Ruth 2 5

Ruth 2:5 kjv

Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

Ruth 2:5 nkjv

Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?"

Ruth 2:5 niv

Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, "Who does that young woman belong to?"

Ruth 2:5 esv

Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?"

Ruth 2:5 nlt

Then Boaz asked his foreman, "Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?"

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 5 Meaning

Ruth 2:5 describes the pivotal moment when Boaz, a wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, observes Ruth, a foreign gleaner, in his field. He then inquires of his chief foreman, "Whose young woman is this?" This simple question reveals Boaz's observant nature and curiosity about the diligent, unfamiliar woman, initiating the chain of events that will transform Ruth's life and the lineage of David.

Ruth 2 5 Context

Ruth chapter 2 unfolds the initial steps of Ruth and Boaz's intertwined journey. After their sorrowful return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1), Naomi and Ruth face severe poverty. Ruth takes the initiative, choosing to glean in the fields, a provision for the poor and foreigners according to Mosaic Law (Lev 19:9-10). The narrative explicitly states it "happened" that she went to the field belonging to Boaz, who is introduced as a relative of Naomi's late husband Elimelech, and described as a "man of great wealth" or "worthy man" (Ruth 2:1). Ruth 2:5 captures Boaz's arrival from Bethlehem to his field, greeting his reapers, and immediately noticing the new young woman, Ruth, distinguishing her from his usual workers. This moment is the beginning of his deliberate favor towards her, ultimately leading to her redemption and entrance into the lineage of Christ.

Ruth 2 5 Word analysis

• Then Boaz: Boaz (Hebrew: Bo'az, בֹּעַז), meaning "in him is strength" or "swiftness." He is a key figure, wealthy, respected, and portrayed as a righteous and attentive landowner. His arrival marks a turning point in Ruth's day.

• said: Implies a direct and authoritative, yet measured, query from an employer to his foreman. It's not a casual observation but a formal inquiry.

• to his young man: The Hebrew term is na'ar (נַעַר), which denotes a male servant, attendant, or youth. In this context, it refers to a responsible foreman or overseer, indicating a trusted position.

• who was in charge of the reapers: This phrase specifies the foreman's role and authority within Boaz's operations. He managed the harvest workers, ensuring order and productivity. This person is Boaz's direct subordinate for managing labor.

• "Whose young woman is this?":

  • Whose: An inquiry about identity and affiliation. Boaz does not recognize her among his usual field laborers, prompting his question. This suggests she is a stranger or newcomer.
  • young woman: The Hebrew na'arah (נַעֲרָה), the feminine form of na'ar, indicating a maiden or young adult woman. The question highlights her status as potentially unprotected or unattached, unlike others known to his foreman. Boaz is observing and acting appropriately, seeking information before directly addressing her.
  • is this?: The direct and immediate pointing to Ruth suggests she stood out, possibly due to her diligence, foreign appearance, or simply because she was not part of the established group known to the foreman.

• "Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers,": This opening establishes Boaz's presence and immediate sphere of influence, highlighting his status and orderly management. It also sets up a hierarchical relationship, where Boaz delegates to a trusted subordinate.

• "Whose young woman is this?": This short, direct question immediately focuses the narrative on Ruth from Boaz's perspective. It implies Boaz's observation skills and an underlying interest in the new face. It's not a harsh demand but a curious inquiry, characteristic of a thoughtful employer. The question implies Ruth's distinctness and newness to the field.

Ruth 2 5 Bonus section

The seemingly coincidental arrival of Ruth at Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3) and Boaz's subsequent noticing of her highlights the concept of God's active, yet often subtle, sovereignty in seemingly random human affairs. This specific question marks Boaz's initiative to bridge the gap between his position and Ruth's vulnerability. It signifies a transition from Ruth's quiet, determined labor to Boaz's direct, compassionate engagement, all orchestrated within the broader divine plan. This simple inquiry, stemming from observation, sets the stage for a covenant relationship and ultimately, the Messianic line, demonstrating God's meticulous care in guiding lives for His overarching purpose.

Ruth 2 5 Commentary

Ruth 2:5 acts as the crucial moment where divine providence converges with human choice and diligence. Boaz, a man of integrity and means, arrives in his field and immediately notices Ruth, an outsider working diligently according to the gleaning laws. His question, "Whose young woman is this?" is a display of his observant nature and careful management. It’s not just casual curiosity, but a prudent inquiry by a responsible landowner seeking to understand who is gleaning in his fields, especially one who seems new. This question leads to the foreman's positive report of Ruth’s character and work ethic, paving the way for Boaz's remarkable kindness and generosity. This small inquiry, born of an observant eye, becomes the seed from which God’s greater plan of redemption and lineage for David unfolds, highlighting that God orchestrates significant events even through simple, everyday interactions.