Ruth 2:12

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.

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}.

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."

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.โ€

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

Context

Ruth 2:12 is a pivotal moment in the Book of Ruth, spoken by Boaz, a wealthy and righteous kinsman, to Ruth, a young Moabitess widow. Ruth had left her homeland and people to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem after both their husbands and Naomi's other son had died in Moab. Out of deep loyalty and love, Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi, declaring, "Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth went to glean grain in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. By divine providence, she happened upon the field belonging to Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz, having heard of Ruth's extraordinary kindness and faithfulness to Naomi, approaches her with this profound blessing, recognizing her selflessness and faith.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Blessing: Boaz's words are not merely a human wish but a prayer for God's direct intervention and reward. He acknowledges that Ruth's actions merit a divine response, indicating a belief in God actively watching over and recompensing His faithful.
  • Loyalty and Selflessness: The "work" (ma'aseh in Hebrew) Boaz refers to is Ruth's devoted care for Naomi, particularly her decision to leave everything familiar to cleave to Naomi and Naomi's God. This highlights the virtue of selfless love and commitment.
  • Seeking Refuge in God: The beautiful imagery of "under whose wings thou art come to trust" paints a vivid picture of God as a protective, nurturing refuge. This metaphor is commonly used in Scripture to describe divine shelter and security, as seen in Psalm 91:4. Ruth, as a foreigner, had forsaken her former gods and sought refuge in the God of Israel, demonstrating true faith.
  • God as Protector and Provider: Boaz's blessing underscores the character of the "LORD God of Israel" as One who sees the actions of His children, provides a "full reward," and offers secure sanctuary to those who trust in Him, especially the vulnerable like widows and sojourners (Deuteronomy 10:18).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Recompense" (ืฉึธืืœึตื - shalem): The Hebrew word used here implies not just a payback, but a full, complete, and perfect return or fulfillment. It suggests that God will make Ruth's situation whole and complete, restoring what she lost and more.
  • "Wings" (ื›ึผึธื ึธืฃ - kanaph): This term is rich with symbolic meaning. It refers to the wings of a bird protecting its young, or even the corner/hem of a garment, symbolizing protection, shelter, and even the right to claim someone (as in a protective covering). It powerfully conveys the idea of divine protection and care.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Sees Our Faithfulness: Even when our acts of kindness and sacrifice seem unnoticed by others, God sees them. He is the ultimate "recompenser."
  • Trust in God Leads to Security: Like Ruth, when we choose to place our trust "under the wings" of the Lord, we find true refuge, safety, and provision, even in uncertain times.
  • God Rewards Obedience and Selflessness: Ruth's story is a testament to the truth that God honors those who honor Him through their actions and their faith. Our faithfulness, even when difficult, is never in vain, for "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
This verse serves as a timeless promise that God's care extends to all who seek Him, offering a full and comprehensive reward for their trust and good deeds.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 36:7 (24 votes)

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

  • Psalms 91:4 (15 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

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

  • Psalms 17:8 (13 votes)

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

  • Psalms 61:4 (12 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 6:10 (11 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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: