Ruth 2:16

And let fall also [some] of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave [them], that she may glean [them], and rebuke her not.

And let fall {H7997} also some of the handfuls {H6653} of purpose {H7997} for her, and leave {H5800} them, that she may glean {H3950} them, and rebuke {H1605} her not.

In fact, pull some ears of grain out from the sheaves on purpose. Leave them for her to glean, and don't rebuke her."

Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.”

And also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it, and let her glean, and rebuke her not.

Commentary

Ruth 2:16 showcases Boaz's extraordinary kindness and foresight, instructing his reapers to go beyond the customary allowance for gleaners. This verse is a pivotal moment in the book of Ruth, demonstrating Boaz's character and God's providential care for Ruth and Naomi.

Context

The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow, who faithfully returns to Bethlehem with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after both their husbands and Naomi's other son die. Facing destitution, Ruth seeks to glean in the fields during the barley and wheat harvest, a provision mandated by the Mosaic Law for the poor and the foreigner. Providentially, she ends up in a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy and respected kinsman of Naomi’s deceased husband. Having heard of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, Boaz shows her exceptional favor, offering her protection, water, and even inviting her to eat with his reapers (Ruth 2:8-14). Verse 16 is his further instruction to his young men, designed to ensure Ruth's abundant provision.

Key Themes

  • Exceptional Generosity and Kindness: Boaz's command to "let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her" goes far beyond the legal requirement to leave the edges of the field for gleaning. This was a deliberate act of grace, designed to make Ruth's difficult task easier and more fruitful. It highlights a proactive, compassionate generosity that seeks to uplift the needy without humiliating them.
  • Divine Providence: While Ruth "happened" upon Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3), this verse underscores God's hand at work. Boaz's instructions are part of God's overarching plan to provide for Ruth and Naomi, and ultimately to bring Ruth into the lineage of David and Jesus Christ. This demonstrates God's care for the marginalized and His intricate orchestration of circumstances.
  • Dignity and Protection: The instruction "and rebuke her not" ensures that Ruth could glean without fear of harassment or shame. By secretly dropping extra grain, Boaz preserved her dignity, allowing her to gather much while still appearing to be a humble gleaner. This act reflects a deep respect for her person and situation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "handfuls of purpose" beautifully captures the intentionality behind Boaz's instruction. While the Hebrew literally means "and also you shall surely drop" or "let fall, let fall," the KJV's rendition emphasizes that this was a deliberate and specific act of kindness, not an accidental oversight. It was a conscious decision by Boaz to ensure Ruth's welfare, highlighting his benevolent character and proactive care.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:16 serves as a powerful example for believers today:

  • Proactive Generosity: We are called to look for opportunities to be generous, especially to those in need, going beyond minimal requirements. Boaz's example encourages us to give thoughtfully and abundantly, seeking to truly meet needs.
  • Preserving Dignity: True compassion seeks to empower and uplift without shaming. Boaz's discreet method of provision reminds us to consider how our giving impacts the recipient's dignity.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Just as God provided for Ruth through Boaz, this verse reminds us that God often works through the kindness of others to meet our needs. It encourages us to trust in God's faithful provision, even in challenging circumstances.

Boaz's actions in Ruth 2:16 are not just about providing food; they are a testament to a righteous character guided by compassion, setting the stage for his greater role as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 12:13

    Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

  • Deuteronomy 24:19

    When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

  • Deuteronomy 24:21

    When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean [it] afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.

  • 1 John 3:17

    But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

  • 1 John 3:18

    My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

  • Matthew 25:40

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

  • Philemon 1:7

    For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
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