Ruth 2:23
Ruth 2:23 in Multiple Translations
So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
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.
So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz, to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law.
So she kept near the servant-girls of Boaz to take up the grain till the cutting of the early grain and the cutting of the late grain were ended; and she went on living with her mother-in-law.
So Ruth stayed with Boaz's women workers, picking up grain until the end of the barley harvest, and then on to the end of the wheat harvest. She lived with her mother-in-law the whole time.
Then she kept her by the maides of Boaz, to gather vnto the end of barly haruest, and of wheate haruest, and dwelt with her mother in lawe.
And she cleaveth to the young women of Boaz to glean, till the completion of the barley-harvest, and of the wheat-harvest, and she dwelleth with her mother-in-law.
So she stayed close to the maidens of Boaz, to glean to the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and she lived with her mother-in-law.
So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean to the end of barley-harvest and of wheat-harvest; and dwelt with her mother-in-law.
So she kept close to the maids of Booz: and continued to glean with them, till all the barley and the wheat were laid up in the barns.
So Ruth stayed close to Boaz’s servant girls while she was working. She gathered stalks of grain until the barley harvest and the wheat harvest were finished. During that time she lived with Naomi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:23
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 2:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּדְבַּ֞ק
בְּ/נַעֲר֥וֹת
בֹּ֨עַז֙
לְ/לַקֵּ֔ט
עַד
כְּל֥וֹת
קְצִֽיר
הַ/שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים
וּ/קְצִ֣יר
הַֽ/חִטִּ֑ים
וַ/תֵּ֖שֶׁב
אֶת
חֲמוֹתָֽ/הּ
וַ/תִּדְבַּ֞ק
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בְּ/נַעֲר֥וֹת
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Prep | N-fp
בֹּ֨עַז֙
Bôʻaz
H1162
Boaz
N-proper
לְ/לַקֵּ֔ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
to gather
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
כְּל֥וֹת
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Qal-Inf-a
קְצִֽיר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
N-ms
הַ/שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
Art | N-fp
וּ/קְצִ֣יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
Conj | N-ms
הַֽ/חִטִּ֑ים
chiṭṭâh
H2406
wheat
Art | N-fp
וַ/תֵּ֖שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
חֲמוֹתָֽ/הּ
chămôwth
H2545
mother-in-law
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:23
וַ/תִּדְבַּ֞ק
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
בְּ/נַעֲר֥וֹת
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Prep | N-fp
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
בֹּ֨עַז֙
Bôʻaz
H1162
"Boaz"
N-proper
Boaz was an ancestor of King David and also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple, symbolizing strength and support. The name means 'fleetness' or 'swiftness'.
Definition: § Boaz = "fleetness" name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Boaz. See also: Ruth 2:1; Ruth 3:7; 2 Chronicles 3:17.
לְ/לַקֵּ֔ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
"to gather"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
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.
כְּל֥וֹת
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
קְצִֽיר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
הַ/שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
Art | 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.
וּ/קְצִ֣יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
הַֽ/חִטִּ֑ים
chiṭṭâh
H2406
"wheat"
Art | N-fp
This word means wheat, whether the plant or the grain. It is used in the Bible to describe fields of wheat, like those in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) wheat 1a) wheat (plant) 1b) wheat flour Aramaic equivalent: chin.tah (חִנְטָה "wheat" H2591)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: wheat(-en). See also: Genesis 30:14; 1 Chronicles 21:23; Psalms 81:17.
וַ/תֵּ֖שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
חֲמוֹתָֽ/הּ
chămôwth
H2545
"mother-in-law"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a mother-in-law, the husband's mother, a family relationship. It appears in various biblical contexts.
Definition: mother-in-law, husband's mother
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: mother in law. See also: Ruth 1:14; Ruth 3:1; Micah 7:6.
Study Notes — Ruth 2:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 2:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:23
- Sermons on Ruth 2:23
Context — Boaz Meets Ruth
21Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’”
22And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, “My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field.”
23So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:6–8 | Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 16:9 | You are to count off seven weeks from the time you first put the sickle to the standing grain. |
| 3 | Ephesians 6:1–3 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 5 | Proverbs 13:1 | A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
Ruth 2:23 Summary
[Ruth 2:23 tells us that Ruth stayed with the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the harvests were finished, and she lived with her mother-in-law Naomi. This means that Ruth was being careful to follow Naomi's advice and to take care of herself, while also continuing to provide for Naomi's needs. As we see in Proverbs 27:9, a friend loves at all times, and Ruth's actions demonstrate her love and commitment to her family. By staying close to the servant girls and following Naomi's guidance, Ruth was able to find safety and provision, just like the Israelites found provision in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ruth stay with the servant girls of Boaz?
Ruth stayed with the servant girls of Boaz because Naomi advised her to do so, to ensure her safety while gleaning grain, as we see in Ruth 2:22. This decision also allowed Ruth to be a blessing to Naomi and to learn more about the God of Israel.
How long did Ruth glean grain with the servant girls of Boaz?
Ruth gleaned grain with the servant girls of Boaz until the barley and wheat harvests were finished, as stated in Ruth 2:23. This would have been a period of several weeks or months, depending on the specific timing of the harvests in ancient Israel.
What does it mean that Ruth lived with her mother-in-law?
When it says that Ruth lived with her mother-in-law, it means that Ruth continued to care for Naomi and provide for her, as we see in Ruth 1:16-17. This demonstrates Ruth's loyalty and commitment to her family, even after the death of her husband.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Ruth?
This verse is a turning point in the story of Ruth, as it shows Ruth's obedience to Naomi's advice and her continued faithfulness to her family. It sets the stage for the events of Ruth 3, where Ruth will meet Boaz again and ultimately become his wife, as prophesied in Ruth 4:13 and fulfilled in accordance with Deuteronomy 25:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and commitment to my family, just like Ruth did?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking safety and guidance from wise mentors, like Naomi, in my own life?
- What does it mean to 'stay close' to other believers, as Ruth did with the servant girls of Boaz, and how can I cultivate those kinds of relationships in my own life?
- How does Ruth's story encourage me to trust in God's provision and timing, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:23
So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean,.... Accepting the kindness of Boaz, and attending to the advice of her mother-in-law, as well as using all diligence to get a livelihood for her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
Heb. sat or continued at home, when she had despatched her occasions abroad, and did not wander or gad abroad, after the manner of idle persons and harlots, ,12.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
Rth 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.Ver. 23. So she kept fast.] According to her mother’ s counsel, which she esteemed as an oracle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
(23) And dwelt.—Unspoiled by mixing with her new society, she stops on quietly at the end of her task, and tends her mother-in-law at home with the same fidelity with which she had worked for her abroad. III.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:23
Verse 23. And of wheat harvest] That is, she was to continue gleaning in the farm of Boaz to the end of the barley harvest; and then, when the wheat harvest began, to continue to its conclusion in the same way. In the interim, as well as each night, she lodged with her mother-in-law. 1. RUTH seems to have been a woman of a very amiable mind: she was modest, and she was industrious, and most probably a comely woman; and all these things served to attract the attention of Boaz, and to engage his affection. Her attachment also to her mother-in-law could not fail to secure his esteem. All these things worked together in the course of Providence, to bring about a matrimonial connection, which in its issue was intimately connected with the salvation of a lost world; for, from this very line, Jesus Christ, according to the flesh, sprang; and Ruth showed herself as worthy to be one of His progenitors as the Virgin Mary was to be His mother. See the notes on Matthew 1:1-16 2. We should carefully attend to the leadings and to the workings of God's providence; it is our duty and our interest to do both, for the path of duty is ever the way of safety. Had not Ruth acted thus, how dreary and uncomfortable must her life have been! but she followed God fully, and in a path apparently dangerous, and yet, not only sustained no injury, but succeeded well in all things: from this, as well as from innumerable other circumstances, we see the truth of that word, Acknowledge him in all thy ways, and he will direct thy steps; and with this we may ever connect, Trust in the Lord with thy whole heart, and lean not to thy own understanding. Whosoever follows God in simplicity of heart, will most assuredly be guided into all truth.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:23
23. wheat harvest] followed two or three weeks later. she dwelt with] Or, with a slight change, she returned unto; so Vulg.
Sermons on Ruth 2:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Biblical Family) Biblical Manhood - Part 1 by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of biblical manhood and what qualities a man must possess to reflect it. The first quality mentioned is a commitment to God-honoring |
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(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It |
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Our Response to the Current Economic Crisis? by Alan Cairns | This sermon addresses the response of Christians to the economic meltdown happening globally. It emphasizes the importance of not panicking but instead trusting in God's promises a |
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Making It Over the Last Mountain by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of laziness and its consequences. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and not procrastinating. The preacher highlights th |
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True Christians in the Workplace Part 2 by Sanjay Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out godly values, setting heavenly goals, and making wise decisions in a professional setting. It encourages individuals to seek God |
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Walking in the Spirit by George Verwer | In this sermon, Francis Schaefer addresses the issue of university students being brainwashed by societal pressures. He encourages the audience to consider a year of practical evan |
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Keep on Keeping On by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making God our ultimate goal. He references Isaiah 40:29, which speaks about waiting upon God and how He renews our strengt |