King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:7 Mean?

Ruth 2:7 in the King James Version says “And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued e...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 2:7 · KJV

Prayer

Context

5

Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

6

And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

7

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.

8

Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

9

Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The servant commends Ruth's diligence: she requested permission humbly, then 'came, and hath continued even from morning until now'. The Hebrew indicates she worked steadily through the hot day with minimal rest—brief shelter breaks from the sun. Ruth's industry demonstrates biblical work ethic: diligence, initiative, perseverance. Proverbs 31's excellent wife 'rises while it is yet night' and 'does not eat the bread of idleness'—Ruth embodies this ideal. Her work was grateful response to God's provision through gleaning laws, not begrudging obligation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agricultural labor during harvest was physically demanding, particularly in Mediterranean heat. Barley harvest occurred in late spring with rising temperatures. Gleaning involved hours of stooping, carrying armloads, separating kernels—backbreaking work. That Ruth worked from morning until evening demonstrates remarkable stamina. The 'house' likely refers to temporary field shelter for sun protection. Ruth's diligence as newcomer was noteworthy—she could have claimed special accommodation as foreigner but worked harder than established gleaners, earning respect through observable character.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's work ethic challenge contemporary views of hard work as oppressive?
  2. What does her humble request despite having legal rights teach about approaching opportunities with gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 17

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלַקֳטָה2 of 17

“I pray you let me glean”

H3950

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

נָּא֙3 of 17
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

וְאָֽסַפְתִּ֣י4 of 17

“and gather”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

בָֽעֳמָרִ֔ים5 of 17

“among the sheaves”

H6016

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י6 of 17

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַקּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים7 of 17

“the reapers”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וַתָּב֣וֹא8 of 17

“so she came”

H935

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

וַֽתַּעֲמ֗וֹד9 of 17

“and hath continued”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

מֵאָ֤ז10 of 17

“even”

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הַבֹּ֙קֶר֙11 of 17

“from the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְעַד12 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עַ֔תָּה13 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

זֶ֛ה14 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שִׁבְתָּ֥הּ15 of 17

“until now that she tarried”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַבַּ֖יִת16 of 17

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מְעָֽט׃17 of 17

“a little”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 13:4Proverbs 22:29Proverbs 15:33Proverbs 18:23Ecclesiastes 9:101 Peter 5:5-6

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