King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:18 Mean?

Ruth 2:18 in the King James Version says “And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and g... — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

Ruth 2:18 · KJV


Context

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.

18

And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

19

And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.

20

And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. one of: or, one that hath right to redeem


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ruth returns to Naomi: 'And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed'. The large amount of grain visibly demonstrated God's provision. The phrase 'brought forth...that she had reserved' refers to the food from Boaz's meal (v. 14)—Ruth saved leftovers for Naomi, demonstrating selfless care. Rather than consuming all the special food Boaz provided, she saved portion for her mother-in-law, exemplifying covenant loyalty and practical love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean societies valued sharing food with family as expression of covenant loyalty. That Ruth saved choice food for Naomi rather than consuming it all herself demonstrated the chesed (loyal love) that characterized her. Bringing home both day's wages (grain) and special food from employer showed Ruth's success and Boaz's extraordinary kindness, giving Naomi first concrete hope since returning to Bethlehem.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's sharing with Naomi model Christian generosity within covenant community?
  2. What does her thoughtfulness in saving food teach about practical expressions of love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַתִּשָּׂא֙1 of 15

And she took it up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וַתָּב֣וֹא2 of 15

and went

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָעִ֔יר3 of 15

into the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַתֵּ֥רֶא4 of 15

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חֲמוֹתָ֖הּ5 of 15

and her mother in law

H2545

a mother-in-law

אֵ֣ת6 of 15
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר7 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִקֵּ֑טָה8 of 15

what she had gleaned

H3950

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

וַתּוֹצֵא֙9 of 15

and she brought forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַתִּתֶּן10 of 15

and gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔הּ11 of 15
H0
אֵ֥ת12 of 15
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר13 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹתִ֖רָה14 of 15

to her that she had reserved

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִשָּׂבְעָֽהּ׃15 of 15

after she was sufficed

H7648

satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)


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 2:18 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 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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