Ruth 2 4

Ruth 2:4 kjv

And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

Ruth 2:4 nkjv

Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you!" And they answered him, "The LORD bless you!"

Ruth 2:4 niv

Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!" "The LORD bless you!" they answered.

Ruth 2:4 esv

And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you!" And they answered, "The LORD bless you."

Ruth 2:4 nlt

While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. "The LORD be with you!" he said. "The LORD bless you!" the harvesters replied.

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 4 Meaning

Ruth 2:4 describes the arrival of Boaz at his field in Bethlehem and the reciprocal, God-centered greeting exchanged between him and his reapers. This interaction vividly portrays a scene of mutual respect, piety, and an explicit acknowledgment of the Lord's presence and blessing in their daily work, immediately establishing Boaz as a man of faith and character.

Ruth 2 4 Context

Ruth 2:4 serves as the critical entry point for Boaz, a central character in the book, onto the narrative stage. It takes place during the barley harvest in Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth have recently arrived from Moab, destitute. Ruth has, by chance, chosen to glean in a field belonging to Boaz, who is a kinsman of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech.

This verse occurs within the broader context of the Book of Judges, a period generally characterized by moral and spiritual decline, where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Jdg 21:25). However, this scene presents a stark and refreshing contrast. It portrays a pocket of vibrant faith and covenant obedience, demonstrating that even amidst widespread apostasy, God preserved a remnant who lived in piety, observed the Law (such as the gleaning laws), and acknowledged His sovereignty in their daily lives. The exchange of blessings between Boaz and his workers is pivotal in setting the tone for Ruth's experience in his field and foreshadowing the divine hand at work.

Ruth 2 4 Word analysis

• And, behold (וְהִנֵּה֙, v’hinnēh): This Hebrew interjection serves to draw immediate attention, signifying the dramatic and purposeful appearance of someone or something significant. It heightens anticipation for Boaz's arrival, highlighting divine superintendence and not mere chance in his timely appearance.
• Boaz (בֹּ֙עַז֙, Boʿaz): A proper name derived from the Hebrew root meaning "in him is strength" or "swiftness." This name appropriately reflects his character and later actions as a man of substance, strength, integrity, and decisive action, functioning as a "go'el" or kinsman-redeemer.
• came from Bethlehem (בָּ֣א מִבֵּֽית־לֶ֠חֶם, bā mibbêt-leḥem): "Bethlehem" means "house of bread/food." Boaz, a figure of provision and redemption, fittingly comes from this town associated with sustenance. This also emphasizes the agricultural setting and hints at the town's future significance as the birthplace of David and the Messiah (Mic 5:2; Matt 2:1).
• said unto the reapers (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־הַקֹּצְרִ֔ים, wayyōʾmer ʾel-haqqoṣrīm): "Reapers" (הַקֹּצְרִים, haqqoṣrīm) refers to those performing the strenuous work of harvesting. This indicates Boaz's direct and engaged leadership. He is not merely supervising from afar but is personally invested in and interacting with his laborers, showing his compassionate and hands-on approach.
• The LORD bless you (יְהוָ֥ה עִמָּכֶ֖ם, YHWH ʿimmākhem): This is a powerful, concise expression that translates more literally to "Yahweh [be] with you" or "May Yahweh be with you."
  • The LORD (יְהוָ֥ה, YHWH): The sacred, covenant name of God (Tetragrammaton). Its use underscores the depth of their faith, acknowledging God not just as a general deity but as the specific covenant-keeping God of Israel who is intimately involved in their daily lives and work.
  • bless you (עִמָּכֶ֖ם, ʿimmākhem): Conveys a desire for God's favorable presence, assistance, and prosperity in their work. It's a recognition that true blessing comes from Him, especially during the arduous and critical harvest season.
• And they answered him, The LORD bless thee (וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אֵלָ֑יו יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֽה, wayyōʾmrū ʾēlāyw yebārēkəḵā YHWH):
  • Reciprocity: This mutual blessing is not merely a formality but a genuine exchange reflecting shared reverence for God and mutual respect between employer and employees.
  • The LORD bless thee (יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֽה, yebārēkəḵā YHWH): This phrase is a common Hebrew greeting and blessing. The workers' immediate, willing, and respectful response shows their piety and the healthy, God-honoring atmosphere that Boaz fostered.

Words-Group Analysis:

• Boaz's Pious Introduction: The immediate and intentional pronouncement of a blessing using God's covenant name by Boaz upon his arrival immediately reveals his profound personal piety and positions him as a righteous leader. This sets a tone sharply distinct from the spiritual decay common during the Judges period, showcasing pockets of genuine faithfulness.
• Ideal Workplace Ethos: The reciprocal exchange of blessings, explicitly invoking Yahweh's name, illustrates a rare, yet ideal, working environment rooted in biblical principles. It underscores an atmosphere where mutual respect flourishes, divine presence is acknowledged, and labor is consecrated, leading to God-given prosperity and harmony.
• Manifestation of Theocratic Ideals: This dialogue exemplifies a healthy theocratic society where every aspect of life, even daily labor, is viewed under God's sovereignty. The hallowing of God's name in mundane tasks signifies that God is integral to all facets of their existence, demonstrating covenant faithfulness lived out.
• Setting the Stage for Divine Providence: This entire exchange—Boaz's character and the atmosphere of blessing he cultivates—lays the essential groundwork for Ruth's integration. The kindness and godliness evinced here will be the context within which God's providential plan for Ruth, Naomi, and the continuation of the Messianic line unfolds.

Ruth 2 4 Bonus section

• Polemics against Canaanite practices: In a land often associated with polytheistic Baal worship, which connected agricultural fertility directly to pagan deities and rituals, this verse offers a subtle but strong polemic. By explicitly invoking YHWH (the LORD) as the source of blessing for the harvest, Boaz and his reapers implicitly reject the prevalent Canaanite belief system, affirming Yahweh alone as the true God and Provider.
• Type of Christ: Boaz, introduced as a godly, generous, and powerful figure who extends blessing and redemption, is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, who brings blessing, redeems His people, and builds a spiritual "house of bread."
• Divine Timing and Providence: While seemingly a routine daily interaction, Boaz's arrival and the mutual blessing occur precisely when Ruth has "happened" upon his field, highlighting the subtle yet powerful working of God's providence to bring His plan to fruition for Ruth, Naomi, and ultimately, the lineage of David and Jesus.

Ruth 2 4 Commentary

Ruth 2:4 is a pivotal verse, initiating Boaz's character development and illuminating the spiritual fabric of his household. It depicts a master, Boaz, whose first action upon arrival at his fields is not to inspect productivity, but to pronounce a blessing upon his workers, invoking the personal covenant name of God, Yahweh. The workers, in turn, respond with a similar, genuine blessing. This is more than a mere custom; it portrays a deep, shared faith and mutual respect rooted in their common reverence for God.

This scene stands in powerful contrast to the chaotic and morally degraded period of the Judges, highlighting a preserving remnant of God-ffearing individuals who integrated their faith seamlessly into their daily work and interactions. Boaz models leadership that is spiritual, compassionate, and present. He understands that true blessing and success come from God, not just human effort. This interaction creates a God-honoring environment, paving the way for Ruth, an outsider and gleaner, to find favor and refuge in a place where God's blessing is not merely invoked, but lived out. It sets the foundation for the unfolding narrative of redemption and divine providence.

Examples of Practical Usage:

• A Christian manager beginning the workday by blessing their team and inviting God's presence.
• Co-workers habitually offering prayers or expressions of God's favor to one another, acknowledging the Lord's hand in their efforts.