Ruth 2:8

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֨עַז

H1162

Boaz

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ר֜וּת

H7327

unto Ruth

ruth, a moabitess

הֲל֧וֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ

H8085

Hearest

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בִּתִּ֗י

H1323

thou not my daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּֽלְכִי֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

לִלְקֹט֙

H3950

not to glean

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

#11

בְּשָׂדֶ֣ה

H7704

field

a field (as flat)

#12

אַחֵ֔ר

H312

in another

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#13

וְגַ֛ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

תַֽעֲבוּרִ֖י

H5674

neither go

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#16

מִזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#17

וְכֹ֥ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#18

תִדְבָּקִ֖ין

H1692

from hence but abide

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

#19

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#20

נַֽעֲרֹתָֽי׃

H5291

here fast by my maidens

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ruth Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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