Ruth 2:14 - At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” She sat beside the reapers, and they passed her parched grain, and she ate, and was satisfied, and left some of it.
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What does "Ruth 2:14" mean?
This verse from Ruth 2:14 is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth and Boaz, showcasing Boaz's kindness and consideration towards Ruth, a foreign widow. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” This shows Boaz extending a privilege to Ruth. It wasn't customary for a gleaner (a poor person picking up leftover grain after the harvest) to be invited to eat with the reapers. By inviting her to eat, Boaz elevates her status and provides her with nourishment. The "vinegar" likely refers to a sour wine or sauce used as a condiment, making the bread more palatable. It was common for laborers to dip their bread in it.
"She sat beside the reapers..." This indicates that Ruth accepts Boaz's invitation and joins the other workers for the meal. This is significant because it shows a blending of social classes. She is being included and treated with respect.
"...and they passed her parched grain..." This refers to roasted grain, which was another staple food. The fact that the reapers shared their parched grain with her further underscores the hospitable environment Boaz has fostered. They are treating her as one of their own.
"...and she ate, and was satisfied, and left some of it." This emphasizes two key points:
She ate and was satisfied: This highlights the provision and care she is receiving. As a widow and a foreigner, Ruth was vulnerable and dependent on others for survival. Boaz's generosity is meeting her needs.
...and left some of it: This detail can be interpreted as Ruth being modest and thankful. She doesn't overindulge, showing respect for the generosity she's been shown. It also suggests that she has enough food to take home, implying abundance in the kindness shown to her.
Overall Meaning:
This verse highlights:
Boaz's kindness and compassion: He goes beyond simply allowing Ruth to glean; he actively invites her to share a meal and provides her with food.
The theme of redemption and provision: Ruth, a vulnerable foreigner, is being cared for and protected through Boaz's generosity. This foreshadows the larger themes of redemption that unfold in the story.
The importance of hospitality and inclusivity: Boaz models a welcoming attitude towards those who are different and in need.
Ruth's humility and gratitude: Her response to Boaz's kindness reflects her humble spirit and appreciation.
In essence, this verse is a small but significant turning point in the story, setting the stage for the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz and illustrating the themes of kindness, provision, and eventual redemption that characterize the entire Book of Ruth.
Ruth 2:14 - At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” She sat beside the reapers, and they passed her parched grain, and she ate, and was satisfied, and left some of it.
What does "Ruth 2:14" mean?
This verse from Ruth 2:14 is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth and Boaz, showcasing Boaz's kindness and consideration towards Ruth, a foreign widow. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” This shows Boaz extending a privilege to Ruth. It wasn't customary for a gleaner (a poor person picking up leftover grain after the harvest) to be invited to eat with the reapers. By inviting her to eat, Boaz elevates her status and provides her with nourishment. The "vinegar" likely refers to a sour wine or sauce used as a condiment, making the bread more palatable. It was common for laborers to dip their bread in it.
"She sat beside the reapers..." This indicates that Ruth accepts Boaz's invitation and joins the other workers for the meal. This is significant because it shows a blending of social classes. She is being included and treated with respect.
"...and they passed her parched grain..." This refers to roasted grain, which was another staple food. The fact that the reapers shared their parched grain with her further underscores the hospitable environment Boaz has fostered. They are treating her as one of their own.
"...and she ate, and was satisfied, and left some of it." This emphasizes two key points:
She ate and was satisfied: This highlights the provision and care she is receiving. As a widow and a foreigner, Ruth was vulnerable and dependent on others for survival. Boaz's generosity is meeting her needs.
...and left some of it: This detail can be interpreted as Ruth being modest and thankful. She doesn't overindulge, showing respect for the generosity she's been shown. It also suggests that she has enough food to take home, implying abundance in the kindness shown to her.
Overall Meaning:
This verse highlights:
Boaz's kindness and compassion: He goes beyond simply allowing Ruth to glean; he actively invites her to share a meal and provides her with food.
The theme of redemption and provision: Ruth, a vulnerable foreigner, is being cared for and protected through Boaz's generosity. This foreshadows the larger themes of redemption that unfold in the story.
The importance of hospitality and inclusivity: Boaz models a welcoming attitude towards those who are different and in need.
Ruth's humility and gratitude: Her response to Boaz's kindness reflects her humble spirit and appreciation.
In essence, this verse is a small but significant turning point in the story, setting the stage for the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz and illustrating the themes of kindness, provision, and eventual redemption that characterize the entire Book of Ruth.