Ruth 2:18
And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּשָּׂא֙
And she took it up
H5375
וַתִּשָּׂא֙
And she took it up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 15
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וַתָּב֣וֹא
and went
H935
וַתָּב֣וֹא
and went
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הָעִ֔יר
into the city
H5892
הָעִ֔יר
into the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַתֵּ֥רֶא
saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֥רֶא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לִקֵּ֑טָה
what she had gleaned
H3950
לִקֵּ֑טָה
what she had gleaned
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
וַתּוֹצֵא֙
and she brought forth
H3318
וַתּוֹצֵא֙
and she brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וַתִּתֶּן
and gave
H5414
וַתִּתֶּן
and gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Ruth 2:14And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.1 Timothy 5:4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean societies valued sharing food with family as expression of covenant loyalty. That Ruth saved choice food for Naomi rather than consuming it all herself demonstrated the chesed (loyal love) that characterized her. Bringing home both day's wages (grain) and special food from employer showed Ruth's success and Boaz's extraordinary kindness, giving Naomi first concrete hope since returning to Bethlehem.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ruth's sharing with Naomi model Christian generosity within covenant community?
- What does her thoughtfulness in saving food teach about practical expressions of love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ruth returns to Naomi: 'And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed'. The large amount of grain visibly demonstrated God's provision. The phrase 'brought forth...that she had reserved' refers to the food from Boaz's meal (v. 14)—Ruth saved leftovers for Naomi, demonstrating selfless care. Rather than consuming all the special food Boaz provided, she saved portion for her mother-in-law, exemplifying covenant loyalty and practical love.