Ruth 2:4
And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
Original Language Analysis
בֹ֗עַז
And behold Boaz
H1162
בֹ֗עַז
And behold Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
2 of 13
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
לַקּֽוֹצְרִ֖ים
unto the reapers
H7114
לַקּֽוֹצְרִ֖ים
unto the reapers
Strong's:
H7114
Word #:
7 of 13
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִמָּכֶ֑ם
H5973
עִמָּכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.Judges 6:12And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.Luke 1:28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.Psalms 118:26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.Ruth 4:11And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth-lehem:2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.Genesis 18:19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern agriculture typically involved oppressive labor conditions. Boaz's greeting demonstrates covenant ethics transforming labor relations. Workplace invocations of Yahweh's name appear in Psalm 129:8 and reflect faithful Israelite practices. Ruth's narrative unfolds during barley harvest (April-May), when landowners needed maximum labor. Boaz combined efficiency with covenant faithfulness, treating workers as covenant partners rather than mere tools.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians model Boaz's pattern of invoking God's blessing in workplace relationships?
- What does this teach about integrating faith into all areas of life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Boaz's arrival demonstrates godly leadership. His greeting—'The LORD be with you' (YHWH immakhem)—invokes Yahweh's blessing on workers, showing faith permeated even agricultural labor. Workers respond 'The LORD bless thee', reciprocating blessing. This exchange reveals covenant community where master and servants mutually invoke God's favor, transcending mere economic relationships. Boaz models employer-employee relations characterized by mutual respect, spiritual concern, and recognition that all blessings flow from God. His piety contrasts with the judges period's apostasy, showing faithful remnants persisted.