Ruth 2:15
And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּ֖קָם
And when she was risen up
H6965
וַתָּ֖קָם
And when she was risen up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
תְּלַקֵּ֖ט
Let her glean
H3950
תְּלַקֵּ֖ט
Let her glean
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
בֹּ֨עַז
Boaz
H1162
בֹּ֨עַז
Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
4 of 13
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְעָרָ֜יו
his young men
H5288
נְעָרָ֜יו
his young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
6 of 13
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
גַּ֣ם
H1571
גַּ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בֵּ֧ין
H996
בֵּ֧ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
9 of 13
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים
even among the sheaves
H6016
הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים
even among the sheaves
Strong's:
H6016
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure
תְּלַקֵּ֖ט
Let her glean
H3950
תְּלַקֵּ֖ט
Let her glean
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
Historical Context
Gleaning laws provided for the poor but implementation varied by landowner generosity. Strict owners allowed only minimal gleaning; generous ones like Boaz permitted access to better areas. Ancient social dynamics often involved the poor experiencing shame and humiliation when receiving charity. Boaz's command to protect Ruth's dignity demonstrated understanding that poverty doesn't remove personhood or worth deserving respect.
Questions for Reflection
- How does protecting dignity while providing aid inform Christian approaches to charity and social assistance?
- What does Boaz's generosity beyond legal requirements teach about Christian ethics?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Boaz commands his workers: 'Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not'. This exceeds gleaning law requirements—typically gleaners worked only field edges and gathered what harvesters dropped. Boaz permits Ruth to glean among the standing sheaves where grain is abundant, not merely leftovers. The command 'reproach her not' (lo takhlimuha) forbids shaming or embarrassing her, protecting her dignity. This demonstrates that biblical generosity provides not just material aid but preserves recipients' honor and dignity.