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Ruth 2:16

Ruth 2:16 in Multiple Translations

Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.”

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 also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it, and let her glean, and rebuke her not.

And let some heads of grain be pulled out of what has been corded up, and dropped for her to take, and let no sharp word be said to her.

In fact, pull out some stalks from the bundles you're cutting and leave them for her to pick up. Don't tell her off.”

Also let fall some of the sheaues for her, and let it lie, that she may gather it vp, and rebuke her not.

and also ye do surely cast to her of the handfuls — and have left, and she hath gleaned, and ye do not push against her.'

Also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it. Let her glean, and don’t rebuke her.”

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 some of your handfuls of purpose, and leave them, that she may gather them without shame, and let no man rebuke her when she gathereth them.

Instead, pull out some stalks of grain from the bundles, and leave them on the ground for her to pick up, and do not rebuke her.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:16

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ruth 2:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/גַ֛ם שֹׁל תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖/הּ מִן הַ/צְּבָתִ֑ים וַ/עֲזַבְתֶּ֥ם וְ/לִקְּטָ֖ה וְ/לֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ בָֽ/הּ
וְ/גַ֛ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM
שֹׁל shâlal H7997 to take V-Qal-Ptc
תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ shâlal H7997 to take V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לָ֖/הּ Prep | Suff
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הַ/צְּבָתִ֑ים tsebeth H6653 bundle Art | N-mp
וַ/עֲזַבְתֶּ֥ם ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken Conj | V-Qal-2mp
וְ/לִקְּטָ֖ה lâqaṭ H3950 to gather Conj | V-Piel-3fs
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
תִגְעֲרוּ gâʻar H1605 to rebuke V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
בָֽ/הּ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:16

וְ/גַ֛ם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שֹׁל shâlal H7997 "to take" V-Qal-Ptc
This verb means to take something by force, like looting or plundering. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of spoiling or taking prey. In the KJV, it is translated as 'let fall' or 'make self a prey'.
Definition: (Qal) to draw out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: let fall, make self a prey, [idiom] of purpose, (make a, (take)) spoil. See also: Ruth 2:16; Ezekiel 29:19; Psalms 76:6.
תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ shâlal H7997 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to take something by force, like looting or plundering. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of spoiling or taking prey. In the KJV, it is translated as 'let fall' or 'make self a prey'.
Definition: (Qal) to draw out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: let fall, make self a prey, [idiom] of purpose, (make a, (take)) spoil. See also: Ruth 2:16; Ezekiel 29:19; Psalms 76:6.
לָ֖/הּ "" Prep | Suff
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/צְּבָתִ֑ים tsebeth H6653 "bundle" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a bundle of grain, like a handful of wheat or barley. It appears in the Bible as a measurement of food. In ancient Israel, it was a common way to carry or store grain.
Definition: 1) bundles 1a) of grain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: handful. See also: Ruth 2:16.
וַ/עֲזַבְתֶּ֥ם ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" Conj | V-Qal-2mp
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
וְ/לִקְּטָ֖ה lâqaṭ H3950 "to gather" Conj | V-Piel-3fs
This verb means to gather or pick up, like gleaning leftover crops in a field. It is used in various forms to describe collecting or gathering things.
Definition: 1) to pick up, gather, glean, gather up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pick up, gather 1a2) to glean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to gather, gather up 1b2) to collect (money) 1b3) to glean 1c) (Pual) to be picked up 1d) (Hithpael) to collect oneself
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: gather (up), glean. See also: Genesis 31:46; Ruth 2:2; Psalms 104:28.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִגְעֲרוּ gâʻar H1605 "to rebuke" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to rebuke or reprove someone, often in a stern or corrective manner, as seen in the Bible's teachings on discipline. It can also mean to corrupt.
Definition: (Qal) to rebuke, reprove, corrupt
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, rebuke, reprove. See also: Genesis 37:10; Isaiah 17:13; Psalms 9:6.
בָֽ/הּ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Ruth 2:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
2 1 John 3:17–18 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.
3 Deuteronomy 24:19–21 If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, you must not go over the branches again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not go over the vines again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.
4 Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
5 Philemon 1:7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
6 Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
7 Matthew 25:40 And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
8 Psalms 112:9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
9 2 Corinthians 8:5–11 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God. So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it. But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire. Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.

Ruth 2:16 Summary

[In this verse, Boaz is showing kindness to Ruth by telling his workers to leave some grain for her to collect, and to not yell at her or make her feel unwelcome. This is an example of how we should treat others with love and respect, just like Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:39. By being kind and generous, we can make a big difference in someone's life, just like Boaz did for Ruth. This verse reminds us to always try to be understanding and compassionate towards others, as we would want them to be towards us, as Jesus teaches in Luke 6:31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'pull out for her some stalks from the bundles' in Ruth 2:16?

This action shows Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth, as he instructs his workers to intentionally leave some grain for her to collect, demonstrating his care for her well-being, as seen in other biblical examples of kindness, such as in Proverbs 19:17.

Why did Boaz tell his workers not to rebuke Ruth?

Boaz wanted to ensure that Ruth felt welcome and safe while gathering grain in his field, and by telling his workers not to rebuke her, he was protecting her from potential harm or discouragement, much like Jesus teaches us to love and care for the vulnerable in Matthew 25:40.

How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the biblical value of hospitality, as Boaz shows kindness and generosity to Ruth, a stranger in his land, reflecting the teachings of Scripture, such as in Hebrews 13:2, which reminds us to show hospitality to strangers, for we may be entertaining angels unaware.

What can we learn from Boaz's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and generosity, especially those who may be vulnerable or in need, as Boaz demonstrates in his treatment of Ruth, and as we are taught in Galatians 6:2 to bear one another's burdens.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I show kindness and generosity to those around me, just as Boaz did for Ruth?
  2. What are some ways I can create a welcoming and safe environment for others, especially those who may be feeling vulnerable or alone?
  3. How can I apply the principle of not rebuking or discouraging others, as Boaz instructed his workers, in my own relationships and interactions?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:16

And let fall some of the handfuls on purpose for her,.... That is, when they had reaped an handful, instead of laying it in its proper order, to be taken up by those that gathered after them, or by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:16

Rth 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.Ver. 16. And let fall also some of the handfuls.] Boaz could have given her at first an ephah of barley, and it had been no more charge to him. But he will have her use her endeavours to gather, and glean, and beat out. And that labour of hers should be the price she should pay for it. So God gives knowledge and grace. The heathen could say, Dii laboribus omnia vendunt.

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:16

16. the bundles] Only here; in Assyr. the root (ṣ ?abâtu) means ‘to grasp’; in the Mishnah and Jewish Aram., ‘to bind.’

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:16

16. Handfuls of purpose for her — “These directions of Boaz went far beyond the bounds of generosity and compassion for the poor, and show that he felt a peculiar interest in Ruth, with whose

Sermons on Ruth 2:16

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Genesis) - Part 17 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the attitude of Abraham and Sarah towards hospitality. He emphasizes that Abraham, despite being a servant of God, humbly serves the three m
Paul Hattaway Unreached Peoples: The Tajik People of Central Asia by Paul Hattaway This sermon focuses on the history, culture, and people of the Tajik community in Central Asia, highlighting their resilience, unique heritage, and warm hospitality. It explores th
Stan Ford Bristol Conference 1977-01 msg.and Man of Model Ch. by Stan Ford In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the gospel message. He recounts various instances where the gospel was preached and had a profound impact on peo
Stan Ford Skyland Conference 1980-02 Christian Stewardship by Stan Ford In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of God's grace. He begins by discussing the imminent end of all things and encourages the audience to b
Zac Poonen God Needs Women by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of women faithfully portraying God's intended glory through their roles as helpers, mothers, and witnesses for Christ. He emphasizes the si
John Gill 1 Peter 4:9 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the importance of hospitality in his sermon on 1 Peter 4:9, urging believers to love and care for strangers, particularly those who are displaced for their fai
A.B. Simpson Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the responsibility of believers to share the blessings they have received from God, highlighting that every special revelation or healing is a sacred trust

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