Ruth 2:21

KJV

And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ruth {H7327} the Moabitess {H4125} said {H559}, He said {H559} unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast {H1692} by my young men {H5288}, until they have ended {H3615} all my harvest {H7105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rut the woman from Mo'av said, "Moreover, he even said to me, 'Stay close to my young men until they've finished my harvest.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’”

American Standard Version

And Ruth the Moabitess said, Yea, he said unto me, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:21 records Ruth's faithful relay of Boaz's extraordinary kindness and protective instructions to Naomi, solidifying her secure position within Boaz's fields throughout the entire harvest season. This pivotal communication underscores Boaz's intentional and generous provision for Ruth, a vulnerable Moabitess, far exceeding the customary allowances for gleaners and setting the stage for the unfolding divine providence in their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Naomi's blessing of Boaz upon learning of his kindness towards Ruth (Ruth 2:19-20). Ruth's report in verse 21 confirms and elaborates on Boaz's instructions, particularly his directive for her to remain with his workers for the duration of the harvest. This conversation between Ruth and Naomi is crucial, as it builds anticipation for how Boaz's favor will continue to manifest and how Naomi will respond to this unfolding divine providence. It sets the stage for Naomi's strategic counsel to Ruth in Ruth 3, which is directly predicated on Boaz's demonstrated character and his commitment to Ruth's security. The narrative flow highlights the escalating generosity of Boaz and the growing hope for Ruth and Naomi's future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the barley and wheat harvest season in Bethlehem, a time of intense agricultural labor and significant vulnerability for poor gleaners. Israelite law provided for gleaning (e.g., [Leviticus 19:9](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9 - Gleaning Laws"); [Deuteronomy 24:19](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19 - Laws for the Poor")), but Boaz's directive went far beyond mere permission to glean. By instructing Ruth to "keep fast by my young men" and remain for the entire harvest, Boaz offered unprecedented protection and consistent provision. Women gleaning alone were susceptible to harassment or exploitation, so being under the direct watch of the landowner's trusted male workers provided a crucial layer of security. Furthermore, Ruth's status as a Moabitess, an outsider from a historically antagonistic nation, made Boaz's kindness even more remarkable, challenging prevailing cultural prejudices and demonstrating a profound act of *hesed* (loyal love).
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 2:21 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ruth. It exemplifies **Divine Providence**, showing God's unseen hand orchestrating events to provide for the vulnerable, often through the kindness of human agents like Boaz, fulfilling the promise of [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"). The verse also highlights **Exceptional Provision and Favor**, as Boaz's actions guarantee Ruth and Naomi a sustained food supply, demonstrating a generosity that transcends legal obligation. Furthermore, it underscores **Protection and Security**, as Boaz's instructions safeguard Ruth from potential dangers in the fields, reflecting his righteous character and concern for her well-being. This act of care also serves as a **Reward for Loyalty and Diligence**, as Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi (as declared in [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty")) and her hard work in the fields are met with abundant blessing and favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep fast by (Hebrew, _dabaq'_):** This verb means "to cling," "to cleave," "to stick to," or "to adhere." While often used in contexts of deep, permanent attachment, such as a man cleaving to his wife in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Wife Becoming One Flesh") or Israel cleaving to the Lord in [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleaving to the Lord"), here it signifies a close, continuous, and protected association. It implies Ruth's sustained presence and security among Boaz's trusted workers, emphasizing a profound degree of inclusion and safety granted to her. It's not merely permission to be near, but an instruction to remain closely associated for her benefit.
* **Young men (Hebrew, _na'ar'_):** This term refers to male servants or workers, often young, who were responsible for the harvest. In this context, Boaz's instruction for Ruth to "keep fast by my young men" is a protective measure. It means she should stay close to the male reapers, who would be under Boaz's direct authority, rather than wandering freely or associating with gleaners from other fields. This proximity offered her safety from potential harassment, ensured her access to the best gleanings, and provided a consistent, supervised working environment. It speaks to Boaz's character as a responsible and caring employer who actively sought to protect the vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ruth the Moabitess said":** This opening phrase emphasizes Ruth's identity as a Moabitess, an outsider, which heightens the significance of the favor she is receiving. Her direct speech to Naomi confirms the details of Boaz's offer, demonstrating her transparency and trust in her mother-in-law. It also highlights her role as the active recipient and communicator of this pivotal information.
* **"He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men":** Ruth relays Boaz's specific and protective instruction. The phrase "unto me also" ("gam li") indicates that Boaz's kindness was personal and direct, not merely a general allowance. The command to "keep fast by my young men" is a deliberate act of protection and inclusion. It ensures Ruth's safety from potential harm or exploitation by other gleaners or field workers, placing her under the direct oversight and care of Boaz's trusted employees. This instruction goes beyond simple permission to glean; it is a proactive measure for her well-being.
* **"until they have ended all my harvest":** This clause specifies the duration of Boaz's extraordinary provision and protection. "All my harvest" refers to the entire season, encompassing both the barley harvest (which was underway) and the subsequent wheat harvest. This commitment from Boaz ensures that Ruth and Naomi will have a continuous and abundant supply of food for an extended period, alleviating their immediate and future concerns about sustenance. It highlights the comprehensive nature of Boaz's generosity and his long-term concern for their welfare.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Irony** is present in the fact that Ruth, a Moabitess from a nation often hostile to Israel, is receiving such exceptional favor and protection from a prominent Israelite landowner. This subverts expectations and highlights God's inclusive grace. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Boaz's protective and generous actions towards Ruth hint at a deeper, more permanent relationship, ultimately leading to marriage and the redemption of Naomi's family line. His command for her to "keep fast by" his workers subtly prefigures the eventual "cleaving" of Ruth to Boaz in marriage. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the harvest itself is significant; it represents not just physical provision but also the season of divine blessing and the culmination of diligent labor, mirroring the spiritual harvest of God's faithfulness in their lives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:21 is a powerful testament to God's faithful provision for His people, often mediated through the kindness and generosity of others. Boaz's actions exemplify *hesed*, a loyal, covenantal love that extends beyond mere obligation. This verse demonstrates how God uses righteous individuals to care for the vulnerable and marginalized, fulfilling His promises to those who trust in Him. It underscores the theme of divine providence, where seemingly ordinary events are orchestrated by God to achieve His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the restoration and blessing of His people. The security and abundance offered to Ruth foreshadow the greater security and spiritual abundance found in God's covenant relationship.

* [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Do Not Neglect to Do Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:21 invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of God's provision and our role in it. Just as Boaz extended extraordinary grace and protection to Ruth, we are called to be channels of God's *hesed* to those around us, especially the vulnerable, the outsider, and those in need. This means looking beyond minimal requirements and actively seeking ways to provide security, dignity, and sustained support. Ruth's diligence and trust in the face of uncertainty serve as a powerful example for us: faithfulness in small tasks can open doors to immense blessings. The verse also encourages us to recognize and give thanks for the ways God provides for us, often through the kindness of others, reminding us that His hand is at work even in the seemingly mundane details of life. Our response should be one of gratitude, continued diligence, and a commitment to extending similar grace to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Boaz, go beyond mere obligation to offer extraordinary kindness and protection to those in need within my community?**
* **How does Ruth's willingness to trust and obey, even in a vulnerable position, challenge my own approach to difficult circumstances?**
* **Can I identify specific instances where God has provided for me through the generosity of others, and how can I express gratitude for that provision?**
* **What "harvest season" am I currently in, and how can I diligently work while trusting God for His sustained provision?**

### FAQ

**Why was Boaz's instruction to "keep fast by my young men" so significant for Ruth?**

Answer: Boaz's instruction was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, it offered **protection** in a time and place where a vulnerable woman gleaning alone could be exposed to harassment or exploitation. By staying with his trusted male workers, Ruth was under Boaz's direct care and oversight. Second, it ensured **consistent provision**, guaranteeing her access to the best gleanings throughout the entire harvest season, not just for a single day. Third, it signified **inclusion and favor**, elevating her status beyond that of a typical gleaner and demonstrating Boaz's personal concern for her well-being, despite her being a Moabitess. This went far beyond the basic requirements of the gleaning laws found in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning Laws").

**What does "all my harvest" imply about Boaz's generosity?**

Answer: "All my harvest" signifies the entire duration of the harvest season, which typically included both the barley harvest (which was underway) and the later wheat harvest. This commitment from Boaz was an act of exceptional generosity, ensuring Ruth and Naomi would have a continuous and abundant supply of food for an extended period. It meant they would not have to worry about sustenance for months, demonstrating Boaz's comprehensive and sustained provision, reflective of God's abundant care for His people (as promised in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:21, with Boaz's protective and generous provision for Ruth, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate care and redemption offered by Jesus Christ. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer figure, extends *hesed* to Ruth, an outsider, ensuring her security and sustenance. This mirrors Christ's unparalleled love and grace, who, though we were spiritual outsiders and aliens to the covenant of promise ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Aliens from the Covenants of Promise")), "kept fast by" us, entering into our human condition to redeem us. Just as Boaz provided a safe place for Ruth among his trusted workers, Christ invites us into His fold, offering ultimate protection and security from the spiritual dangers of sin and death ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them")). His sacrifice on the cross ensures that our spiritual "harvest" of blessings—forgiveness, eternal life, and abundant grace—is secured not just for a season, but for eternity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the true Provider who supplies all our needs according to His glorious riches ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")), and the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer who brings us into His eternal family, transforming our status from vulnerable outsiders to beloved children of God ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")).

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

Ruth 2:7

And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Ruth 2:8

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:

Song Of Solomon 1:7

¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

Song Of Solomon 1:8

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

Ruth 2:22

And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, [It is] good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.