Ruth 2:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֵינַ֜יִךְ

H5869

Let thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה

H7704

be on the field

a field (as flat)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִקְצֹרוּן֙

H7114

that they do reap

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וְהָֽלַכְתְּ֙

H1980

and go

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

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ן

H310

thou after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הֲל֥וֹא

H3808

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

צִוִּ֛יתִי

H6680

them have I not charged

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

הַנְּעָרִֽים׃

H5288

of that which the young men

(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

#11

לְבִלְתִּ֣י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#12

נָגְעֵ֑ךְ

H5060

that they shall not touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#13

וְצָמִ֗ת

H6770

thee and when thou art athirst

to thirst (literally or figuratively)

#14

וְהָֽלַכְתְּ֙

H1980

and go

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

#15

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

הַכֵּלִ֔ים

H3627

unto the vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#17

וְשָׁתִ֕ית

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#18

מֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#19

יִשְׁאֲב֖וּן

H7579

have drawn

to bale up water

#20

הַנְּעָרִֽים׃

H5288

of that which the young men

(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

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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