Ruth 2:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she took it up {H5375}, and went {H935} into the city {H5892}: and her mother in law {H2545} saw {H7200} what she had gleaned {H3950}: and she brought forth {H3318}, and gave {H5414} to her that she had reserved {H3498} after she was sufficed {H7648}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She picked it up and went back to the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned, and Rut brought out and gave her what she had left over after eating her fill.

Berean Standard Bible

She picked up the grain and went into the town, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi.

American Standard Version

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 which she had left after she was sufficed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:18 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, portraying Ruth's return to Bethlehem with an extraordinary amount of gleaned grain, far exceeding typical expectations. This verse vividly illustrates the immediate fruit of Ruth's diligent labor and, more significantly, the lavish kindness shown by Boaz. It sets the stage for Naomi's inquiry and the subsequent unfolding of God's providential plan, transforming their dire circumstances into a burgeoning hope for provision and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of Ruth's first day of gleaning and a crucial transition point in the book. Preceding it, Ruth, a Moabite widow, arrives in Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, both impoverished. Ruth's initiative to glean for their sustenance (Ruth 2:2) leads her providentially to the fields of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi's late husband. Throughout the day, Boaz demonstrates exceptional favor towards Ruth, instructing his reapers to leave extra grain for her (Ruth 2:15-16) and inviting her to eat with his workers (Ruth 2:14). Ruth 2:18 describes the culmination of this day's activity, as she brings her substantial gleanings home. It immediately precedes Naomi's astonished inquiry about the source of such abundance (Ruth 2:19), which then leads to the revelation of Boaz's identity and Naomi's strategic plan for their future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of gleaning was a divinely ordained provision for the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow in ancient Israel, as commanded in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Rights of the Poor")). This legal framework ensured a basic social safety net, allowing the vulnerable to sustain themselves through their own labor. However, Boaz's actions went far beyond mere legal compliance; his instructions to his reapers to purposefully leave extra grain and even pull out stalks for Ruth (Ruth 2:16) were acts of extraordinary generosity and compassion. For Ruth, a Moabite woman in a foreign land, this kindness was particularly significant, highlighting the vulnerability of foreign widows and the profound impact of a righteous landowner's benevolence. The act of bringing the gleanings home to Naomi underscores the strong family bond and mutual dependence within their household, especially given their status as widows without male protectors.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 2:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ruth. Firstly, it exemplifies **Diligence and Provision**, showcasing how Ruth's hard work, combined with Boaz's generosity, resulted in a bountiful harvest, far exceeding what a typical gleaner might expect. This abundance points to God's faithful provision, often mediated through human kindness, as seen in [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Providence and Human Kindness**. While Ruth simply went to glean, it was God's unseen hand that guided her to Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3), and Boaz's actions reflect a divinely inspired compassion, echoing the Lord's care for the vulnerable. Thirdly, it underscores **Filial Devotion and Mutual Care**, as Ruth's primary motivation for gleaning was to provide for Naomi, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty and love (cf. [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow to Naomi")). The detail that Naomi had "reserved after she was sufficed" yet still received Ruth's bounty, further emphasizes the deep bond and shared life between them, pointing towards a theme of **Restoration and Hope** emerging from their initial despair.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **יָתַר (Hebrew, _yathar'_):** This Hebrew verb, translated "reserved" in the KJV, means "to be left over, remain, excel, be in excess." In this context, it implies that Naomi had food remaining or in surplus *after* she had eaten her fill. It suggests a state of having more than enough for her immediate needs. This detail is crucial because it highlights that Ruth's bringing of the grain was not merely to prevent starvation, but an act of profound generosity and sharing of an unexpected bounty, even when the recipient was not in dire need at that precise moment. It underscores the spirit of communal sharing and abundance, rather than mere survival.
* **שָׂבַע (Hebrew, _sava'_):** Translated "sufficed" in the KJV, this verb means "to be satisfied, full, have enough, be sated." It confirms that Naomi had eaten to her fill before Ruth arrived. Coupled with _yathar_, it paints a picture of Naomi being adequately provided for, perhaps from a small store of food she possessed or from a previous meal. This detail amplifies the significance of Ruth's immense gleaning; it wasn't just *needed* but represented an *overflow* of blessing, an unexpected surplus that would change their living conditions from subsistence to abundance. It sets up the dramatic reveal of the quantity and source of the grain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she took [it] up, and went into the city:"** This clause describes Ruth's physical action of gathering her substantial gleanings, likely a large quantity of barley (as revealed in Ruth 2:17, an ephah, roughly 22 liters or 45 pounds), and her journey back into Bethlehem. The simple act of "taking it up" implies the weight and volume of her harvest, a testament to both her diligence and Boaz's exceptional generosity. Her return to "the city" (Bethlehem) signifies the completion of her day's labor and the anticipation of sharing her success with Naomi.
* **"and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned:"** Naomi's observation is key. The sight of Ruth's abundant gleanings immediately triggers her surprise and curiosity, setting up the dialogue that follows. This visual impact emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Ruth's yield, far beyond what a typical gleaner would gather, and thus signals a significant shift in their circumstances. It is a moment of revelation and dawning hope for Naomi.
* **"and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed."** This final clause reveals Ruth's continued devotion and Naomi's unexpected act of reciprocal generosity. "She brought forth" refers to Ruth presenting her gleanings to Naomi. The phrase "that she had reserved after she was sufficed" indicates that Ruth also brought out some of the roasted grain Boaz had given her for lunch (Ruth 2:14), which she had saved. This act of sharing her own portion, even after a long day of work and having eaten, underscores Ruth's selflessness and commitment to Naomi. It demonstrates that the provision was not just for survival, but for shared blessing and mutual care, embodying the spirit of their bond.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between Ruth and Naomi's initial impoverished and desolate state at the beginning of chapter 2 and the abundant provision Ruth brings home in this verse. This immediate shift from scarcity to surplus highlights the dramatic change in their fortunes, largely due to Boaz's kindness. **Symbolism** is also at play, as the overflowing measure of grain Ruth brings home is not merely food; it symbolizes God's providential care, Boaz's extraordinary generosity, and the blossoming hope for the future. It represents a tangible manifestation of blessing and the reversal of their fortunes. Furthermore, the scene creates **Dramatic Irony** and **Suspense** for the reader, as Naomi is initially unaware of the source of Ruth's bounty, while the reader knows it came from Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. This builds anticipation for the subsequent reveal and Naomi's strategic response. Finally, the verse functions as a **Turning Point**, marking the end of Ruth's initial period of independent struggle and the beginning of Naomi's active strategizing to secure their future through Boaz.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:18 serves as a profound testament to God's faithful provision, often mediated through the kindness and generosity of His people. It illustrates that divine providence is not always a miraculous, direct intervention but frequently works through the ordinary means of human diligence and compassion. Boaz's actions, which go beyond the letter of the law, reflect a heart attuned to God's commands regarding care for the vulnerable, embodying the very character of God who provides abundantly for His children. This verse underscores the theological principle that God delights in blessing those who are diligent and who extend grace to others. The surprising abundance Ruth brings home is a tangible sign of God's favor resting upon the desolate, transforming their circumstances from mere survival to a burgeoning hope for full restoration. It reminds us that even in seasons of scarcity, God is at work, orchestrating encounters and opening doors for unexpected blessings.

* [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalm/145-15 "God Provides for All")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply Your Needs")
* [2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "God's Abundant Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:18 offers rich insights for contemporary believers, encouraging a holistic approach to faith that integrates diligent effort, generous spirit, and unwavering trust in God's provision. Ruth's commitment to hard work, even in challenging circumstances, demonstrates that our active participation is often the channel through which God's blessings flow. Her selfless act of bringing *all* her gleanings and even her reserved portion to Naomi teaches us the profound joy and spiritual richness found in sharing our blessings, even when we ourselves might be in need. Boaz's extraordinary kindness reminds us that we are called to be conduits of God's grace, extending generosity beyond mere obligation, especially to those who are vulnerable or marginalized. This verse challenges us to look for opportunities to be a "Boaz" in someone else's life, to go the extra mile in our compassion and provision. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and to trust that God, in His perfect timing and through unexpected means, will always provide for His children, often in ways that far exceed our expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise diligence, trusting God to bless your efforts?**
* **How can you, like Boaz, extend extraordinary kindness and generosity to someone in need, going beyond what is expected or obligated?**
* **What does Ruth's act of sharing her reserved portion teach you about true generosity and mutual care within relationships?**
* **How does this verse encourage your trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ

**Why did Ruth bring food to Naomi if Naomi was already 'sufficed' or had 'reserved' food?**

Answer: The phrase "reserved after she was sufficed" indicates that Naomi had already eaten her fill and perhaps had some food left over from her own meager stores. Ruth's act of bringing her immense gleanings, and even her own portion of roasted grain that she had saved (from Boaz's lunch invitation in [Ruth 2:14](/ruth/2-14 "Boaz Invites Ruth to Eat")), was not out of Naomi's immediate hunger, but out of Ruth's profound devotion, gratitude, and desire to share the extraordinary blessing she had received. It highlights the depth of their mutual care and the overflowing nature of the provision. It also sets up the dramatic reveal of the source of the abundance, as Naomi's surprise (Ruth 2:19) is amplified by the fact that she wasn't expecting such a large quantity. This act of sharing, even when not strictly necessary for survival, underscores the deep bond and mutual care between them, transforming their situation from subsistence to abundance.

**How much grain did Ruth glean on this single day?**

Answer: While Ruth 2:18 itself doesn't specify the exact amount, the preceding verse, [Ruth 2:17](/ruth/2-17 "Ruth's Abundant Gleaning"), states that Ruth gleaned "about an ephah of barley." An ephah was a significant measure, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or approximately 45 pounds (20 kg) of grain. This was an exceptionally large amount for a single day's gleaning, especially for a lone woman. A typical gleaner might gather only a few pounds. This extraordinary yield was a direct result of Boaz's specific instructions to his reapers to intentionally leave extra grain for Ruth and even pull out stalks for her (Ruth 2:16), demonstrating his profound and intentional kindness. This abundance was a clear sign of divine favor and a turning point for Ruth and Naomi's survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:18, with its depiction of abundant provision and unexpected kindness, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and redemption found in Jesus Christ. Boaz, the generous kinsman-redeemer, who goes beyond the law to lavish grace upon Ruth, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Ruth, a destitute foreigner, found an overflowing supply of sustenance and security in Boaz's field, so too do believers, once alienated from God and spiritually impoverished, find an inexhaustible supply of grace, mercy, and spiritual nourishment in Christ. The abundance of barley Ruth brings home points to the spiritual abundance available in Christ, who declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Moreover, the act of Ruth bringing her bounty to Naomi, ensuring her mother-in-law's sustenance, mirrors Christ's self-giving love and provision for His Church, His spiritual bride. Through His ultimate sacrifice, Christ has "reserved" for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Imperishable Inheritance")), providing not just enough to be "sufficed" but an overflow of eternal life and blessing. The story of Ruth's provision through Boaz is a testament to God's faithful, redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, our true Kinsman-Redeemer, who brings us into His abundant harvest of salvation and eternal rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest")).

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.