Ruth 2 8

Ruth 2:8 kjv

Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

Ruth 2:8 nkjv

Then Boaz said to Ruth, "You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women.

Ruth 2:8 niv

So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.

Ruth 2:8 esv

Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.

Ruth 2:8 nlt

Boaz went over and said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don't go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field.

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 8 Meaning

Ruth 2:8 captures a pivotal moment where Boaz, the wealthy landowner, takes the initiative to speak directly to Ruth. He extends remarkable kindness and protection by instructing her to glean only in his fields, to stay specifically with his servant girls, and not to venture into other fields. This instruction provides security, provision, and a clear directive, demonstrating unexpected favor towards a foreign, impoverished widow.

Ruth 2 8 Context

Ruth 2:8 occurs as the story progresses from Naomi and Ruth's return to Bethlehem, where they face poverty and uncertain futures, into the barley harvest season. Ruth, out of necessity, seeks to glean in fields, providentially "happening" upon a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy kinsman. This verse marks Boaz's first direct address to Ruth. After inquiring about her identity, he issues a tender, yet firm, instruction. The broader historical context is the period of the Judges (Ruth 1:1), a time characterized by moral decline and societal disorder, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 21:25). Within this setting, Boaz stands out as a man of righteousness, honor, and extraordinary kindness (Hesed), fulfilling and exceeding the Mosaic law regarding the care for the poor, foreigners, and widows. This act sets the stage for Ruth's redemption and ultimate integration into the lineage of David and, eventually, the Messiah.

Ruth 2 8 Word analysis

• Then Boaz said to Ruth:

  • This direct address marks a significant shift. Before this, Ruth was merely a gleaner among others. Boaz's personal engagement immediately elevates her status.

• Listen, (Shim‘i - שִׁמְעִי):

  • Meaning "hear," "listen," but implies a deeper call to heed and obey, not just to perceive sound. It carries an imperative to pay close attention to the following instructions. This same Hebrew root is central to the "Shema" (Deut 6:4), emphasizing careful heeding and internalizing.

• my daughter, (vitti - בִּתִּי):

  • A term of endearment and affection from an older man to a younger woman. It implies paternal concern, protection, and responsibility rather than any romantic overture at this point. It creates an immediate bond of trust and provides her with a respected, safe status in his presence. This tender address stands in contrast to her vulnerability as a foreign widow.

• Do not go to glean in another field or leave this one:

  • ’al-telkhi li-leqqet ba-sadeh ‘aher (אַל־תֵּלְכִי לִלְקֹט בְּשָׂדֶה אַחֵר): "Do not go to glean in another field." This is a prohibitive command. It prevents her from facing potential dangers or less favorable treatment elsewhere. Other fields might not offer the same protection, kindness, or abundance.
  • we’al-ta‘avri mi-zeh (וְאַל־תַּעַבְרִי מִזֶּה): "and do not cross over/leave from this [field]." This second part reiterates and emphasizes the first, establishing a clear boundary. Boaz desires her to remain exclusively within his domain and under his watch. It's a proactive measure of care and control for her well-being.

• stay here with my servant girls:

  • ki im bo tiqbiqah ‘im na‘arotay (כִּי אִם־בֹּו תִדְבָּקִים עִם־נַעֲרוֹתָי): The King James Version "cleave fast unto" or "stay close by" captures the Hebrew verb dbq (דבק), meaning "to cling," "stick to," "be joined to." This suggests not just staying in the same general area, but forming an attachment and association with a specific group.
  • na‘arotay (נַעֲרֹתָי): "my servant girls." This specific instruction is crucial for Ruth's protection and integration. Working alongside a group of women (rather than with male reapers) provided modesty, camaraderie, and security from potential harassment, which could be a concern for an unattached woman in the fields. It also subtly brings her closer into the social fabric of Boaz's household, signifying favor.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Listen, my daughter": Establishes a foundation of benevolent authority and protective concern, paving the way for the directives that follow.
  • "Do not go to glean in another field or leave this one": This twin negative prohibition highlights Boaz's desire to isolate Ruth within his sphere of influence. It speaks to providing security and abundant provision exclusively from him, contrasting with the general struggle of a lone gleaner. It signifies his comprehensive protection, ensuring she avoids less secure or potentially exploitative environments.
  • "stay here with my servant girls": This positive instruction provides the specific solution and method of her security and integration. It points to a communal, protected, and dignified way for her to continue gleaning and receiving provision. It places her within a supportive network and under direct observation and care from Boaz's trusted female employees, effectively bringing her into the circle of his care.

Ruth 2 8 Bonus section

This verse powerfully depicts Boaz acting as a "kinsman-redeemer" even before the official term is used. His offer goes beyond mere permission to glean, embodying a protective concern reminiscent of God’s own care for His people. Ruth's vulnerability as a Moabitess and a widow meant she was socially unprotected, but Boaz's initiative immediately changes her precarious status to one of favored protection. The precise instruction to "cling" or "stay close" (דבק - dbq) to his servant girls is not only about physical proximity but also about integration into a safe social structure, mirroring the way Israel was to "cling" to the Lord (Deut 4:4, Deut 10:20). This act sets up a narrative polemic against the often harsh realities of the Judges period, showcasing righteousness and chesed amidst societal decay. Boaz's concern for her safety with his female servants reflects a sensitivity to the societal vulnerabilities of women working in fields alongside men.

Ruth 2 8 Commentary

Ruth 2:8 is a watershed moment demonstrating Boaz's proactive kindness and foreshadowing his role as Ruth's redeemer. It highlights divine providence operating through human generosity. Boaz, a man of integrity, goes beyond the mere legal requirement of allowing gleaning. His address to Ruth is one of surprising favor and direct instruction, ensuring her safety, continuous provision, and placing her within a protective female community under his oversight. This act is a clear illustration of hesed, loyal covenant kindness, extended towards a vulnerable outsider, providing a powerful picture of God's care for those who seek refuge under His "wings." It prompts Ruth's trust and obedience, setting the stage for deeper levels of redemption. Believers are called to demonstrate similar proactive care and provision, particularly to those who are vulnerable or new in their midst (Gal 6:10, Heb 13:1-2).