Ruth 2:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:16 reveals Boaz's extraordinary and intentional generosity towards Ruth, instructing his field workers to go beyond the customary allowance for gleaners by deliberately dropping extra grain for her and ensuring she is not rebuked. This pivotal instruction highlights Boaz's compassionate character, his deep respect for Ruth's dignity, and serves as a tangible expression of God's providential care for the vulnerable, setting the stage for Ruth's integration into the community and the lineage of David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 2:16 is strategically placed within the narrative of Ruth's arrival in Bethlehem with Naomi and her subsequent efforts to glean in the fields to provide for them. After Ruth "happened" upon the field of Boaz, a wealthy and respected kinsman of Naomi's late husband Elimelech, she immediately experiences unusual favor. Boaz, having heard of her steadfast loyalty to Naomi and her commitment to the God of Israel, has already extended significant protection and provision, as detailed in [Ruth 2:8-14](/ruth/2-8-14 "Ruth 2:8-14 - Boaz's Initial Kindness and Provision"). He commanded his young men not to touch her, offered her water, and invited her to eat with his reapers. Verse 16 builds upon this, escalating his generosity from passive protection and shared meals to active, discreet, and abundant provision, ensuring Ruth's exceptional success in gleaning. This instruction directly precedes Ruth's remarkable return to Naomi with an ephah of barley, far more than a typical gleaner would gather, confirming the effectiveness of Boaz's directive and foreshadowing his deeper role as kinsman-redeemer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of gleaning was an essential social welfare provision embedded within the Mosaic Law, specifically detailed in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Provisions for the Poor and Sojourner"). This law mandated that landowners were not to reap the corners of their fields or gather fallen grain, leaving it for the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. Ruth, as a Moabite widow, fell squarely into the category of those dependent on this provision. However, Boaz's instruction in [Ruth 2:16](/ruth/2-16 "Ruth 2:16 - Boaz's Extraordinary Generosity") goes significantly beyond the legal minimum. He instructs his reapers to *intentionally* drop "handfuls of purpose" (or "bundles" or "sheaves") and not to rebuke her, ensuring she could glean abundantly without shame or harassment. This demonstrates a generosity that transcended legal obligation, reflecting a deep personal piety and adherence to the spirit, not just the letter, of the Law, embodying true covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Ruth. Firstly, it exemplifies **Exceptional Generosity and Kindness**, particularly from Boaz, who embodies the ideal of a righteous Israelite landowner. His actions demonstrate a proactive, compassionate care for the vulnerable, going beyond societal expectations to uplift Ruth without humiliating her. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**. While Ruth "happened" to come to Boaz's field ([Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's Providential Arrival")), Boaz's subsequent actions are clearly orchestrated by God to provide for Ruth and Naomi. This seemingly small instruction is a crucial step in God's larger plan to bring Ruth into the lineage of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah. Thirdly, the instruction to "rebuke her not" highlights the theme of **Dignity and Protection**. Boaz ensures Ruth can glean freely and abundantly, preserving her honor and shielding her from potential harassment or shame that gleaners often faced. His actions are a testament to his character as a "worthy man" ([Ruth 2:1](/ruth/2-1 "Ruth 2:1 - Boaz, a Worthy Man")), reflecting God's own care for the marginalized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Handfuls (Hebrew, _tsebeth'_):** From H6653, meaning "a lock of stalks; handful." This word refers to the bundles or sheaves of grain that the reapers would gather. Boaz's instruction to drop these "handfuls" implies a substantial amount of grain, not just stray individual stalks, indicating a deliberate and significant act of provision.
* **Of purpose (Hebrew, _shâlal'_):** From H7997, a primitive root meaning "to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder." In this context, it refers to the deliberate act of dropping grain. The KJV's "of purpose" accurately conveys the intentionality of Boaz's command, indicating that the reapers were to purposefully let fall portions of their harvested grain for Ruth, rather than just leaving accidental drops.
* **Glean (Hebrew, _lâqaṭ'_):** From H3950, a primitive root meaning "properly, to pick up, i.e. (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean." This verb describes the act of collecting the scattered grain left behind after the harvesters have passed. Boaz's instruction facilitates Ruth's ability to perform this task effectively and abundantly, allowing her diligent labor to yield exceptional results.
* **Rebuke (Hebrew, _gâʻar'_):** From H1605, a primitive root meaning "to chide; corrupt, rebuke, reprove." Boaz's command "and rebuke her not" is crucial for preserving Ruth's dignity and ensuring her safety. It prohibits his workers from shaming, harassing, or interfering with Ruth, allowing her to glean freely and without fear of humiliation or hindrance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let fall also [some] of the handfuls of purpose for her":** This clause reveals Boaz's proactive and exceptional generosity. He instructs his reapers to deliberately drop significant amounts of grain from their bundles, going far beyond the legal requirement to leave only the corners of the field or accidental drops. This was a specific, intentional act of grace designed to ensure Ruth's abundant provision, demonstrating a profound care for her well-being.
* **"and leave [them], that she may glean [them]":** This part specifies the method of provision. Boaz doesn't simply hand Ruth grain; he creates a situation where she can "glean" it herself. This preserves her dignity, allowing her to appear as a diligent worker earning her keep, rather than a direct recipient of charity. It also ensures that the provision is substantial and easily accessible to her, empowering her labor.
* **"and rebuke her not":** This final instruction highlights Boaz's deep concern for Ruth's emotional and physical well-being. He commands his men not to shame, harass, or interfere with her in any way. This ensures her safety and allows her to glean freely and without fear, further underscoring Boaz's compassionate and protective character, and setting a high standard for how the vulnerable should be treated.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 2:16 employs several effective literary devices that deepen its impact. **Benevolence** is the overarching characteristic of Boaz's actions, demonstrated through his deliberate and abundant provision. The instruction to drop "handfuls of purpose" (KJV) functions as a form of **discretion** or **indirect provision**, as it describes a calculated act of giving in a way that preserves the recipient's dignity, making it appear as part of the natural gleaning process rather than direct charity. There is an element of **irony** in Boaz's command: he instructs his workers to *intentionally* perform an act (dropping grain) that would normally be considered inefficient or accidental, transforming it into a profound gesture of grace. This verse also functions as **prolepsis** or **foreshadowing**, as Boaz's generous actions here anticipate his later role as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, where he will provide even more comprehensively for her and Naomi, bringing them into his family and securing their future, ultimately connecting to the Davidic and messianic lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:16 is a profound testament to God's providential care, often working through the compassionate actions of His people. Boaz's generosity transcends mere legal obligation, embodying the spirit of God's law concerning the poor and the sojourner. His actions reflect a deep understanding of human dignity and the importance of providing for the vulnerable without shaming them. This verse beautifully illustrates how divine sovereignty and human responsibility intertwine: Ruth's diligent labor in the field meets Boaz's extraordinary kindness, all orchestrated by God's guiding hand to fulfill His purposes for Ruth, Naomi, and the lineage of the Messiah. It serves as a powerful reminder that true faith expresses itself in practical, self-sacrificial love and generosity towards those in need, mirroring God's own character and demonstrating the practical outworking of covenant faithfulness.

* [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - The Law of Gleaning")
* [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Provisions for the Poor")
* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul Will Be Prospered")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:16 offers a compelling model for believers today, challenging us to move beyond minimal compliance with ethical or charitable duties towards a posture of radical, intentional generosity. Boaz's actions were not merely about providing food but about restoring dignity and hope. He saw Ruth's need and proactively sought a way to meet it abundantly, yet discreetly, ensuring she felt valued rather than shamed. This calls us to cultivate a heart that actively seeks out opportunities to bless others, especially the marginalized, without seeking recognition or making the recipient feel indebted. It reminds us that true compassion is discerning, thoughtful, and seeks to empower. Just as God used Boaz to provide for Ruth, we are called to be instruments of God's provision and grace in the lives of those around us, reflecting His boundless love and care for humanity and demonstrating the transformative power of Christ-like generosity in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I move beyond minimal obligations to practice proactive, intentional generosity in my own life, mirroring Boaz's actions?**
* **How can I ensure that my acts of kindness and provision preserve the dignity of the recipient, rather than creating a sense of shame or indebtedness?**
* **Who are the "Ruths" in my community or sphere of influence—those who are vulnerable, diligent, but in need of discreet, abundant provision?**
* **How does Boaz's character in this verse inspire me to embody the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways, especially towards the marginalized?**

### FAQ

**Why did Boaz instruct his men to "let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose" instead of just giving Ruth grain directly?**

Answer: Boaz's instruction to "let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose" (KJV) was a deliberate act of profound generosity designed to preserve Ruth's dignity. Giving her grain directly might have made her feel like an object of charity, potentially shaming her or diminishing her sense of self-worth. By instructing his reapers to *intentionally* drop extra grain from their bundles, Boaz allowed Ruth to "glean" it herself, making it appear as if she was simply gathering what was left behind, as was customary for gleaners under the Mosaic Law (see [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning")). This method allowed her diligent labor to yield an exceptionally abundant harvest, while still maintaining her honor and sense of self-sufficiency. It was a compassionate and wise way to provide for her without humiliating her, reflecting Boaz's deep respect and understanding of her difficult situation.

**What does "rebuke her not" signify in this context?**

Answer: The instruction "and rebuke her not" is a critical component of Boaz's comprehensive care for Ruth. Gleaners, often poor and vulnerable, could be subjected to harassment, verbal abuse, or even physical intimidation from field workers who might view them as nuisances or trespassers. By explicitly forbidding his men from rebuking, shaming, or interfering with Ruth, Boaz ensured her safety, peace of mind, and freedom to glean without fear. This command underscores Boaz's protective nature and his commitment to treating Ruth with the utmost respect and kindness, allowing her to work unhindered and gather as much as possible. It speaks to the importance of creating a safe and dignified environment for those in vulnerable positions, reflecting a truly righteous character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:16, though a simple instruction in an ancient harvest field, profoundly foreshadows the boundless grace and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Boaz's actions, going beyond the letter of the law to provide abundant and dignified provision for Ruth, serve as a beautiful type of Christ's greater generosity. Just as Boaz intentionally dropped "handfuls of purpose" for a foreign widow, Christ, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, deliberately came to earth to offer salvation and abundant life to those who were spiritually destitute and alienated from God, including Gentiles ([Ephesians 2:12-13](/ephesians/2-12-13 "Ephesians 2:12-13 - Alienated and Brought Near by Christ")). He does not merely offer the bare minimum required by the law but provides grace upon grace, a superabundance of blessing and forgiveness ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Fullness of Grace")). Furthermore, Boaz's command not to "rebuke her" reflects Christ's compassionate approach to sinners, offering forgiveness and restoration without shaming, as seen in His interactions with the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")) or the tax collector Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")). Through Christ, we are not just given a meager portion but are brought into the family of God, becoming co-heirs with Him, receiving an inheritance far beyond anything we could glean for ourselves ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Boaz's care for Ruth ultimately points to the ultimate provider who takes us from spiritual destitution to a place of abundant blessing and belonging in His eternal kingdom.

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

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.