Ruth 2:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:7 presents the field overseer's detailed report to Boaz concerning Ruth, highlighting her exceptional diligence and unwavering commitment to her work. This verse reveals Ruth's proactive initiative in seeking permission to glean, her understanding of the harvest customs, and her tireless labor from dawn until late afternoon, pausing only for a brief rest. It powerfully underscores her character as a responsible and dedicated individual striving to provide for herself and Naomi, setting the stage for Boaz's subsequent benevolent actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is pivotal in the narrative of Ruth, immediately following Ruth's decision to glean in the fields to support herself and Naomi ([Ruth 2:2](/ruth/2-2 "Ruth 2:2 - Ruth's Decision to Glean")). It serves as the overseer's direct testimony to Boaz, explaining who Ruth is and how she has conducted herself since arriving in his field. This report is crucial because it provides Boaz with an objective assessment of Ruth's character and work ethic, confirming her reputation and justifying his subsequent acts of kindness and protection towards her ([Ruth 2:8-16](/ruth/2-8 "Ruth 2:8-16 - Boaz's Kindness to Ruth")). The overseer's words validate Ruth's humility and industry, distinguishing her from other gleaners and prompting Boaz's special favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the barley harvest in ancient Israel, a time of intense agricultural activity. The practice of **gleaning** was a divinely mandated provision for the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and widows, as outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - The Law of Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - God's Provision for the Needy")). Landowners were commanded to leave the corners of their fields unreaped and not to gather fallen grain, allowing the needy to collect what remained. Ruth, a Moabite widow, was exercising this legal and customary right, demonstrating her proactive approach to survival. Her specific request to glean "among the sheaves" indicates her desire to work in the most productive areas, where reapers had just passed, maximizing her yield, even if it meant more strenuous effort. The "house" where she rested briefly would have been a temporary shelter or hut provided for workers in the field, highlighting the minimal nature of her break.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ruth. Foremost is the theme of **diligence and perseverance**, exemplified by Ruth's continuous labor from morning until evening with minimal rest. Her actions underscore the dignity of hard work and the commitment required to overcome adversity. Another significant theme is **initiative and humility**; Ruth does not wait for charity but actively seeks permission to work, demonstrating both her self-reliance and her respectful adherence to social norms. Finally, the verse highlights **responsibility and divine provision**. Ruth's proactive responsibility in seeking sustenance sets the stage for God's providential care, which often works through human faithfulness and effort. Her industriousness in the field is a direct precursor to the favor she receives from Boaz, demonstrating how human action and divine blessing intertwine in the narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glean (לקט, _laqat_):** This Hebrew verb means "to pick up," "to gather," or "to collect." It vividly conveys the arduous, back-breaking nature of the work, requiring constant bending and stooping to pick up individual stalks of grain left behind by the reapers. It was a humble and physically demanding task, underscoring Ruth's willingness to endure hardship for the sake of her and Naomi's survival.
* **Continued (עמד, _amad_):** The Hebrew word _amad_ here means "to stand," "to remain," or "to persist." In this context, it emphasizes Ruth's unwavering presence and sustained effort in the field. It paints a picture of steadfastness and endurance, highlighting her remarkable work ethic and resilience from the start of the day until its close.
* **Tarried (ישב, _yashab_):** While _yashab_ often means "to sit" or "to dwell," in this context, it refers to Ruth "sitting" or "resting" for a very brief period in the field shelter. The phrase "a little" (מעט, _me'at_) further emphasizes the brevity of her break, reinforcing the overseer's testimony to her exceptional dedication and minimal interruption to her labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves":** This opening clause, reported by the overseer, reveals Ruth's proactive and respectful approach. She didn't just start gleaning; she sought permission, demonstrating her humility and adherence to proper protocol. Her request to glean "among the sheaves" indicates her determination to maximize her yield, targeting the areas where the most grain would be available, even if it meant more intensive work.
* **"so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now":** This part is the overseer's direct observation and testimony to Ruth's remarkable work ethic. The phrase "from the morning until now" (which would have been late in the afternoon, given the context of Boaz's arrival) emphasizes her sustained, uninterrupted effort. It paints a picture of extraordinary diligence and physical endurance, setting her apart from typical gleaners.
* **"that she tarried a little in the house."** This final clause further underscores Ruth's dedication by highlighting the minimal nature of her breaks. The "house" refers to a temporary shelter in the field. The overseer's inclusion of this detail emphasizes that her rest was brief and insignificant compared to her continuous labor, reinforcing the impression of her tireless commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Characterization** through the words of the field overseer. Rather than a direct description, Ruth's diligence, initiative, and perseverance are revealed through an objective, third-party report, lending credibility and weight to her admirable qualities. This indirect characterization builds anticipation for Boaz's response. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Ruth's exceptional work ethic and humble request for permission set the stage for Boaz's notice and subsequent favor, hinting at the divine providence that will unfold through her diligent actions. The **Repetition** of the concept of continuous work, from "continued even from the morning until now" to "tarried a little," serves to emphasize and amplify Ruth's extraordinary commitment and tireless nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:7 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that human diligence and faithfulness often precede and are intertwined with divine provision. Ruth's tireless labor is not merely a secular act of survival but an expression of trust and responsible stewardship in the face of desperate circumstances. Her commitment to work, even in a humble and arduous task, reflects a deep-seated integrity that God honors. This verse teaches us that God's blessings are frequently channeled through our active engagement and persistent effort, rather than passive waiting. It affirms the dignity of labor and the value of a strong work ethic as a means by which God's purposes are advanced and His people are sustained.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Work for Your Food")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:7 offers a profound example for believers today, challenging us to examine our own approach to work, responsibility, and perseverance. In a world that often seeks shortcuts or entitlements, Ruth's unwavering commitment to her task, despite her vulnerable status and the physically demanding nature of gleaning, stands as a testament to the dignity of hard work. Her story reminds us that faithfulness in the small, often unnoticed, tasks can open doors to unexpected favor and provision. It encourages us to embrace our responsibilities with diligence, knowing that our efforts, when offered in humility and trust, are seen by God and can become channels for His blessing. Like Ruth, when we apply ourselves diligently to our responsibilities, even in challenging or mundane circumstances, we often find that God orchestrates opportunities and provides for our needs in remarkable ways, demonstrating His providential care through our faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ruth's work ethic challenge my own approach to daily tasks and responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to show greater diligence and perseverance, even when the work is difficult or seemingly insignificant?**
* **How does Ruth's initiative in seeking permission to glean inspire me to be proactive and respectful in my own pursuits?**
* **How can I better trust God's provision while actively engaging in responsible effort, as Ruth did?**

### FAQ
**Why is the overseer's report about Ruth so detailed, emphasizing her continuous work?**

Answer: The overseer's detailed report serves several crucial functions. Firstly, it provides an objective, third-party affirmation of Ruth's exceptional character and work ethic. This report is not from Ruth herself but from a neutral observer who has witnessed her labor firsthand. Secondly, it highlights Ruth's diligence and commitment, which would have been highly valued qualities in an agrarian society. This positive assessment immediately sets Ruth apart from other gleaners and justifies Boaz's subsequent acts of extraordinary kindness and protection towards her. It shows Boaz that Ruth is not merely seeking charity but is a responsible and industrious individual worthy of his favor, reinforcing the theme of divine blessing following human faithfulness.

**What is the significance of Ruth gleaning "among the sheaves" rather than just anywhere in the field?**

Answer: Gleaning "among the sheaves" indicates Ruth's proactive and determined approach to maximizing her efforts. Typically, gleaners would follow at a distance, picking up what was left after the reapers had bundled the grain into sheaves. By requesting to glean "among the sheaves," Ruth was asking to work closer to the active reaping, where more grain would likely be dropped or overlooked. This was a more challenging and potentially less conventional request, but it demonstrated her intense desire to gather as much as possible for herself and Naomi, underscoring her initiative and dedication beyond the minimum expectation for a gleaner.

**What does it mean that she "tarried a little in the house," and why is this detail included?**

Answer: The phrase "tarried a little in the house" means that Ruth took only a very brief rest in a temporary shelter or hut provided for workers in the field. This detail is included by the overseer to further emphasize Ruth's extraordinary diligence and minimal breaks. It contrasts sharply with her continuous labor "from the morning until now," highlighting that her rest was insignificant compared to her sustained effort. This small detail powerfully reinforces the overseer's overall message about Ruth's tireless commitment and unwavering work ethic, solidifying Boaz's positive impression of her.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth's diligent labor and humble perseverance in the fields of Boaz, as reported in [Ruth 2:7](/ruth/2-7 "Ruth 2:7 - Ruth's Diligence in the Field"), beautifully foreshadow the ultimate diligent worker and provider, Jesus Christ. Just as Ruth tirelessly worked to gather provision for herself and Naomi, so Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, diligently accomplished the Father's will, working tirelessly to secure our eternal provision and redemption. His life was one of continuous labor, from His early ministry to His final work on the cross, where He declared, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words")" – a testament to His complete and perfect work. Ruth's inclusion as a Gentile into the lineage of Israel, through her humble service and Boaz's grace, points to Christ's work of bringing all nations into God's family, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that "[in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Blessing for All Nations")." Her story of seeking sustenance and finding abundant provision in the field of her redeemer echoes our own spiritual journey, where we, like Ruth, come to the true field of the Lord, finding our ultimate rest and sustenance in Christ, who is the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and the one who "[gives life to the world](/john/6-33 "John 6:33 - Jesus, the Bread of God")" through His tireless work of salvation.

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

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: