and Gentile and welcoming all nations into the family of God through His atoning work ([Ephesians 2:13-19](/ephesians/2-13-19 "Ephesians 2:13-19 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, Boaz's provision at the mealtime foreshadows the ultimate feast of redemption, the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), to which Christ invites all who believe, providing not just physical sustenance but eternal life and complete spiritual satisfaction through His sacrificial body and blood ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ruth 2:18

And she took [it] up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

Matthew 14:20

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

Deuteronomy 8:10

¶ When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

2 Kings 4:43

And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof].

2 Kings 4:44

So he set [it] before them, and they did eat, and left [thereof], according to the word of the LORD.

Luke 14:12

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Luke 14:14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.