Ruth 2:17

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What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Ruth, after a day of gleaning in the fields, having collected about an ephah of barley. It shows her diligence and the amount she was able to gather for her mother-in-law Naomi and herself.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing in a big field full of seeds. After a whole day of picking up seeds, you gather enough to fill a big bucket. That's what Ruth did, and she got enough barley to feed herself and her family for a while.

Historical Background

The Book of Ruth was likely written around the 10th century BC, during the time of King David. The audience would have been the people of Israel, and the cultural setting was one of agricultural life, where gleaning was a common practice for the poor.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, we can see Ruth's story as an example of hard work and dedication. Think of a friend who works extra hours to support their family or someone who puts in a lot of effort to help others, just like Ruth did.

Topics

hard workgenerosityfamily supportpovertyagriculturediligence

Related Verses

Deuteronomy 24:19Leviticus 19:9-102 Kings 4:1-7Proverbs 13:4Luke 16:9-13

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ephah?
An ephah was a unit of dry measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 20 liters, used to measure grains like barley.
Why was gleaning important in Ruth's time?
Gleaning was a law allowing the poor to collect leftover crops from fields after the harvest, ensuring they had enough food to survive.
How does Ruth's hard work in the field relate to her character?
Ruth's hard work shows her dedication and the lengths she goes to provide for her family, highlighting her strong character and sense of responsibility.
What can we learn about family support from Ruth 2:17?
We learn that Ruth cared deeply for her family, particularly her mother-in-law Naomi, and worked diligently to ensure they both had food and support.
Compare Ruth 2:17 across all translations →