Ruth 2:16
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֛ם
H1571
וְגַ֛ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ
And let fall
H7997
תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ
And let fall
Strong's:
H7997
Word #:
2 of 11
to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder
תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ
And let fall
H7997
תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ
And let fall
Strong's:
H7997
Word #:
3 of 11
to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וַֽעֲזַבְתֶּ֥ם
for her and leave
H5800
וַֽעֲזַבְתֶּ֥ם
for her and leave
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
7 of 11
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
וְלִקְּטָ֖ה
them that she may glean
H3950
וְלִקְּטָ֖ה
them that she may glean
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures made receiving direct charity humiliating, potentially creating dependence or obligation. Boaz's method allowed Ruth to work with dignity while receiving provision beyond her labor's worth. This demonstrates wisdom in helping the vulnerable—meeting real needs while preserving self-respect and avoiding degrading patronage. The principle appears in the New Testament's teaching to give generously without humiliating recipients (Matthew 6:2-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Boaz's method of helping Ruth inform how Christians can provide aid that preserves dignity?
- What does this teach about generosity that goes beyond duty to creative, abundant love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Boaz intensifies provision: 'Let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them'. He commands workers to deliberately drop grain for Ruth—transforming gleaning from gathering scraps to receiving intentional provision. The phrase 'of purpose' (shamot tashollu lah) means purposefully, intentionally. This isn't gleaning at all but disguised charity that preserves Ruth's dignity—she appears to glean when actually receiving deliberate gifts. The command 'rebuke her not' reinforces protection. Boaz ingeniously provides abundantly while protecting Ruth from embarrassment or obligation.