Ruth 2:17
Ruth 2:17 in Multiple Translations
So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. And when she beat out what she had gleaned, it was about an ephah of barley.
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
So she gleaned in the field until even; and she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.
So she went on getting together the heads of grain till evening; and after crushing out the seed it came to about an ephah of grain.
Ruth worked in the field until the evening. When she beat out the grain that she had picked up it was a large amount.
So she gleaned in the fielde vntill euening, and she thresshed that shee had gathered, and it was about an Ephah of barly.
And she gleaneth in the field till the evening, and beateth out that which she hath gleaned, and it is about an ephah of barley;
So she gleaned in the field until evening; and she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.
So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out that which she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
She gleaned therefore in the field till evening: and beating out with a rod and threshing what she had gleaned, she found about the measure of an ephi of barley, that is, three bushels:
So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. Then she ◄threshed/beat with a stick► the barley that she had gathered, to separate the kernels from the stalks, and the barley filled a large basket.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:17
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 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּלַקֵּ֥ט
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
עַד
הָ/עָ֑רֶב
וַ/תַּחְבֹּט֙
אֵ֣ת
אֲשֶׁר
לִקֵּ֔טָה
וַ/יְהִ֖י
כְּ/אֵיפָ֥ה
שְׂעֹרִֽים
וַ/תְּלַקֵּ֥ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
to gather
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הָ/עָ֑רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Art | N-ms
וַ/תַּחְבֹּט֙
châbaṭ
H2251
to beat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לִקֵּ֔טָה
lâqaṭ
H3950
to gather
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/אֵיפָ֥ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
ephah
Prep | N-fs
שְׂעֹרִֽים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:17
וַ/תְּלַקֵּ֥ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
"to gather"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-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.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הָ/עָ֑רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
וַ/תַּחְבֹּט֙
châbaṭ
H2251
"to beat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to beat or knock something out, like threshing grain. It is used in the Old Testament to describe physical labor or battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'beat' or 'thresh'.
Definition: 1) to beat, beat out, beat off, thresh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to beat out 1a2) to beat off 1b) (Niphal) to be beaten out
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: beat (off, out), thresh. See also: Deuteronomy 24:20; Ruth 2:17; Isaiah 27:12.
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִקֵּ֔טָה
lâqaṭ
H3950
"to gather"
V-Piel-Perf-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.
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/אֵיפָ֥ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
"ephah"
Prep | N-fs
An ephah was a unit of measurement in the Old Testament, equivalent to about 9 gallons, used to quantify dry goods like grain, as mentioned in the books of Leviticus and Ruth.
Definition: 1) ephah 1a) a dry measure of quantity, equal to 3 seahs, 10 omers; the same as the liquid measure bath; (about 9 imperial gallons (40 l), rabbinical writings give sizes of one-half this amount) 1b) the receptacle for measuring or holding that amount
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ephah, (divers) measure(-s). See also: Exodus 16:36; Ezekiel 45:10; Proverbs 20:10.
שְׂעֹרִֽים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
N-fp
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.
Study Notes — Ruth 2:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 2:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:17
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 2:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
- Sermons on Ruth 2:17
Context — Boaz Meets Ruth
15When Ruth got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, do not insult her.
16Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.”
17So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. And when she beat out what she had gleaned, it was about an ephah of barley.
18She picked up the grain and went into the town, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi. 19Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you.” So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 45:11–12 | The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer; the homer will be the standard measure for both. The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina. |
| 2 | Proverbs 31:27 | She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. |
| 3 | Exodus 16:36 | (Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.) |
Ruth 2:17 Summary
Ruth 2:17 shows us that Ruth worked hard to gather grain in the field, and she was blessed with a successful day of gleaning. This verse teaches us that God provides for those who trust in Him, just like He provided for Ruth and Naomi. We can learn from Ruth's example by being faithful and diligent in our daily work, and trusting in God's goodness and provision (Psalm 37:3-7). By doing so, we can experience the blessings of God in our lives, just like Ruth did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ephah of barley and why is it significant in Ruth 2:17?
An ephah is an ancient unit of measurement, equivalent to about 3/5 of a bushel. In Ruth 2:17, gathering about an ephah of barley indicates that Ruth had a successful day of gleaning, as seen in the generosity of Boaz (Ruth 2:15-16), which is a blessing from God (Deuteronomy 28:2-5).
Why did Ruth work so hard to gather grain in the field?
Ruth worked hard to gather grain because she was providing for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi, as a result of the death of their husbands (Ruth 1:3-5). Her diligence is an example of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31, who works hard to care for her family.
How does Ruth's gleaning in the field relate to our lives as Christians?
Ruth's gleaning in the field can be seen as a picture of how God provides for us, even in difficult circumstances (Psalm 23:1-4). Just as Boaz showed kindness to Ruth, God shows us kindness and provides for our needs, and we can trust in His goodness and provision (Romans 8:28).
What can we learn from Ruth's attitude and actions in this verse?
Ruth's attitude and actions demonstrate her humility, diligence, and trust in God's provision. We can learn from her example by being faithful in our daily work, trusting in God's goodness, and being content with what He provides (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Hebrews 13:5).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's provision, like Ruth did in the field?
- How can I show kindness and generosity to those around me, just as Boaz showed to Ruth?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more diligent and faithful, like Ruth was in her gleaning?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, even in difficult circumstances, like Ruth did in her poverty?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:17
So she gleaned in the field until even,.... An instance of her great diligence and industry, attending to this mean employment constantly from morning tonight: and beat out that she had gleaned: she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. And beat out that she had gleaned. When the quantity of grain was small, it was beat out by means of a stick.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
An ephah is thought to contain about a bushel. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
Rth 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.Ver. 17. Until even.] Strengthening herself to her labour, as that good housewife, and laying her bones to work. About an ephah.] Almost a bushel, her back burden.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
(17) Beat out.—That is, she threshed it herself, so as to save the labour of carrying away the straw. She then found she had an ephah, that is, rather more than four pecks.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
Verse 17. An ephah of barley.] Not less than seven gallons and a half; a good day's work. On Hebrew measures of capacity, See Clarke on Exodus 16:16.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:17
17. she beat out] Cf. Judges 6:11. an ephah] Approximately equivalent to our bushel.
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 2:17
And beat out that she had gleaned - Namely, with a stick, as the word implies (compare Deuteronomy 24:20; Isaiah 27:12). This method is still commonly practiced.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:17
17. Beat out… had gleaned — This process is often witnessed by the modern traveller in the East.
Sermons on Ruth 2:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Crash Course to a Wonderful Family - Part 3 by David Servant | This sermon emphasizes the importance of diligently raising children in the ways of the Lord, highlighting the impact of parental influence on children's faith and righteousness. I |
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On Sundays, Let All Occupy Themselves in Reading by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of occupying oneself in reading and various duties on Sundays, highlighting the need to avoid idleness and negligence. He advises t |