Ruth 2:15

KJV

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

KJV (with Strong's)

And when she was risen up {H6965} to glean {H3950}, Boaz {H1162} commanded {H6680} his young men {H5288}, saying {H559}, Let her glean {H3950} even among the sheaves {H6016}, and reproach {H3637} her not:

Complete Jewish Bible

When she got up to glean, Bo'az ordered his young men, "Let her glean even among the sheaves themselves, without making her feel ashamed.

Berean Standard Bible

When Ruth got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, do not insult her.

American Standard Version

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:15 marks a significant escalation in Boaz's extraordinary kindness toward Ruth, moving beyond standard provisions for gleaners to an act of profound generosity and protective care. After Ruth diligently resumes her work in his fields, Boaz issues a specific command to his young men, instructing them to grant her exceptional access to the harvested grain by allowing her to glean directly among the sheaves. Crucially, he also charges them not to shame or hinder her in any way. This act of superabundant provision and safeguarding highlights Boaz's righteous character and serves as a clear demonstration of God's providential hand guiding Ruth's desperate search for sustenance into a remarkable encounter of provision, dignity, and favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 2:15 is strategically placed within the narrative of Ruth's integration into Bethlehem society and her efforts to provide for herself and Naomi through gleaning. The preceding verses [Ruth 2:1-14](/ruth/2-1-14 "Ruth 2:1-14 - Ruth Gleaning in Boaz's Field") establish Ruth's humble request to glean, her diligent work ethic, and Boaz's initial, already unusual, kindness towards her—offering protection, water, and an invitation to eat with his reapers. This particular verse represents a pivotal moment, as Boaz's favor escalates from general permission and provision to an explicit command that grants Ruth privileges far beyond what was customary for gleaners. It sets the stage for Ruth's abundant harvest [Ruth 2:17](/ruth/2-17 "Ruth 2:17 - Ruth's Abundant Gleaning") and deepens the reader's understanding of Boaz's character as a benevolent and righteous man, paving the way for the unfolding kinsman-redeemer narrative in subsequent chapters and foreshadowing the ultimate resolution of Ruth's plight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of gleaning was an integral part of Israelite social welfare, mandated by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws Concerning Gleaning")). These laws required landowners to leave the edges of their fields unharvested and not to return for forgotten sheaves, allowing the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow to gather sustenance. However, gleaners typically followed *after* the reapers, collecting only what was left behind. Ruth, as a Moabite widow and a foreigner, was particularly vulnerable and dependent on such provisions. Boaz's command to glean "even among the sheaves" directly contravenes the typical practice, demonstrating extraordinary generosity. Furthermore, his instruction to "reproach her not" highlights the often precarious and undignified position of gleaners, especially women, who could be subjected to verbal abuse, harassment, or shaming by field workers. Boaz's actions thus reflect not just legal compliance but a profound concern for Ruth's dignity and safety.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ruth. **Divine Providence** is profoundly evident, as God orchestrates Boaz's encounter with Ruth and inspires his exceptional kindness, directly fulfilling the blessing Boaz himself pronounced on Ruth in [Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Ruth 2:12 - Boaz's Blessing for Ruth"), where he prayed for her reward from the God of Israel. **Hesed**, or covenantal loyalty and steadfast love, is richly displayed through Boaz's actions, extending far beyond legal obligation to proactive, compassionate care for a vulnerable outsider. His **Generosity** is extraordinary, providing not merely subsistence but abundance, reflecting God's own character as a provider. Furthermore, Boaz's instruction to "reproach her not" underscores the theme of **Dignity** and **Protection** for the marginalized, ensuring Ruth's labor is not only fruitful but also performed without humiliation or harassment, a stark contrast to the potential exploitation faced by many vulnerable individuals (cf. [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lâqaṭ (Hebrew, _lâqaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to pick up, i.e. (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean." In the context of Ruth 2:15, Ruth's act of "gleaning" is transformed from merely gathering scattered leftovers to a privileged collection of grain, indicating Boaz's extraordinary favor that redefines the very nature of her labor.
* **ʻômer (Hebrew, _ʻômer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to heap," this word refers to "a heap, i.e. a sheaf," or a bundle of harvested grain. Boaz's command for Ruth to glean "even among the sheaves" is revolutionary, granting her access to the more substantial, already bundled grain, which was typically off-limits to gleaners, thereby significantly increasing her yield and easing her arduous work.
* **kâlam (Hebrew, _kâlam'_):** This primitive root means "to wound," but figuratively, "to taunt or insult; be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame." Boaz's explicit instruction to "reproach her not" reveals his deep concern for Ruth's emotional and social well-being, actively protecting her from potential verbal abuse, harassment, or humiliation by his male workers in the field.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she was risen up to glean":** This clause highlights Ruth's unwavering diligence and commitment. Despite the previous invitation to eat and rest, she promptly returns to her arduous work, demonstrating her proactive and responsible character and her determination to provide for herself and Naomi.
* **"Boaz commanded his young men, saying":** This phrase emphasizes Boaz's authority as the landowner and his intentional, deliberate act of kindness. His instruction is not a mere suggestion but a direct, authoritative order, ensuring his will is carried out by his workers, underscoring his active and decisive role in extending favor to Ruth.
* **"Let her glean even among the sheaves":** This is the core of Boaz's exceptional generosity and the turning point in Ruth's gleaning experience. As detailed in the Key Word Analysis, this permission goes far beyond the legal requirements for gleaning, allowing Ruth to gather grain directly from the bundled sheaves, significantly increasing her potential harvest and easing her labor. It is a proactive act of superabundant provision.
* **"and reproach her not":** This command reveals Boaz's profound care for Ruth's dignity and protection. He not only provides for her physical needs but also safeguards her emotional and social well-being, ensuring she is treated with respect and not subjected to any form of harassment, shaming, or humiliation by his workers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, as Boaz's escalating generosity and protective care for Ruth here strongly hint at his future role as her kinsman-redeemer, a figure who would provide ultimate security, provision, and family. There is also an element of **Irony**, as a foreign, Moabite widow, traditionally an outsider and marginalized figure, receives extraordinary favor and protection that surpasses what many native Israelites might expect. Boaz's actions serve as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's providential care, using a human agent to demonstrate divine kindness and abundant provision for the vulnerable. The entire scene underscores the theme of **Hesed**, or steadfast love and loyalty, which is a central motif throughout the book of Ruth, exemplified in Boaz's actions that extend beyond legal obligation to compassionate, proactive care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:15 powerfully illustrates God's providential care for the vulnerable and His use of righteous individuals to extend grace and provision. Boaz's actions transcend mere adherence to the letter of the law, embodying a spirit of radical generosity and protective compassion that profoundly reflects God's own character as a loving provider and protector. This verse teaches that true righteousness involves not just avoiding harm but actively seeking the welfare and dignity of others, especially those on the margins of society. It underscores the biblical principle that caring for the poor and the stranger is an act of worship and a tangible demonstration of faith, inviting believers to be willing channels of divine blessing in the world, mirroring God's own heart for the needy.

* [Deuteronomy 24:19](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Gleaning for the Alien, Fatherless, and Widow")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Lending to the Lord")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:15 challenges believers to move beyond minimal compliance with ethical standards and embrace a proactive, generous, and dignified approach to helping others. Boaz did not wait for Ruth to ask for more; he initiated greater provision and protection, demonstrating a spirit of abundant grace and forethought. This calls us to cultivate a keen awareness of the needs around us and to actively seek opportunities to bless others in ways that not only meet their physical necessities but also preserve and enhance their inherent dignity. In a world where the vulnerable are often exploited, overlooked, or shamed, Boaz's command to "reproach her not" serves as a timeless model for how we are to offer help: with profound respect, genuine empathy, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the recipient's honor. Furthermore, recognizing God's providential hand in Boaz's actions encourages us to view our own acts of kindness as instruments of divine purpose, allowing God to work through us to bring comfort, provision, and hope to those in need, transforming ordinary interactions into opportunities for divine blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life can I move beyond mere obligation to proactive and extraordinary generosity, like Boaz demonstrated?**
* **How can I ensure that my acts of charity or help are offered in a way that truly preserves the dignity and self-respect of the recipient, rather than inadvertently shaming them?**
* **How might I be more attuned to opportunities to protect the vulnerable from shame, harassment, or exploitation in my community, workplace, or even within my own family?**
* **Where can I recognize God's providential hand at work in seemingly ordinary interactions, and how can I be a more willing and intentional channel for His blessings to others?**

### FAQ
**Why was gleaning "among the sheaves" so significant, and how did it differ from typical gleaning?**

Answer: Gleaning "among the sheaves" was highly significant because it went far beyond the standard practice of gleaning mandated by the Mosaic Law. Typically, gleaners were only permitted to collect the stray stalks of grain that had fallen to the ground *after* the reapers had bundled the main harvest into sheaves. This meant gleaners had to work extremely hard for relatively small amounts of grain. By commanding his young men to allow Ruth to glean "even among the sheaves," Boaz was granting her permission to gather grain directly from the bundled sheaves themselves, or at least from the immediate vicinity before they were fully collected and removed. This dramatically increased the quantity of grain she could gather and made her labor significantly more fruitful and less arduous, demonstrating extraordinary generosity that far exceeded legal requirements (see [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning")).

**What does "reproach her not" imply about the challenges gleaners, particularly women, faced in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The instruction "reproach her not" (Hebrew: *kalam*, meaning to shame, disgrace, or insult) is highly significant and deeply revealing. It implies that gleaners, especially vulnerable women like Ruth who were working alone in fields with male laborers, were often susceptible to various forms of ill-treatment. This could include verbal abuse, harassment, shaming, being hindered from gathering, or even physical threats. Boaz's explicit command to his young men to avoid such behavior towards Ruth underscores his profound concern for her dignity, safety, and overall well-being. It highlights the potential social vulnerabilities faced by those dependent on gleaning and powerfully showcases Boaz's righteous and compassionate character in actively protecting Ruth from such indignities.

**How does Boaz's action in Ruth 2:15 connect to the broader narrative of God's providence in the book of Ruth?**

Answer: Boaz's actions in [Ruth 2:15](/ruth/2-15 "Ruth 2:15 - Boaz's Command to His Young Men") are a clear and powerful demonstration of God's providence at work in the lives of Ruth and Naomi. What began as Ruth's desperate, humble search for sustenance in a foreign land (see [Ruth 2:2](/ruth/2-2 "Ruth 2:2 - Ruth's Request to Glean")) quickly turns into a divinely orchestrated encounter with Boaz, a man of wealth and integrity. Boaz's escalating kindness, culminating in this extraordinary provision and protection, directly answers the blessing he himself pronounced on Ruth in [Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Ruth 2:12 - Boaz's Blessing for Ruth"), where he prayed that she would be richly rewarded by the God of Israel. This verse shows God using a human agent to provide abundantly for the vulnerable, guiding events to ensure the survival and flourishing of the lineage that would eventually lead to King David and, ultimately, to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Boaz's extraordinary generosity and protective care in Ruth 2:15 serve as a beautiful and profound foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz, a wealthy and righteous man, goes far beyond the requirements of the law to provide abundantly for Ruth, an impoverished foreign widow, so too does Christ, in His infinite grace, provide for us who were spiritual foreigners and alienated from God (cf. [Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Alienated from Christ")). We, like Ruth, are invited to come to His field, the Kingdom of God, where He offers not just mere sustenance but an abundance of life (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy; I Come to Give Life Abundantly")). Christ's sacrifice on the cross means we can glean not just the leftovers of grace but are invited directly "among the sheaves" of His redemptive work, receiving the full harvest of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. Furthermore, Boaz's command to "reproach her not" powerfully reflects Christ's unwavering commitment to our dignity and worth. He does not shame us for our past or our desperate need but welcomes us with open arms, offering rest to the weary and burdened (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, we find not just provision, but ultimate protection and a secure identity as beloved children of God, redeemed by the one who became poor that we might become rich (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")).

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

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.