Ruth 2:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Naomi {H5281} said {H559} unto Ruth {H7327} her daughter in law {H3618}, It is good {H2896}, my daughter {H1323}, that thou go out {H3318} with his maidens {H5291}, that they meet {H6293} thee not in any other {H312} field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Na'omi said to Rut her daughter-in-law, "It's good, my daughter, for you to keep going out with his girls; so that you won't encounter hostility in some other field."

Berean Standard Bible

And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, “My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:22 captures a crucial moment of Naomi's wise counsel to her daughter-in-law, Ruth, advising her to continue gleaning exclusively within the fields of Boaz and alongside his female servants. This instruction, given after Ruth's successful first day of gleaning, is born out of Naomi's deep concern for Ruth's safety and well-being as a vulnerable foreign widow, protecting her from potential harm or exploitation in other fields. It underscores the importance of prudent choices and staying within the sphere of known protection and favor, setting the stage for the unfolding divine providence in their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ruth's triumphant return from her first day of gleaning in Boaz's fields, where she gathered an astonishing ephah of barley. Ruth's account of Boaz's exceptional kindness—offering water, food, and explicit instructions to his reapers to protect her and allow her to glean freely—prompts Naomi's profound realization. Naomi recognizes Boaz as a close kinsman, a "redeemer" (though the term is not yet fully explained, the concept is implied), and a man of integrity. Her counsel in [Ruth 2:22](/ruth/2-22 "Ruth 2:22 - Naomi's Wise Counsel to Ruth") is therefore a strategic and protective response, cementing Ruth's continued presence in Boaz's domain and safeguarding her from the dangers inherent in gleaning in unfamiliar or less honorable environments. It marks a shift from Ruth's independent initiative to Naomi's guided strategy, propelling the narrative toward the eventual resolution of their plight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gleaning was a divinely ordained provision for the poor, widows, and foreigners in ancient Israel, as stipulated in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [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 - Further Laws on Gleaning")). While it provided sustenance, it also exposed vulnerable women to significant risks. Fields could be dangerous places, with unscrupulous men potentially harassing or exploiting lone female gleaners. Naomi's advice reflects a keen awareness of these societal realities and the precarious position of Ruth, a Moabite widow, in a foreign land. By insisting Ruth stay with Boaz's "maidens" and within his fields, Naomi ensured she was under the direct protection of a reputable and powerful landowner, mitigating the very real threats of assault or abuse. This context highlights the practical wisdom required for survival and the importance of communal protection in a society with limited formal safeguards for the vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** [Ruth 2:22](/ruth/2-22 "Ruth 2:22 - Naomi's Counsel") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the Book of Ruth. **Protection and Security** are paramount, as Naomi's advice directly addresses the physical and social vulnerability of Ruth. Her counsel is an act of proactive care, ensuring Ruth remains in a safe environment. This ties into the theme of **Divine Providence**, as God's unseen hand guides events through the practical wisdom of Naomi and the kindness of Boaz, orchestrating circumstances for Ruth's well-being and future. The verse also highlights the theme of **Wise Counsel**, demonstrating the invaluable role of experienced mentors (like Naomi) in guiding the less experienced (Ruth) through challenging circumstances. Finally, it underscores the importance of **Prudence and Discernment**, encouraging careful choices about one's associations and environment to avoid unnecessary risks, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature of the Old Testament (e.g., [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This word signifies not just moral goodness but also suitability, advantage, and benefit. When Naomi says, "It is good, my daughter," she is affirming that this course of action is advantageous, prudent, and beneficial for Ruth's safety and future. It carries a sense of approval and sound judgment, indicating that this is the wisest path forward given their circumstances.
* **Meet (Hebrew, פגע, _pāgaʿ_):** While literally meaning "to meet" or "to encounter," in this context, especially with the negative "that they meet thee not," it carries a strong connotation of hostile or harmful encounter. It can imply to "fall upon," "assault," "interfere with," or even "to entreat" in a forceful, potentially violent way. Naomi's choice of this word reveals her deep concern for Ruth's vulnerability and the very real threat of exploitation or abuse from unscrupulous men in other fields where Boaz's protective oversight would not extend.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law":** This opening establishes the authority and wisdom of Naomi. Having heard Ruth's account of Boaz's kindness and recognizing his kinship, Naomi now takes the lead in guiding Ruth's actions. Her counsel is not merely a suggestion but a directive born of experience and strategic insight into their dire situation.
* **"[It is] good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens":** Naomi affirms the wisdom of Ruth's initial choice to glean in Boaz's field but refines it. The instruction to "go out with his maidens" (female servants) is critical. It provides Ruth with a protective social circle, ensuring she is not alone and is associated with the reputable household of Boaz, thereby reducing her vulnerability to harassment and ensuring she receives the same favorable treatment as Boaz's own workers.
* **"that they meet thee not in any other field":** This is the explicit warning and the primary motivation behind Naomi's counsel. The "they" refers to other young men or reapers in other fields who might not be as honorable as Boaz. The phrase "meet thee not" (using the word _pāgaʿ_) implies a potentially negative, aggressive, or even violent encounter. Naomi understands the dangers faced by a lone, foreign, and vulnerable woman and seeks to prevent any harm or exploitation by confining Ruth's gleaning activities to the known safety of Boaz's property.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by subtly hinting at potential dangers that Ruth avoids, thereby emphasizing the security and favor she finds under Boaz's protection, which will later lead to their redemption. There is also an element of **Contrast** between the potential dangers of "any other field" and the safety and provision found within Boaz's domain. Naomi's counsel itself serves as a form of **Practical Wisdom**, guiding Ruth towards a path of safety and ultimate blessing. The phrase "that they meet thee not" functions as a **Euphemism** or **Understatement** for potentially severe harm, effectively communicating the gravity of the threat without explicitly detailing it, making the advice more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:22 beautifully illustrates God's providential care working through human wisdom and kindness. Naomi's counsel is not just practical; it's a divinely inspired strategy that keeps Ruth within the sphere of God's unfolding plan for her and Naomi's redemption. It highlights how God often uses the discernment of others and the establishment of safe environments to protect His people and advance His purposes. This verse underscores the biblical principle that seeking and heeding wise counsel is a pathway to blessing and protection, allowing believers to navigate life's challenges with prudence and faith, trusting that God is at work even in the mundane details of daily provision and safety.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord's Protection")
* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Naomi's counsel to Ruth transcends its ancient context, offering timeless wisdom for believers today. In a world fraught with various forms of "other fields"—environments or associations that can lead to spiritual, emotional, or physical harm—the principle of seeking safe and wholesome communities remains paramount. Just as Ruth benefited from staying within Boaz's protective sphere, we are called to exercise discernment in our relationships and choices, intentionally aligning ourselves with godly influences and environments that foster growth and security. This verse reminds us that God's providence often works through the practical wisdom of others and the choices we make to position ourselves for His blessing. It encourages us to value and seek out the counsel of mature believers, recognizing that their guidance can be a vital safeguard and a pathway to flourishing in God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other fields" might I be tempted to wander into that could expose me to spiritual or emotional harm?**
* **Whose wise counsel am I currently seeking, and am I truly open to receiving and applying it?**
* **How can I be more intentional about creating or seeking out "safe environments" for myself and those I care about, both physically and spiritually?**
* **In what ways have I seen God's providence work through the practical advice or protective actions of others in my life?**

### FAQ

**Why was it dangerous for Ruth to glean in "any other field"?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, while gleaning was a legal right for the poor, it was also a vulnerable activity, especially for women. Fields could be unsupervised, and foreign widows like Ruth were particularly susceptible to harassment, exploitation, or even physical assault from unscrupulous men among the reapers or other landowners. Naomi's concern was not just about inconvenience but about the very real threat of harm, as the Hebrew word for "meet" (פגע - _pāgaʿ_) in this context implies a hostile or violent encounter. By staying in Boaz's fields and with his maidens, Ruth was under the direct protection and oversight of a reputable and powerful man, mitigating these significant dangers. This protection was explicitly promised by Boaz in [Ruth 2:8-9](/ruth/2-8 "Ruth 2:8-9 - Boaz's Instructions to Ruth").

**How does Naomi's advice demonstrate her wisdom and care?**

Answer: Naomi's advice is a testament to her practical wisdom, born of experience and a deep understanding of societal norms and dangers. Having lived longer and faced immense hardship, she knew the precarious position of a young, foreign widow. Her counsel to stay with Boaz's maidens and within his fields was not just about securing food but about ensuring Ruth's physical safety and preserving her reputation. It demonstrates her profound love and concern for Ruth's welfare, guiding her towards the most secure and advantageous path, ultimately leading to their redemption. This strategic guidance also shows Naomi's growing faith in God's providential hand, working through the kindness of Boaz, as seen in [Ruth 2:20](/ruth/2-20 "Ruth 2:20 - Naomi's Blessing for Boaz").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Naomi's protective counsel to Ruth, guiding her to remain within the safe and provision-filled fields of Boaz, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate protection and provision found in Christ. Just as Ruth found refuge from danger and a pathway to redemption by staying close to Boaz, believers find their ultimate security and salvation by abiding in Jesus. He is our true Kinsman-Redeemer, who not only protects us from the "other fields" of sin and spiritual danger but also provides for our every need, both temporal and eternal. The dangers Naomi warned against—exploitation and harm—find their spiritual parallel in the schemes of the enemy from which Christ delivers us, as He promises to keep us safe in His hand (e.g., [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus' Promise of Eternal Security")). Moreover, Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom, offering perfect counsel that always leads to life and flourishing, unlike the limited human wisdom of Naomi (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). In Him, we find not just a temporary field of safety but an eternal dwelling where we are forever secure, provided for, and redeemed by the ultimate "good" Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

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

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.

Proverbs 27:10

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.