Ruth 2 9

Ruth 2:9 kjv

Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

Ruth 2:9 nkjv

Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn."

Ruth 2:9 niv

Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."

Ruth 2:9 esv

Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn."

Ruth 2:9 nlt

See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well."

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 9 Meaning

Ruth 2:9 conveys Boaz's explicit instruction and gracious provision to Ruth. He directs her to remain exclusively in his field for gleaning and assures her safety among his young women and protection from his young men. Furthermore, he grants her unlimited access to water drawn by his servants whenever she is thirsty, signifying an elevated status beyond that of a mere gleaner. This demonstrates his proactive care and extends privileges normally reserved for members of the household or invited workers, highlighting his extraordinary kindness and protectiveness towards the vulnerable foreign widow.

Ruth 2 9 Context

Ruth chapter 2 begins with Ruth initiating a plan to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning, as permitted by Mosaic law for the poor and foreigners. Her decision to glean "in whatever field I may find favor" (Ruth 2:2) highlights her vulnerable position and reliance on kindness. Unbeknownst to her, she "happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz" (Ruth 2:3), a wealthy kinsman of Naomi’s deceased husband. The chapter describes Boaz's arrival, his initial query about Ruth, and his immediate, extraordinary kindness. Verse 9 specifically solidifies Boaz's benevolent initiative by giving clear instructions and protective assurances, effectively inviting Ruth into a privileged form of gleaning and safeguarding her. Historically, gleaning was often a perilous endeavor for women, exposed to exploitation and danger. Boaz's actions counteract this vulnerability, establishing a secure environment for Ruth. His conduct demonstrates admirable character in a time when moral standards often fluctuated (Judges 21:25 context, though after that period), illustrating righteous leadership and adherence to divine principles regarding the care of the poor and vulnerable.

Ruth 2 9 Word analysis

• "Is not": The Hebrew HaLo' (הֲלֹוא) is a rhetorical particle indicating affirmation. It carries the force of "Surely," or "Did I not tell you?". Boaz emphasizes that this is his explicit directive and expectation, leaving no room for misunderstanding or defiance. It highlights the directness and authority of his protective command.

• "my young men": Refers to Boaz's male harvesters or field laborers. The Hebrew word is n'arim (נְעָרִים). In ancient Near Eastern societies, such male workers could pose a threat to solitary women gleaning in fields (e.g., Job 31:1-24 and Proverbs 7 warning against inappropriate contact). Boaz explicitly assures Ruth that his young men are commanded not to harass her. This indicates a very real societal danger for gleaners and Boaz's specific intervention to prevent it.

• "your eyes": The Hebrew 'einayich (עֵינַיִךְ) means "your eyes." In this context, it functions idiomatically, meaning "keep your attention on," or "let your gaze be fixed upon." Boaz tells Ruth to consistently watch where his female workers are, ensuring she stays close to the designated, safe areas and does not stray into other potentially dangerous fields. It's a directive to stay within the boundaries of his protection.

• "go to none other field": This directive is crucial for Ruth's safety and Boaz's provision. The Hebrew 'el-sadeh 'aher (אֶל־שָׂדֶה אַחֵר) signifies an absolute prohibition from gleaning elsewhere. This instruction serves multiple purposes: (1) Protection: By keeping her in his field, Boaz can personally ensure her safety from harm or exploitation. (2) Provision: His fields are abundant, ensuring she has enough. (3) Exclusivity: It signals his intent to assume responsibility for her and marks her, implicitly, as under his protection. (4) Testing: It could also be a subtle test of her obedience and trust in his benevolence. This specific command contrasts sharply with the general uncertainty of a gleaner.

• "young women": The Hebrew hane'arot (הַנְּעָרוֹת), meaning "the young women" or "female servants." These are Boaz's household servants or female field workers. Boaz instructs Ruth to stay near them, providing her with companionship and a safe environment amidst the predominantly male harvest workforce. This grouping further reduces her vulnerability and establishes her social place among trusted individuals under Boaz’s oversight.

• "when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink": A privilege demonstrating extraordinary generosity. Water access was vital and sometimes scarce in a hot, agrarian society, especially during harvest. To "go to the vessels" (Hebrew: 'el-hakkeliym - אֶל־הַכֵּלִים) implies direct, unfettered access to the water supply kept for the workers, not just an offering, but a command to freely partake. This is a step beyond basic permission; it is a full right granted, treating her as a privileged member of his company, not just an outsider.

• "what the young men have drawn": Ruth is allowed to drink the same water as the male workers. This not only signifies that the water is fresh and pure but also places her in an unexpected position of relative equality and acceptance within Boaz’s working group. It’s a statement of trust and shared resource.

Ruth 2 9 Bonus section

• The Polemical Edge: In a broader societal context of the ancient Near East, foreign widows were often among the most vulnerable, subject to exploitation and without legal recourse. Boaz's actions are starkly counter-cultural to any oppressive or exploitative norms that might have existed, presenting a model of compassionate justice and integrity, reflecting YHWH’s character for the downtrodden. His commands about not touching her ('al tin'arun – 'do not touch her' - Ruth 2:9a implies more than just verbal abuse, suggesting physical protection) address real dangers of the time.
• Boaz as a Type: Many theologians see Boaz as a 'type' or foreshadowing of Christ. His unsolicited kindness, providing safety, rest, and provision for Ruth, an outsider with nothing, parallels Christ's selfless provision for believers who were spiritually destitute and foreign to God's covenant, offering them a new status and rest (e.g., Matt 11:28-30).

Ruth 2 9 Commentary

Ruth 2:9 marks a significant turning point for Ruth. Boaz's instructions transcend mere kindness; they embody active, paternalistic protection and generous provision. By commanding her to stay exclusively in his fields and prohibiting harassment from his male workers, he elevates her status from a precarious gleaner to someone under his personal care and guardianship. The permission to drink freely from his workers' water vessels, often a sign of fellowship and trust, further underscores his acceptance of her into his company, defying the common social barriers for a foreign widow. This verse reveals Boaz as a man of high character, driven by generosity and a keen sense of justice rooted in the Mosaic law concerning the poor and vulnerable. His actions anticipate his future role as kinsman-redeemer, demonstrating that his compassion is deep-seated and goes beyond legal minimums. The absence of specific commands against Moabites in the gleaning laws (as seen in Deut 23:3-6 regarding the assembly) is contrasted by Boaz's overflowing welcome. He embodies God's care, extending grace and security to a marginalized outsider.