New International VersionShe said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”
New Living TranslationShe asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”
English Standard VersionShe said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”
Berean Standard BibleShe 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.”
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionAnd she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.”
New American Standard BibleAnd she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has remained from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
NASB 1995“And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ Thus she came and has remained from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
NASB 1977“And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ Thus she came and has remained from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ Thus she came and has remained from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
Amplified BibleAnd she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued [gathering grain] from early morning until now, except when she sat [resting] for a little while in the [field] house.”
Christian Standard BibleShe asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters? ’ She came and has been on her feet since early morning, except that she rested a little in the shelter.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleShe asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters?’ She came and has remained from early morning until now, except that she rested a little in the shelter.”
American Standard Versionand 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.
Contemporary English VersionShe asked if she could pick up grain left by the harvest workers, and she has been working all morning without a moment's rest."
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationShe said, 'Please let me gather grain. I will only gather among the bundles behind the reapers.' So she came here and has been on her feet from daybreak until now. She just sat down this minute in the shelter."
Good News TranslationShe asked me to let her follow the workers and gather grain. She has been working since early morning and has just now stopped to rest for a while under the shelter."
International Standard VersionShe asked us, 'Please allow me to glean what's left of the grain behind the harvesters.' So she came out and has continued working from dawn until now, except for a short time in a shelter."
NET BibleShe asked, 'May I follow the harvesters and gather grain among the bundles?' Since she arrived she has been working hard from this morning until now--except for sitting in the resting hut a short time."
New Heart English BibleShe said, 'Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came, and has continued even from the morning until now, except that she stayed a little in the house."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleShe 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.”
World English BibleShe said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came, and has continued even from the morning until now, except that she rested a little in the house.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand she says, Please let me glean and I have gathered among the sheaves after the reapers; and she comes and remains since the morning and until now; she sat in the house a little [while].”
Young's Literal Translation and she saith, Let me glean, I pray thee -- and I have gathered among the sheaves after the reapers; and she cometh and remaineth since the morning and till now; she sat in the house a little.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd she will say, I will gather now; and I collected among the sheaves after the reapers: and she will stand from that time of the morning, and even to this time of her sitting in the house a little. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd she desired leave to glean the ears of corn that remain, following the steps of the reapers: and she hath been in the field from morning till now, and hath not gone home for one moment.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand she asked to gather the remnants of the ears of grain, following the steps of the reapers, and from morning until now she has remained in the field, and, indeed, not for one moment has she returned home.”
New American BibleShe said, ‘I would like to gather the gleanings into sheaves after the harvesters.’ Ever since she came this morning she has remained here until now, with scarcely a moment’s rest.”
New Revised Standard VersionShe said, ‘Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.’ So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd she said, Let me glean the ears of wheat after the reapers; so she has been gleaning from the morning until the time of rest.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd she said, ‘I will glean the gathering after the Reapers’, and she has gleaned from dawn until resting time” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and 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.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers: and she came and stood from morning till evening, and rested not even a little in the field.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Boaz Meets Ruth… 6The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab. 7She has said,‘Pleaselet me gleanand gatheramong the sheavesafterthe harvesters.’So she came outand has continuedfrommorninguntilnow,exceptthat she resteda short timein the shelter.”8Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls.…
Cross References Leviticus 19:9-10When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. / You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 24:19-22If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. / When you beat the olives from your trees, you must not go over the branches again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. / When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not go over the vines again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. ...
Matthew 12:1-8At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. / When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ...
Leviticus 23:22When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God.’”
Deuteronomy 23:25When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not put a sickle to your neighbor’s grain.
1 Samuel 17:17-18One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. / Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
Matthew 20:1-16“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ...
Exodus 23:10-11For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, / but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
Proverbs 31:15She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.
James 5:4Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
Isaiah 17:5-6as the reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the ears with his arm, as one gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. / Yet gleanings will remain, like an olive tree that has been beaten—two or three berries atop the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel.
Luke 10:7Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
1 Corinthians 9:9-10For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? / Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.
Genesis 24:19-20After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.” / And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels.
Treasury of Scripture And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and has continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. I pray Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORDis the instruction of wisdom; and before honouris humility. Proverbs 18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. Matthew 5:3 Blessedare the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. continued Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, andhath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before meanmen. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, doit with thy might; forthere is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Jump to Previous ContinuedCuttersEarlyExceptHarvestersHouseLittleMinuteMomentMorningPleaseReapersRestRestingSaveSheavesShortSittingSteadilyTarriedWorkedJump to Next ContinuedCuttersEarlyExceptHarvestersHouseLittleMinuteMomentMorningPleaseReapersRestRestingSaveSheavesShortSittingSteadilyTarriedWorkedRuth 2 1.Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz4.Boaz takes notice of her8.and shows her great favor18.That which she got, she carries to NaomiShe has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’In the ancient Near Eastern context, gleaning was a practice allowed by Mosaic Law, where the poor and foreigners could collect leftover crops from the fields after the harvesters had passed through ( Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22). Ruth, a Moabite and a widow, was exercising her right under this law, demonstrating her humility and willingness to work for sustenance. This act of gleaning also highlights the provision God made for the marginalized in society. Ruth's request to glean "among the sheaves" suggests she sought permission to gather not just the leftovers on the ground but also among the bundles, indicating her boldness and initiative. This foreshadows her role in God's redemptive plan, as she becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ ( Matthew 1:5). So she came out and has continued from morning until now, Ruth's dedication and work ethic are evident as she labors from morning until the present time. This reflects her character as industrious and diligent, qualities that earn her favor in the eyes of Boaz, the field owner. Her perseverance is a testament to her commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, and her determination to provide for them both. This phrase also underscores the theme of divine providence, as Ruth's hard work places her in the path of Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who plays a crucial role in her life and the continuation of Naomi's family line. except that she rested a short time in the shelter.” The mention of Ruth taking a short rest in the shelter indicates the harsh conditions of fieldwork and the necessity of rest even for the most diligent workers. The shelter likely provided shade and a place for workers to recuperate, emphasizing the humane treatment of laborers in Boaz's fields. This detail highlights Boaz's character as a compassionate and just landowner, aligning with the biblical principle of caring for workers (Deuteronomy 24:14-15). Ruth's brief rest also symbolizes the temporary nature of her struggles, as God is orchestrating a greater plan for her life, leading to her eventual rest and security through her marriage to Boaz. Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by returning with her to Bethlehem. Her character is marked by humility and diligence. 2. BoazA wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the law. 3. BethlehemThe setting of this chapter, a town in Judah, which is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. 4. HarvestersThe workers in Boaz's field who are gathering the barley harvest. They represent the community and the social structure of the time. 5. GleaningThe act of collecting leftover crops from the fields, which was a provision in the Mosaic Law for the poor and foreigners ( Leviticus 19:9-10). Teaching Points Diligence and Hard WorkRuth's commitment to gleaning from morning until now, with only a short rest, exemplifies the value of hard work and perseverance. Humility and RespectRuth's request to glean shows her humility and respect for the customs and authority of the landowners. God's ProvisionThe law of gleaning reflects God's heart for the poor and His provision through community structures. Kindness and GenerosityBoaz's willingness to allow Ruth to glean in his fields demonstrates the importance of kindness and generosity towards others. Faithfulness in RelationshipsRuth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to work hard for their sustenance is a model of faithfulness in relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Ruth 2:7?
2.How does Ruth 2:7 demonstrate Ruth's diligence and work ethic in gleaning?
3.What can we learn from Ruth's humility and request to glean in Ruth 2:7?
4.How does Ruth 2:7 connect with Proverbs 31:27 about a virtuous woman?
5.How can Ruth's example in Ruth 2:7 inspire us to serve others?
6.In what ways does Ruth 2:7 encourage us to seek God's provision through work?
7.What does Ruth 2:7 reveal about God's provision for the marginalized?
8.How does Ruth 2:7 illustrate the concept of gleaning in ancient Israelite society?
9.What cultural norms are challenged by Ruth's actions in Ruth 2:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 2?
11.What is the significance of Ruth and Boaz's story?
12.In Ruth 3:3–4, why would Naomi instruct Ruth to approach Boaz at night in secret instead of openly, raising questions about her motives or social conventions?
13.Ruth 2:2-3 - Is it historically plausible that a foreign widow could freely glean in a stranger's field with no social or legal barriers?
14.Leviticus 19:10 commands leaving part of the harvest for the poor; why isn't this universally practiced today by believers?What Does Ruth 2:7 Mean She has said,Ruth’s first action is verbal—she speaks courteously to the overseer, showing respect for proper order and authority (cf.1 Peter 2:17;Romans 13:7). A gentle, humble request instead of a demand aligns withProverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath”. Her words reveal her character before any deed is seen, echoing Jesus’ reminder that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). “Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.”• Ruth invokes the Lord’s provision embedded in His law (Leviticus 19:9–10;Deuteronomy 24:19), trusting that God’s word is true and sufficient. • She asks permission, though the law already grants it, underscoring her humility (Philippians 2:3–4). • Her desire is not for handouts but for honest work, reflecting the principle “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). • By choosing to glean “among the sheaves,” she risks closer proximity to laborers, possible rebuke, and even harm (Ruth 2:9), showing faith-filled courage like Esther approaching the king (Esther 4:16). So she came out and has continued from morning until now,Ruth translates words into steady labor. From dawn onward she persists, mirroring theProverbs 31 woman who “rises while it is still night” (Proverbs 31:15). Such diligence embodiesColossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Her perseverance, without yet knowing how Boaz will respond, modelsGalatians 6:9, encouraging believers not to grow weary in doing good. except that she rested a short time in the shelter.Even in hard work Ruth accepts proper rest, echoing the Sabbath rhythm God set at creation (Genesis 2:2–3). The brief pause in the shade affirms Jesus’ invitation, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Balance between labor and rest keeps service sustainable (Psalm 127:2) and reminds us that ultimate provision comes from the Lord, not mere effort. summaryRuth 2:7 paints a vivid picture of a young widow who speaks graciously, honors God’s law, labors diligently, and rests appropriately. Her words reveal humility, her request shows faith in divine provision, her hours of work display perseverance, and her brief rest underscores trust in God’s care. Together these traits commend a lifestyle that unites reverence for Scripture with practical obedience, encouraging believers to approach every opportunity—no matter how ordinary—with godly courtesy, steadfast effort, and balanced dependence on the Lord. Verse 7 - The steward continues his account of Ruth. She had respectfully solicited leave to glean. She said, Let me glean, I pray thee, and gather in bundles after the reapers. The expression, "and gather in bundles," is in Hebrew וְאָסַפְתִּי בָךעמָרִים and is rendered in King James's version, as also by Coverdale, Tremellius, Castellio, Luther, Michaelis, "and gather among" or "beside the sheaves." But such a request on the part of Ruth would seem to be too bold, the more especially as we find Boaz afterwards giving instructions to the young men to allow her, without molestation, to glean "even between the sheaves" (ver. 15). Hence Pagnin's free version is to be preferred, " and gather bundles" ( et congregabo manipulos). Carpzov pleads for the same interpretation, and translates thus: "Let me, I pray thee, glean, and collect the gleanings into bundles ( colligam obsecro spicas, collectasque accumulem in manipules). Montanus too adopts it, and Raabe likewise ( und sammele zu Haufen). The steward praises Ruth s industry. And she came, and has remained ever since the morning until just now. She had worked with scarcely any intermission, diligently, from early morning. Drusius says that the following expression, rendered in King James's version that she tarried a little in the house, occasioned him critical torture ( locus hie et diu et acriter me torsit). Coverdale also had been inextricably perplexed. He renders it, " And within a litel whyle she wolde have bene gone home agayne." The word house troubled these and many other interpreters, as if the reference were to Naomi s dwelling-house in the town. The reference, however, is evidently to a temporary but, shed, tent, or booth erected in the harvest-field for the siesta of the workers, and the accommodation of the master, when he was visiting by day, or exercising supervision by night. We would translate the clause thus - "Her resting at the but (has been) little." Her siesta in the shade of the but was trot brief. She felt as if she could not afford a long repose.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew She has said,וַתֹּ֗אמֶר(wat·tō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Pleaseנָּא֙(nā)Interjection Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'let me gleanאֲלַקֳטָה־(’ă·la·qo·ṭāh-)Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 3950:To pick up, to gather, to gleanand gatherוְאָסַפְתִּ֣י(wə·’ā·sap̄·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeamong the sheavesבָֽעֳמָרִ֔ים(ḇā·‘o·mā·rîm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6016:A heap, a sheaf, an omer (dry measure)behindאַחֲרֵ֖י(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition Strong's 310:The hind or following partthe harvesters.’הַקּוֹצְרִ֑ים(haq·qō·wṣ·rîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7114:To dock off, curtail, to harvestSo she came outוַתָּב֣וֹא(wat·tā·ḇō·w)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand has continuedוַֽתַּעֲמ֗וֹד(wat·ta·‘ă·mō·wḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsfromמֵאָ֤ז(mê·’āz)Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforemorningהַבֹּ֙קֶר֙(hab·bō·qer)Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242:Dawn, morninguntilוְעַד־(wə·‘aḏ-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilenow,עַ֔תָּה(‘at·tāh)Adverb Strong's 6258:At this timeexceptזֶ֛ה(zeh)Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088:This, thatthat she restedשִׁבְתָּ֥הּ(šiḇ·tāh)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marrya short timeמְעָֽט׃(mə·‘āṭ)Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 4592:A little, fewness, a fewin the shelter.”הַבַּ֖יִת(hab·ba·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004:A house
Links Ruth 2:7 NIVRuth 2:7 NLTRuth 2:7 ESVRuth 2:7 NASBRuth 2:7 KJV
Ruth 2:7 BibleApps.comRuth 2:7 Biblia ParalelaRuth 2:7 Chinese BibleRuth 2:7 French BibleRuth 2:7 Catholic Bible
OT History: Ruth 2:7 She said Please let me glean (Ru Rut.) |