King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:14 Mean?

“And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.”

Context

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. Let me: or, I find friendly: Heb. to the heart

And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: reproach: Heb. shame her not

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **At meal-time.**—This should apparently be joined to what precedes: Boaz now shows a fresh act of kindness. **Vinegar.**—By this term is to be understood wine which had become sour (Proverbs 10:26). As such, Nazarites were forbidden to use it (Numbers 6:3). Similar to this was the vinegar of the Gospel narrative, a sour wine generally mixed with water, which was offered to our Saviour (Matthew 27:48, &c.). **Left.**—Had to spare. In Ruth 2:18, we find that this superfluity was put by for her mother-in-law.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.