Ruth 2:19
And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
Original Language Analysis
אֵיפֹ֨ה
and where
H375
אֵיפֹ֨ה
and where
Strong's:
H375
Word #:
4 of 25
what place?; also (of time) when?; or (of means) how?
לִקַּ֤טְתְּ
unto her Where hast thou gleaned
H3950
לִקַּ֤טְתְּ
unto her Where hast thou gleaned
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
הַיּ֖וֹם
to day
H3117
הַיּ֖וֹם
to day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 25
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְאָ֣נָה
H575
עָשִׂ֧יתִי
with whom I wrought
H6213
עָשִׂ֧יתִי
with whom I wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 25
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהִ֥י
H1961
יְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 25
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מַכִּירֵ֖ךְ
be he that did take knowledge
H5234
מַכִּירֵ֖ךְ
be he that did take knowledge
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
10 of 25
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
בָּר֑וּךְ
thou blessed
H1288
בָּר֑וּךְ
thou blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
11 of 25
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
וַתַּגֵּ֣ד
of thee And she shewed
H5046
וַתַּגֵּ֣ד
of thee And she shewed
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
12 of 25
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֤ת
H853
אֵ֤ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֧יתִי
with whom I wrought
H6213
עָשִׂ֧יתִי
with whom I wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 25
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
17 of 25
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
שֵׁ֤ם
name
H8034
שֵׁ֤ם
name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
19 of 25
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הָאִישׁ֙
The man's
H376
הָאִישׁ֙
The man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
20 of 25
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֧יתִי
with whom I wrought
H6213
עָשִׂ֧יתִי
with whom I wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
22 of 25
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִמּ֛וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֛וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
23 of 25
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Historical Context
Naomi's blessing on Ruth's benefactor before knowing his identity demonstrates faith that God works through human agents. Her immediate recognition of Boaz's significance (revealed in v. 20) shows she understood kinsman-redeemer laws and saw God's providence positioning Ruth with a potential redeemer. The narrative structure creates dramatic irony—readers know Boaz's identity and significance before Naomi, heightening anticipation of her response.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Naomi's blessing demonstrate faith that sees God's hand in apparently random human kindness?
- What does this teach about recognizing providence working through ordinary circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
Naomi responds with questions: 'Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee'. The large amount of grain prompts Naomi's inquiry—this exceeds normal gleaning. Her blessing on the unknown benefactor who 'took knowledge of' Ruth shows Naomi recognizing human kindness as God's providence. Ruth then reveals: 'The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz'. This revelation sets the stage for Naomi's recognition of God's redemptive plan unfolding.