Ruth 2:16 (KJV)

What does Ruth 2:16 mean?

Ruth 2:16 shows Boaz instructing his workers to deliberately drop extra stalks of grain for Ruth to pick up as she gleans in the fields, and to let her gather without scolding or stopping her. This verse highlights Boaz’s kindness and protection toward Ruth, making sure she is provided for in a generous and respectful way.

In this scene, Boaz is speaking to his harvesters about Ruth, a foreign widow who has come to glean leftover grain. Boaz tells his workers not only to allow Ruth to gather what is left behind but also to intentionally leave extra grain for her. This act goes beyond the basic requirements of the law, showing special care for Ruth’s needs and dignity.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 2:16

• "fall" (שָׁלַל, shālal): This word is used for letting something drop or fall, often on purpose. Here, it means the workers should intentionally let grain fall for Ruth, not just allow her to pick up accidental leftovers.
• "handfuls" (צִבָּה, tsibbāh): This word refers to bundles or small piles. Boaz is telling his workers to leave actual handfuls, not just scattered stalks, making Ruth’s gleaning easier and more fruitful.
• "purpose" (שָׁלַל, shālal): The same word as "fall," but here it carries the sense of something done deliberately or on purpose, emphasizing that this is not by accident.
• "leave" (עָזַב, ʿāzav): This means to leave behind or abandon. Boaz wants the workers to leave the grain for Ruth without taking it back or interfering.
• "glean" (לָקַט, lāqat): This is the act of gathering leftover crops. Ruth is allowed to do this freely, which was a right for the poor, but Boaz is making it especially easy for her.
• "rebuke" (גָּעַר, gāʿar): This means to scold or reprimand. Boaz tells his workers not to shame or correct Ruth for taking what is left for her.

Why Ruth 2:16 matters

• Ruth 2:16 clarifies that Boaz’s generosity is intentional and goes beyond what was required by law, showing a personal concern for Ruth’s well-being.
• The verse emphasizes Ruth’s vulnerable position and Boaz’s role as a protector, which becomes important for understanding their relationship and the unfolding story.
• This instruction helps explain why Ruth is able to gather so much grain, setting up later events and highlighting the theme of kindness and provision in the book of Ruth.