Ruth 2:23 Meaning Explained

Ruth 2:23

So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Ruth’s dedication wasn't just about providing for Naomi, but also about staying close to Boaz's female workers. This proximity, sustained through both harvests, allowed her to remain under his notice and protection. Ultimately, her unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law meant she was present and ready for the next chapter of God's unfolding plan.

What Ruth 2:23 means

Ruth, after receiving Boaz's generous permission and instructions, diligently works alongside his female reapers, gleaning through both the barley and wheat harvests. This extended period of labor not only provided for her and Naomi but also allowed for a growing connection between Ruth and Boaz, as she faithfully returned each day to her mother-in-law's home.

Diligence Through the Harvest Seasons

Ruth didn't just glean for a day; she committed to the entire harvest. What does this say about her character and her commitment?

Ruth's dedication extended beyond a single day's work. She 'kept close to the young women of Boaz,' gleaning through both the barley and wheat harvests. This wasn't a casual effort; it spanned months.

A Commitment to Provision

Her industry wasn't just about survival; it was a profound act of love and responsibility towards Naomi. She was determined to provide, working diligently until the fields were bare.

Fruitful Labor

This sustained effort yielded tangible results. She gathered 'about an ephah of barley' in a single day, demonstrating that dedicated labor, even in humble tasks, brings reward. Her commitment ensured she didn't miss out on the bounty of God's provision.

Loyalty Anchored in Home

Beyond the fields, Ruth's life was centered on her mother-in-law. How did this quiet devotion shape her future?

The verse concludes with a simple but powerful statement: 'And she lived with her mother-in-law.' This wasn't just about lodging; it signified Ruth's unwavering loyalty and commitment.

A Foundation of Devotion

Even as she gained favor and attention in Boaz's fields, Ruth's primary connection remained at home with Naomi. This steadfastness demonstrates a deep-seated character – unspoiled by her new social interactions and focused on her familial duty.

Providence at Home

This return home each night, and her continued dwelling with Naomi, wasn't insignificant. It was within this context of humble loyalty and faithful presence that the deeper purposes of God unfolded, ultimately leading to her remarkable future.

Understand the original words

Original language

gleaningלָקַט

lāqaṭ · Hebrew Verb

The gathering of leftover crops by the poor and vulnerable after the main harvest. It was a divinely instituted provision in the Law of Moses to ensure social justice and care for the needy, widows, and foreigners.

Historical context

Written: Likely around 1000 BC, during the period of the Judges.
Author: Traditionally understood to be the prophet Samuel, though the book itself doesn't name an author.
Location: Likely written in Bethlehem, in the territory of Judah.
Genre: Narrative; features a strong focus on the character and experiences of its female protagonist.

Historical background

Ruth's story unfolds during the harvest seasons, illustrating her diligence and loyalty through the entire agricultural cycle, culminating in her steadfast care for Naomi.

c. 11th century BC
Period of the Judges
Ruth and Naomi lived during the tumultuous era of the Judges, a time of cyclical apostasy, oppression, and deliverance in Israel.
Mid-11th century BC— this verse
Ruth's Gleaning Begins
Ruth, a Moabite widow, begins gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a kinsman of her late husband, during the barley harvest.
Late 11th century BC
Barley Harvest
The barley harvest is a significant agricultural event in ancient Israel, typically occurring in the spring.
Late 11th century BC
Wheat Harvest Follows Barley
The wheat harvest usually began a few weeks after the barley harvest, extending the period of Ruth's labor and interaction with Boaz.
Late 11th century BC

Key themes

01Loyalty to family
02Diligence finds favor
03Providence guiding life
04Humility and hard work

Cross-references

Matthew 1:5

This verse highlights Ruth's place in the lineage of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the incredible redemptive arc of her story which began with humble gleaning and ended with being an ancestor of the Savior.

Philippians 2:3-4

Ruth's persistent work and humble deference to Naomi and Boaz mirrors the selfless attitude Paul encourages, showing that looking out for others and not just oneself can lead to unexpected blessings.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Ruth's diligence in gleaning throughout the harvests, even when it was hard work, exemplifies the ant's wisdom, earning her 'profit' and setting the stage for her future provision.

1 Timothy 5:8

Ruth's dedication to gleaning until the harvests were over, and then continuing to live with and care for Naomi, directly fulfills the principle of providing for one's own household.

Scholarly commentary

Ruth 2:17-23: "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."

2:17-23 It encourages industry, that in all labour, even that of gleaning, there is profit. Ruth was pleased with what she gained by her own industry, and was careful to secure it. Let us thus take care that we lose not those things which we have wrought, which we have gained for our souls' good, 2Jo 1:8. Parents should examine their children, as Naomi did, not to frig…
henry

Ruth 2:23: "So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law."

And of wheat harvest - That is, she was to continue gleaning in the farm of Boaz to the end of the barley harvest; and then, when the wheat harvest began, to continue to its conclusion in the same way. In the interim, as well as each night, she lodged with her mother-in-law. 1. Ruth seems to have been a woman of a very amiable mind: she was modest,…
clarke

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What does Ruth 2:23 mean?

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What Ruth 2:23 means

Historical context

Written: Likely around 1000 BC, during the period of the Judges.
Author: Traditionally understood to be the prophet Samuel, though the book itself doesn't name an author.
Location: Likely written in Bethlehem, in the territory of Judah.
Genre: Narrative; features a strong focus on the character and experiences of its female protagonist.

Historical background

Ruth's story unfolds during the harvest seasons, illustrating her diligence and loyalty through the entire agricultural cycle, culminating in her steadfast care for Naomi.

c. 11th century BC

Period of the Judges

Ruth and Naomi lived during the tumultuous era of the Judges, a time of cyclical apostasy, oppression, and deliverance in Israel.

Mid-11th century BC— this verse

Ruth's Gleaning Begins

Ruth, a Moabite widow, begins gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a kinsman of her late husband, during the barley harvest.

Late 11th century BC

Barley Harvest

The barley harvest is a significant agricultural event in ancient Israel, typically occurring in the spring.

Late 11th century BC

Wheat Harvest Follows Barley

The wheat harvest usually began a few weeks after the barley harvest, extending the period of Ruth's labor and interaction with Boaz.

Late 11th century BC

Scholarly commentary

Ruth 2:17-23: "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."

2:17-23 It encourages industry, that in all labour, even that of gleaning, there is profit. Ruth was pleased with what she gained by her own industry, and was careful to secure it. Let us thus take care that we lose not those things which we have wrought, which we have gained for our souls' good, 2Jo 1:8. Parents should examine their children, as Naomi did, not to frig…
henry

Ruth 2:23: "So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law."

And of wheat harvest - That is, she was to continue gleaning in the farm of Boaz to the end of the barley harvest; and then, when the wheat harvest began, to continue to its conclusion in the same way. In the interim, as well as each night, she lodged with her mother-in-law. 1. Ruth seems to have been a woman of a very amiable mind: she was modest,…
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Ruth 2:23 mean?

Explain the meaning of Ruth 2:23

What is the context of Ruth 2:23?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "gleaning" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally understood to be the prophet Samuel, though the book itself doesn't name an author. write Ruth 2:23?”
“How does loyalty to family show up in Ruth 2:23?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Ruth 2:23 is available in the Sola app.