King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:15 Mean?

Ruth 2:15 in the King James Version says “And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and repr...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ruth 2:15 · KJV

Context

13

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

14

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.

15

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

16

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

17

So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

Read Ruth 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Boaz commands his workers: 'Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not'. This exceeds gleaning law requirements—typically gleaners worked only field edges and gathered what harvesters dropped. Boaz permits Ruth to glean among the standing sheaves where grain is abundant, not merely leftovers. The command 'reproach her not' (lo takhlimuha) forbids shaming or embarrassing her, protecting her dignity. This demonstrates that biblical generosity provides not just material aid but preserves recipients' honor and dignity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gleaning laws provided for the poor but implementation varied by landowner generosity. Strict owners allowed only minimal gleaning; generous ones like Boaz permitted access to better areas. Ancient social dynamics often involved the poor experiencing shame and humiliation when receiving charity. Boaz's command to protect Ruth's dignity demonstrated understanding that poverty doesn't remove personhood or worth deserving respect.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does protecting dignity while providing aid inform Christian approaches to charity and social assistance?
  2. What does Boaz's generosity beyond legal requirements teach about Christian ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַתָּ֖קָם1 of 13

“And when she was risen up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

תְּלַקֵּ֖ט2 of 13

“Let her glean”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

וַיְצַו֩3 of 13

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

בֹּ֨עַז4 of 13

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

אֶת5 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נְעָרָ֜יו6 of 13

“his young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

לֵאמֹ֗ר7 of 13

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּ֣ם8 of 13
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בֵּ֧ין9 of 13
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים10 of 13

“even among the sheaves”

H6016

properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure

תְּלַקֵּ֖ט11 of 13

“Let her glean”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

וְלֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַכְלִימֽוּהָ׃13 of 13

“and reproach”

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

Study Guide

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 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:5

Test Your Knowledge

Ruth 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ruth 2 with CommentaryAll Ruth ChaptersComplete Ruth QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes