Bible Strands
Ruth 2:7
She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’ So she came out and has continued from morning until now, except that she rested a short time in the shelter.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The field foreman reports to Boaz about Ruth’s actions after identifying her as the Moabitess who returned with Naomi. He recounts her request to glean behind the harvesters and her continued labor from morning until his inquiry.
The words — אֲלַקֳטָה ('alaqotah) literally means "let me glean," and וַ/תָּב֣וֹא (va./ta.Vo') translates as "and she came." These terms anchor the verse in the physical acts of requesting permission and arriving at the field.
The thread — The text’s emphasis on diligent labor and humble pleading parallels Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 15:33, and Proverbs 18:23. These references trace a consistent scriptural pattern linking humility, persistent work, and the reception of mercy.
Why it lands — The passage demands recognition that sustained, unglamorous labor is the foundation of provision. It requires the reader to value the quiet persistence of those who work without entitlement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And 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.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
- Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
- Proverbs 18:23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
- Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
- Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.