Ruth 2:7

And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

And she said {H559}, I pray you, let me glean {H3950} and gather {H622} after {H310} the reapers {H7114} among the sheaves {H6016}: so she came {H935}, and hath continued {H5975} even {H227} from the morning {H1242} until now, that she tarried {H3427} a little {H4592} in the house {H1004}.

She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather what falls from the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she went and has kept at it from morning until now, except for a little rest in the shelter."

She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’ So she came out and has continued from morning until now, except that she rested a short time in the shelter.”

and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house.

Commentary

Ruth 2:7 provides a crucial insight into Ruth's character and work ethic, as reported by the overseer of Boaz's reapers. It highlights her initiative, her understanding of the local customs, and her tireless dedication to providing for herself and Naomi.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set during the barley harvest in ancient Israel. The practice of gleaning was a divinely ordained provision within the Mosaic Law, designed to ensure that the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and especially widows had a means of sustenance (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). Landowners were commanded to leave the edges of their fields unreaped and not to gather any dropped stalks, allowing the needy to follow behind the reapers and collect what was left. Ruth, a Moabite widow, was diligently exercising this right. Her request to glean "among the sheaves" indicates her desire to maximize her efforts, as more grain would be available closer to where the harvest was actively taking place.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diligence and Perseverance: The most striking aspect of this verse is Ruth's exceptional work ethic. The overseer reports that she "hath continued even from the morning until now," taking only "a little" rest. This paints a picture of unwavering commitment and physical endurance, underscoring her industrious nature.
  • Initiative and Humility: Ruth did not wait for handouts but actively sought permission to work. Her willingness to perform the laborious and often humbling task of gleaning demonstrates her determination to provide for her household and her humble acceptance of her circumstances.
  • Responsibility and Provision: Ruth's actions exemplify personal responsibility. Rather than despairing over her impoverished state, she takes proactive steps. This diligence, combined with God's overarching providence, leads to her ultimate provision and blessing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glean" (laqat) means "to pick up" or "to gather," conveying the arduous, back-breaking nature of the work, requiring constant bending and stooping. The phrase "tarried a little in the house" implies a very brief period of rest, likely in a temporary shelter or hut provided for workers in the field, further emphasizing her minimal breaks and dedication.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:7 offers a powerful lesson in the dignity of hard work and the rewards of diligence. Ruth's unwavering commitment to her task, even in challenging circumstances, serves as an inspiration for us today. It reminds us that blessings often follow consistent effort and a responsible attitude. Her story demonstrates how God's provision often works through human endeavor and faithfulness. Like Ruth, when we apply ourselves diligently to our responsibilities, we often find that God opens doors of opportunity and favor, just as Proverbs 10:4 affirms that "the hand of the diligent makes rich."

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

  • Proverbs 18:23

    ¶ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

  • Proverbs 13:4

    ¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

  • Proverbs 15:33

    ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

  • Proverbs 22:29

    ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

  • Ephesians 5:21

    ¶ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    ¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

  • 1 Peter 5:6

    Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
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