Ruth 2:18 - She took it up, and went into the city. Then her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned; and she brought out and gave to her that which she had left after she had enough.

Generated Verse: Ruth 2:18

What does "Ruth 2:18" mean?


This verse describes Ruth's return home after a day of gleaning in Boaz's field and highlights her thoughtfulness and respect for her mother-in-law, Naomi. Let's break it down:

"She took it up, and went into the city." Ruth collects the barley she has gleaned (gathered from the leftover harvest in the field) and returns to Bethlehem, where she and Naomi are living.

"Then her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned..." Naomi sees the large amount of barley Ruth has gathered. This indicates that Ruth has been very diligent and successful in her gleaning. It also implies that Naomi is waiting for her, anxious to see how her day went.

"...and she brought out and gave to her that which she had left after she had enough." This is the key part of the verse. "That which she had left after she had enough" refers to food from her lunch or any extra food she had that day while working in the field. Ruth, instead of consuming all the food herself, saved some and gave it to Naomi. This demonstrates Ruth's:

Thoughtfulness: She considered Naomi's needs and made sure to bring something back for her.
Respect and Love: This action is a sign of Ruth's deep care and devotion to Naomi. Remember, Naomi is an elderly widow, and Ruth could easily have kept all the food for herself.
Gratitude: Ruth is showing gratitude for Naomi's hospitality and for the opportunity to glean in the fields. She recognizes the hardship they are both facing and wants to ease Naomi's burden.

In essence, the verse showcases Ruth's virtuous character – her hard work, her care for Naomi, and her generosity. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about her character and sets the stage for the events that follow in the story of Ruth. It reinforces the themes of kindness, loyalty, and redemption that run throughout the Book of Ruth.