What does Ruth 2:16 mean?
"And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." - Ruth 2:16
Ruth 2:16 (KJV): "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and powerful story of loyalty, faithfulness, and redemption. This particular verse comes from a pivotal moment in the book, where Boaz, a wealthy landowner, instructs his servants to intentionally leave extra grain for Ruth, a foreigner and widow, to glean in his fields. This act of kindness holds deep significance and reveals important themes such as favor, providence, and grace in the biblical narrative.
The context of this verse is set against the backdrop of the law of gleaning, which was established in the Old Testament to provide for the poor and the foreigner. According to the law found in Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22, farmers were instructed to leave the corners of their fields unharvested, as well as any dropped or overlooked sheaves, for the poor and the foreigner to gather for their sustenance. This was a way for the landowners and the community to show compassion and provide for those in need.
In this verse, Boaz goes above and beyond the requirements of the law by instructing his servants to intentionally let fall extra handfuls of grain for Ruth. This gesture of kindness and generosity not only provides for Ruth's physical needs but also serves as a demonstration of Boaz's favor and grace toward her. It is important to note that Ruth was a Moabite, a foreigner in the land of Israel, and yet Boaz extends kindness and hospitality to her, challenging the social and cultural norms of the time.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and multifaceted. The "handfuls of purpose" that Boaz instructs his servants to let fall for Ruth can be seen as a symbol of God's providence and care for His people. It illustrates the idea that God goes above and beyond what is required, lavishing His children with abundance and grace. It also symbolizes the intentional and purposeful nature of God's provision, as Boaz directs his servants to specifically leave extra grain for Ruth.
Furthermore, the act of gleaning itself holds symbolic significance. As Ruth gathers the leftover grain, she is actively participating in the provision of her own sustenance. This act symbolizes her willingness to work and her humility in accepting help. It also reflects the biblical principle of diligent labor and the responsibility of the community to care for those in need.
The themes of favor, providence, and grace are central to this verse and the broader narrative of Ruth. Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth mirrors the way God extends His favor and grace to His people, regardless of their background or circumstances. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, even in the midst of difficult and challenging times.
In conclusion, Ruth 2:16 is a significant verse that highlights themes of favor, providence, and grace within the context of the biblical narrative. It serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and care for His people, as well as the importance of extending kindness and hospitality to those in need. The symbolism in this verse points to the intentional and purposeful nature of God's provision, as well as the biblical principles of diligent labor and community care. Ultimately, this verse invites readers to reflect on the profound ways in which God's favor and grace abound in their lives.
Have questions about Ruth 2:16?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ruth 2:16 Artwork
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."
"And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." - Ruth 2:16
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 1:16 - "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"
Ruth 2:22 - "And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field."
Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Ruth 2:21 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
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:"
"And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it." - Ruth 4:16
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
"And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field." - Ruth 2:22
Ruth 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.""
"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:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 2:23 - "So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law."
"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:" - Ruth 1:16
Ruth 2:12 - "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest." - Ruth 2:21
"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:" - Ruth 2:8
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12