Ruth 2:12

KJV

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} recompense {H7999} thy work {H6467}, and a full {H8003} reward {H4909} be given thee of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, under whose wings {H3671} thou art come {H935} to trust {H2620}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May ADONAI reward you for what you've done; may you be rewarded in full by ADONAI the God of Isra'el, under whose wings you have come for refuge."

Berean Standard Bible

May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Jehovah, the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:12 captures Boaz's profound blessing upon Ruth, a Moabitess widow, acknowledging her extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faithful decision to seek refuge under the protective care of the God of Israel. This verse serves as a divine promise of recompense and full reward for her selfless actions and courageous trust, foreshadowing the abundant grace and provision that awaits those who faithfully commit themselves to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 2:12 is spoken by Boaz to Ruth during her first day of gleaning in his fields. It follows Ruth's humble request to glean and Boaz's initial kindness in allowing her to do so and providing for her safety and sustenance. Boaz's words here are a direct response to Ruth's explanation of her circumstances and her decision to come to Bethlehem with Naomi. This blessing marks a significant turning point, affirming Ruth's character and signaling Boaz's recognition of her faithfulness, setting the stage for his future role as her kinsman-redeemer. It is a pivotal moment that transitions from Ruth's initial vulnerability to the unfolding of divine favor and human kindness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethlehem during the time of the Judges, a period often characterized by moral decay and instability, yet within this narrative, acts of profound faithfulness and righteousness shine through. The custom of gleaning (leaving fallen grain for the poor, widows, and sojourners) was a Mosaic law, a practical expression of God's care for the vulnerable, as outlined in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws on Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws concerning Gleaning"). Ruth, as a Moabitess, was an outsider, typically viewed with suspicion due to the historical animosity between Moab and Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")). Her decision to embrace the God of Israel and care for Naomi was a radical act of faith and loyalty, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers. Boaz, as a wealthy and prominent landowner, embodies the ideal Israelite man, upholding the law and demonstrating compassion towards the vulnerable, particularly a foreign widow.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes of the Book of Ruth. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly random events (Ruth "happening" upon Boaz's field) to fulfill His purposes and bless His faithful. The theme of **Loyalty (Hesed)** is central, as Boaz commends Ruth for her steadfast devotion to Naomi, an act of "kindness" (Hebrew: *hesed*) that extends beyond mere duty. Ruth's seeking refuge "under whose wings" introduces the theme of **Refuge and Trust in God**, portraying the Lord as the ultimate protector and provider for those who abandon all else to cling to Him. Finally, the promise of "full reward" underscores the theme of **God's Recompense and Blessing** for those who demonstrate faith and selflessness, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized, echoing God's care for the widow and sojourner seen in [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Love for the Sojourner and Widow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Recompense (שָׁלַם, _shalem'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to be complete," "to be sound," "to make good," or "to repay." It implies not just a simple payback, but a full, perfect, and just restoration or fulfillment. In this context, it suggests that God will bring Ruth's situation to a state of wholeness and well-being, compensating her for all she has given up and suffered, and more. It carries the nuance of a complete and equitable settlement.
* **Reward (מַשְׂכֹּרֶת, _maskoreth'_):** This noun refers to wages, recompense, or reward. It emphasizes the concept of a just payment for work or service rendered. Here, it is not merely a human wage, but a "full reward" from the Lord, indicating a comprehensive and abundant blessing that matches or exceeds the value of Ruth's sacrificial "work" (her loyalty and trust).
* **Wings (כָּנָף, _kanaph'_):** This versatile Hebrew noun can mean "wing" (of a bird), "extremity," "corner," or "hem" (of a garment). In the context of divine protection, it vividly evokes the image of a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings, providing warmth, safety, and refuge from danger. It is a powerful metaphor for God's intimate, protective, and nurturing care. The "corner" or "hem" meaning also subtly foreshadows Boaz's later act of spreading his "cloak" or "garment" over Ruth in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Boaz Spreads His Cloak Over Ruth"), symbolizing protection and a claim of responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD recompense thy work":** Boaz begins with a direct prayer or blessing, invoking the covenant name of God, YHWH (the LORD). He asks God to fully and completely repay Ruth for her actions, specifically her "work" (Hebrew: *ma'aseh*), which refers to her faithful and selfless deeds, particularly her decision to leave her homeland and cleave to Naomi and Naomi's God. This acknowledges that Ruth's faithfulness is not merely a human act but one deserving of divine recognition and response.
* **"and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel":** This clause reiterates and amplifies the previous one, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine blessing. The "full reward" signifies that God's compensation will be complete and abundant, leaving no aspect of her sacrifice unaddressed. The specific designation "the LORD God of Israel" highlights that Ruth, a Moabitess, has placed her trust in the covenant God of Israel, and He, as the sovereign ruler, is the source of this ultimate reward.
* **"under whose wings thou art come to trust":** This beautiful metaphorical phrase explains the basis for the divine recompense. Ruth's "work" is defined by her act of seeking refuge and placing her trust (Hebrew: *chasah*, meaning "to flee for protection," "to take refuge") under the protective "wings" of the God of Israel. This imagery portrays God as a secure, nurturing, and powerful protector, inviting those who come to Him in faith to find ultimate safety and care, particularly fitting for a vulnerable, foreign widow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Imagery**, primarily the powerful metaphor of God's "wings." This evokes a sense of maternal protection, security, and warmth, common in ancient Near Eastern literature and throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Psalm 17:8 - Under the Shadow of Your Wings") or [Psalm 36:7](/psalms/36-7 "Psalm 36:7 - In the Shadow of Your Wings")). It is a vivid **Simile** comparing God's protective care to that of a bird sheltering its young. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its structure, with "The LORD recompense thy work" being echoed and expanded upon by "and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel," reinforcing the idea of divine blessing and recompense. Boaz's words are a form of **Blessing** or **Benediction**, a pronouncement of divine favor, which carries significant weight in the narrative, given his position and later role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Boaz's blessing in Ruth 2:12 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful, particularly those who, like Ruth, demonstrate extraordinary loyalty and trust. It underscores the biblical principle that God sees and rewards acts of selflessness and faith, even when they involve significant personal sacrifice. Ruth, an outsider, becomes an exemplar of true faith, abandoning her former gods and people to embrace the God of Israel. Her seeking refuge "under His wings" is a powerful testament to the universal availability of God's protection and provision for all who come to Him in sincere trust. This verse affirms God's character as a faithful covenant keeper who provides for the vulnerable and honors those who honor Him, demonstrating that His kingdom extends beyond ethnic boundaries to embrace all who seek His shelter.

* [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - God's Protection Under His Wings")
* [Psalm 57:1](/psalms/57-1 "Psalm 57:1 - Seeking Refuge Under God's Wings")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:12 offers timeless encouragement for every believer. It reminds us that our acts of faithfulness, kindness, and self-sacrifice, no matter how small or unnoticed by human eyes, are profoundly seen and valued by God. Like Ruth, we are called to place our ultimate trust not in worldly security or human provision, but "under the wings" of the Almighty. This act of spiritual refuge is not passive but dynamic, involving a deliberate turning away from other allegiances to embrace the Lord as our sole protector and provider. In a world that often measures success by visible achievements and immediate gratification, this verse calls us to a deeper, eternal perspective: that God truly "recompenses" and gives a "full reward" for genuine faith and obedient living. It assures us that our vulnerability, when surrendered to God, becomes the very ground upon which His most profound protection and provision are experienced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "work" or acts of faithfulness in your life might feel unseen or unrewarded, and how does Ruth 2:12 encourage you regarding God's awareness?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to place your full trust "under the wings" of the Lord, and what steps can you take to deepen that trust?**
* **How does Ruth's status as a foreigner seeking refuge in the God of Israel challenge your understanding of who God welcomes and rewards?**

### FAQ
**What does "under whose wings thou art come to trust" mean metaphorically?**

Answer: This beautiful metaphor primarily refers to the protective care of God. It draws on the imagery of a mother bird sheltering her young chicks under her wings, providing warmth, safety, and refuge from predators or harsh weather. For Ruth, a vulnerable foreign widow, seeking refuge "under His wings" meant abandoning her former gods and homeland to place her complete trust and dependence on the God of Israel. It signifies finding ultimate security, protection, and provision in God's sovereign care, a theme echoed in many psalms (e.g., [Psalm 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Psalm 17:8 - Under the Shadow of Your Wings"), [Psalm 36:7](/psalms/36-7 "Psalm 36:7 - In the Shadow of Your Wings"), [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - God's Protection Under His Wings")). It also subtly hints at the "corner" or "hem" of a garment, which in ancient Israel could symbolize protection or a claim of responsibility, foreshadowing Boaz's later act of spreading his cloak over Ruth in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Boaz Spreads His Cloak Over Ruth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:12, with its promise of divine recompense for those who seek refuge "under the wings" of the God of Israel, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Ruth's decision to leave all to trust in the Lord foreshadows the call of the Gospel: to forsake our former ways and gods and find our complete refuge in Christ. He is the ultimate "full reward" for all who come to Him, offering not just temporal blessings but eternal life and reconciliation with God. Just as Ruth, an outsider, was brought into the covenant family through Boaz, so too are Gentiles, once alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, brought near by the blood of Christ (see [Ephesians 2:12-13](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12-13 - Gentiles Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, longing to gather its children "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), revealing His own divine, protective heart. In Christ, we find the perfect "wings" of refuge, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer who not only protects us from the judgment we deserve but also provides us with an inheritance, making us co-heirs with Him (see [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Our "work" of faith, like Ruth's, is not meritorious in itself but is the response to the grace that draws us to seek refuge in the one who fully satisfies the promise of "full reward."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

Psalms 63:7

¶ Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalms 17:8

¶ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Psalms 61:4

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: