Ruth 2:15
What does Ruth 2:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:15 means
After the meal, Boaz instructs his young men to allow Ruth to glean even among the sheaves and not to reproach her. This goes beyond the ordinary allowance for gleaners, who usually gathered only from the edges or what fell. Boaz quietly elevates Ruth’s access while protecting her from shame. His command guards her from criticism and social pressure that might drive her away. He leverages his authority to create space for generous provision where she can work openly and safely, ensuring her dignity remains intact as she receives more than the minimum.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when she got ready to take up the grain, Boaz gave his young men orders, saying, Let her take it even from among the cut grain, and say nothing to her.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And she riseth to glean, and Boaz chargeth his young men, saying, `Even between the sheaves she doth glean, and ye do not cause her to blush;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she arose from thence, to glean the ears of corn as before. And Booz commanded his servants, saying: If she would even reap with you, hinder her not:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and ye shall not reproach her.
Context
The narrative shifts from public hospitality to private instructions. Having honored Ruth at the table (v. 14), Boaz now organizes ongoing generosity behind the scenes. Verse 15 begins a twofold directive (with v. 16) to his workers, removing barriers and expanding Ruth’s gleaning rights. These steps set up the abundant outcome reported in verse 17, showing deliberate, strategic kindness rather than haphazard charity.
v.14And at meal-time Boaz said unto her, Come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers, and they reached her parched grain, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left thereof.
v.15This passage
v.16And also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it, and let her glean, and rebuke her not.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 1:5
But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
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