Ruth 2:17 (KJV)

What does Ruth 2:17 mean?

Ruth 2:17 describes Ruth working in the fields until evening, gathering leftover barley, and then threshing what she had collected, which amounted to about an ephah—a significant quantity—of barley. This verse highlights both Ruth’s diligence and the generous results of her labor during her first day gleaning in Boaz’s field.

The verse is set in the time of the judges, with Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleaning in the fields of Boaz in Bethlehem to provide for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. The scene shows Ruth’s hard work and perseverance, as she works from morning until evening and then processes the grain herself. The mention of “about an ephah” gives a concrete sense of her success, showing that her efforts were fruitful and that Boaz’s field provided abundantly.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 2:17

• "Gleaned" (לָקַט, laqat): This word refers to gathering leftover stalks after the harvesters have passed through. It underscores Ruth’s humble position, relying on the provision made for the poor and foreigners in Israelite law.
• "Field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): The word for “field” here places Ruth’s work in a specific, open agricultural setting, reminding the reader that she is a foreigner laboring among Israelites.
• "Even" (עֶרֶב, erev): This word means “evening,” showing that Ruth worked a full day, emphasizing her dedication.
• "Out" (חָבַט, chavat): This verb means to beat or thresh, referring to the process of separating the grain from the stalks. Ruth not only gathered but also processed the grain herself.
• "Ephah" (אֵיפָה, ephah): An ephah was a unit of measure, roughly 20–30 pounds (9–13 kg). This detail shows that Ruth’s gleaning was unusually productive for a single day.
• "Barley" (שְׂעֹרָה, seorah): Barley was a staple grain, often the first to be harvested in the season, highlighting the timing and nature of Ruth’s work.

Why Ruth 2:17 matters

• The verse clears up any idea that Ruth’s gleaning was meager; the amount she gathered was substantial, showing both her effort and the generosity allowed in Boaz’s field.
• Ruth’s willingness to work from morning until evening and then process the grain herself emphasizes her character and determination, which are key themes in the book.
• The detail about the ephah connects this moment to the wider narrative, setting up Boaz’s continued kindness and Ruth’s growing reputation in Bethlehem.