Ruth 2:7
What does Ruth 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:7 means
The overseer adds that Ruth requested permission to glean and has worked diligently from morning with only a short rest in the shelter. This portrays Ruth as respectful, industrious, and modest. She asks, she does not presume; she labors consistently, not idly; she takes rest appropriately, not indulgently. Such character shines all the more given her hardship. The report counters any suspicion that she might exploit the law’s provision. Instead, Ruth exemplifies the very person for whom God’s gleaning law was intended—a humble, hard-working widow seeking daily bread through honest means.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And she said to me, Let me come into the grain-field and take up the grain after the cutters. So she came, and has been here from morning till now, without resting even for a minute.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and she saith, Let me glean, I pray thee--and I have gathered among the sheaves after the reapers; and she cometh and remaineth since the morning and till now; she sat in the house a little.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she desired leave to glean the ears of corn that remain, following the steps of the reapers: and she hath been in the field from morning till now, and hath not gone home for one moment.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers. And she came, and has continued from the morning until now: her sitting in the house has been little as yet.
Context
Completing the portrait given in verse 6, this testimony to Ruth’s conduct confirms that Boaz’s kindness will not be misplaced. The scene is set: a worthy landowner, a vulnerable yet virtuous gleaner, and a foreman’s positive report. With this groundwork, Boaz now addresses Ruth directly in verses 8–9, offering protection and privileges that go beyond the bare requirements of the law.
v.6And 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:
v.7This passage
v.8Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:11
in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- 1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.
- Ephesians 5:21
subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.
- Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
- Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ruth 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ruth 2.