Ruth 2:5
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
Original Language Analysis
בֹּ֙עַז֙
Boaz
H1162
בֹּ֙עַז֙
Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
2 of 9
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
לְנַֽעֲר֔וֹ
unto his servant
H5288
לְנַֽעֲר֔וֹ
unto his servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 9
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הַנִּצָּ֖ב
that was set
H5324
הַנִּצָּ֖ב
that was set
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
4 of 9
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַקּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים
over the reapers
H7114
הַקּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים
over the reapers
Strong's:
H7114
Word #:
6 of 9
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
לְמִ֖י
H4310
לְמִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
7 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Historical Context
Ancient harvest involved complex social dynamics with potential for exploitation, particularly for foreign women without male protection. Landowners who feared theft sometimes forbade gleaning; others permitted it generously. Boaz's oversight shows sophisticated management. Questions about family connections reflected social structures where identity derived from clan relationships. Ruth's vulnerability as foreign widow made Boaz's inquiry significant—determining whether she had protection or required his intervention.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Boaz's oversight model Christian leadership balancing delegation with accountability?
- What does this teach about using position to protect vulnerable people under your authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Boaz's question—'Whose damsel is this?'—demonstrates responsible oversight and concern for the vulnerable. As landowner, Boaz monitors who gleans, protecting both property rights and vulnerable gleaners. His inquiry to 'the servant set over the reapers' shows delegation to a foreman, demonstrating organizational competence while maintaining personal involvement in crucial decisions. This models biblical leadership balancing delegation with personal accountability for those under one's authority.