Ruth 2:5

KJV

Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel [is] this?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Boaz {H1162} unto his servant {H5288} that was set {H5324} over the reapers {H7114}, Whose damsel {H5291} is this?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Bo'az asked his servant supervising the reapers, "Whose girl is this?"

Berean Standard Bible

And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”

American Standard Version

Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:5 serves as the pivotal moment of introduction between Boaz, a prominent and righteous landowner in Bethlehem, and Ruth, the Moabite widow who has come to glean in his fields. This verse captures Boaz's observant inquiry to his foreman, "Whose damsel is this?", signaling his immediate notice of her presence. This seemingly simple question is the divinely orchestrated catalyst that sets in motion a sequence of events leading to Ruth's provision, protection, and her ultimate integration into the lineage of Israel's greatest king, David, and subsequently, the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 2:5 is strategically placed within the narrative, immediately following Ruth's diligent work gleaning in Boaz's field. The preceding verses [Ruth 2:1-3](/ruth/2-1-3 "Ruth 2:1-3 - Ruth's Initiative to Glean") establish Ruth's proactive steps to provide for herself and Naomi, culminating in her "happening" upon Boaz's field—a clear instance of divine providence guiding her steps. This verse marks the crucial transition from Ruth's independent action and the general setting of the harvest to the direct, albeit initially indirect, interaction between the two main protagonists. Boaz's inquiry shifts the narrative focus from Ruth's vulnerability and labor to his benevolent oversight, setting the stage for his role as a protector and potential kinsman-redeemer. It is the narrative's first direct indication of Boaz's character and his awareness of the vulnerable stranger in his midst.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The story unfolds during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time often marked by moral decay, yet also by pockets of faithfulness and adherence to God's law. The practice of gleaning, which Ruth undertakes, was a specific provision of the Mosaic Law for the poor, the sojourner, and the widow [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - The Law of Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Directives on Gleaning and the Poor"). Landowners were commanded to leave the corners of their fields unharvested and not to gather fallen produce, ensuring sustenance for the needy. Boaz's question in Ruth 2:5 not only reflects his active management of his estate and workers but also hints at a responsible and compassionate landowner who notices deviations from the norm. In ancient Israelite society, a young woman, especially a foreign one like Ruth, working alone in a field would have been unusual and potentially vulnerable, making Boaz's inquiry about her identity and affiliation a culturally significant act of concern.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational for several overarching themes in the Book of Ruth. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, as Ruth's seemingly random arrival at Boaz's field [Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's 'Chance' Encounter") is revealed as God's meticulous guidance, positioning her precisely where she would receive blessing and protection. Secondly, it introduces and underscores **Boaz's Righteous Character and Attentiveness**. His immediate notice of an unfamiliar worker among his reapers highlights his diligent oversight, integrity, and foreshadows his subsequent acts of extraordinary kindness and generosity, demonstrating his adherence to the spirit of the Law. Thirdly, this simple question marks the **Beginning of a Redemptive Relationship**. It is the initial spark for the unfolding narrative of loyalty, love, and redemption that culminates in the marriage of Ruth and Boaz, securing Naomi's lineage and ultimately contributing to the messianic line, as explicitly stated in the genealogy of [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"). The theme of the **Kinsman-Redeemer (Go'el)** is subtly but significantly introduced here, as Boaz's initial interest in Ruth sets the stage for his eventual fulfillment of this vital role.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boaz (Hebrew, _Bôʻaz'_):** H1162. From an unused root of uncertain meaning; Boaz, the ancestor of David; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple. The name Boaz, often interpreted as "in him is strength" or "swiftness," aptly describes the character introduced in this verse. He is presented as a man of substance, influence, and capability, overseeing his harvest. His actions throughout the narrative consistently demonstrate this strength, not only in his wealth and position but, more importantly, in his moral fortitude and his willingness to act decisively and righteously according to the Law and custom.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** H5288. From נָעַר; (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 latitude in age). In this context, "servant" refers specifically to the foreman or overseer of the reapers. Boaz's direct address to this individual indicates his organized management style and his reliance on trusted personnel to efficiently run his agricultural operations. It highlights a structured and hierarchical management system within his estate.
* **Damsel (Hebrew, _naʻărâh'_):** H5291. Feminine of נַעַר; a girl (from infancy to adolescence). This term denotes a young woman or girl. Its use here emphasizes Ruth's youth and, by implication, her vulnerability as a foreign widow. Boaz's question about "whose" damsel she is indicates his concern for her identity, her familial connections, and her social standing, which were crucial for a woman's protection and place in ancient Israelite society. It immediately flags her as an outsider, not readily recognizable as belonging to one of the Bethlehem families.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers":** This opening clause immediately establishes Boaz's authority and his active role in managing his harvest. His direct address to his foreman, the one "set over the reapers," highlights a structured and efficient management style. Boaz is not merely observing from a distance; he is actively engaged with his workforce through his appointed leaders, demonstrating responsible oversight of his considerable estate. This interaction also sets a formal tone, indicating Boaz's position of leadership.
* **"Whose damsel [is] this?":** This is the pivotal question that initiates the direct interaction between Boaz and Ruth's circumstances. The inquiry about "whose" she is reveals Boaz's immediate concern for her identity, her familial connections, and her social status. For a foreign widow like Ruth, such questions were critical, as her belonging determined her protection and standing. While a practical inquiry, it also hints at a deeper, compassionate interest in her welfare, setting the stage for Boaz's subsequent acts of kindness, provision, and protection. It is a question that seeks to understand her place and, by extension, her need.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 2:5 masterfully employs **Dialogue** to advance the plot and reveal character. Boaz's direct question to his foreman serves as the immediate catalyst for the narrative's progression, establishing his observant and authoritative presence. There is significant **Foreshadowing** in Boaz's inquiry; his interest in "whose" Ruth is subtly hints at his eventual role in making her "his" through marriage and redemption, thereby integrating her fully into his household and the community. The narrative also uses **Divine Irony** in the context of [Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's 'Chance' Arrival"); Ruth "happened" to come to Boaz's field, yet Boaz's immediate and specific notice of her underscores that her presence was not accidental but divinely orchestrated. This highlights the theme of **Divine Providence** working through seemingly ordinary human interactions. Finally, Boaz's **Attentiveness** through his question is a key aspect of his righteous character, which is further developed throughout the book, portraying him as a vigilant and compassionate leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:5 serves as a profound illustration of God's sovereign providence working through human agency. What appears to be a routine management inquiry from Boaz is, in the grand theological narrative, the precise moment God begins to unfold His meticulous plan for Ruth, Naomi, and ultimately, the lineage of King David and the Messiah. Boaz's character, marked by his attentiveness, integrity, and righteousness, becomes the willing vessel through which God's covenant faithfulness is demonstrated to the vulnerable and the outsider. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God often works through seemingly ordinary circumstances and the conscientious, obedient actions of His people to bring about extraordinary outcomes, ensuring provision and protection for those in need, even when they are unaware of His guiding hand.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:5 invites us to reflect on the profound significance of seemingly small moments and the transformative power of observant compassion. Boaz, a man of considerable wealth and standing, did not merely overlook a new, unfamiliar face in his fields. His question, "Whose damsel is this?", reveals a leader who is deeply engaged, highly aware, and personally responsible for the welfare of those under his care, even those on the fringes of society. This challenges us to cultivate a similar attentiveness in our own lives: to notice the "new faces," the "vulnerable," or the "outsiders" in our communities, workplaces, or churches. Are we quick to observe, to inquire with genuine interest, and to understand the circumstances of those around us, rather than remaining indifferent? Furthermore, this verse powerfully reminds us that God's providence often operates through the ordinary, through diligent work, and through the integrity and compassionate actions of individuals. We may not always perceive God's hand in our "happenings" or daily interactions, but this story assures us that He is meticulously weaving together the threads of our lives for His greater purposes and our ultimate good, often using the faithfulness of His people as His instruments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a greater sense of awareness and attentiveness to the needs and presence of others, particularly those who might be new, vulnerable, or marginalized in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does Boaz's example of responsible oversight and compassionate inquiry challenge my own approach to leadership, stewardship, or simply daily interactions with others?**
* **Can I identify "coincidences" or "happenings" in my own life where, in retrospect, God's providential hand might have been at work, guiding me to a specific person, place, or situation?**
* **How does the seemingly simple question in this verse ultimately contribute to a grander, redemptive narrative, and what does this teach me about God's use of ordinary moments?**

### FAQ

**Why was Boaz's question, "Whose damsel is this?", significant?**

Answer: Boaz's question was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated his diligent oversight of his fields and workers, indicating his responsible stewardship as a landowner. He noticed a new person among his reapers, which was not a given. Secondly, it was a crucial question of identity and belonging. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's identity and protection were often tied to her family or husband. Ruth was a foreign widow, and her presence would have been unusual and potentially precarious. Boaz's inquiry sought to understand her background and connection, which was vital for her social standing and safety. This initial, observant interest paved the way for his subsequent acts of kindness, provision, and protection, ultimately leading to her integration into the community and, remarkably, into the lineage of King David, as seen in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David").

**Does this verse suggest Ruth was intentionally seeking Boaz's field?**

Answer: The text in [Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's 'Chance' Arrival") states that Ruth "happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz." From a purely human perspective, this phrasing suggests a seemingly random or coincidental occurrence. Ruth was simply seeking any field where she could glean to provide for herself and Naomi. However, from a theological viewpoint, this "happening" is universally understood as a clear instance of divine providence. God sovereignly guided Ruth's steps to the field of Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer who would play a crucial role in her future, Naomi's redemption, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel. It was not Ruth's intentional seeking of Boaz specifically, but God's intentional leading of Ruth to Boaz.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:5, in its introduction of Boaz's observant and compassionate character, subtly yet powerfully points forward to the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Boaz's question, "Whose damsel is this?", initiates a process of identification and inclusion for Ruth, a foreign outsider who was vulnerable and without family protection. Similarly, Christ, the greater Boaz, notices humanity in its lost, vulnerable, and alienated state, asking, in a spiritual sense, "Whose are these, separated from God?" He then actively seeks to redeem and include those who were once strangers and foreigners, bringing them into His family and inheritance. Just as Boaz provided for and protected Ruth, offering her shelter and sustenance in his fields [Ruth 2:8-16](/ruth/2-8-16 "Ruth 2:8-16 - Boaz's Kindness to Ruth"), Jesus provides ultimate sustenance and security for His people, offering the true bread of life and guarding them from all harm [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them"). Boaz's attentive care foreshadows Christ's intimate knowledge of His flock, knowing each one by name and seeking out the lost sheep [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep") and [Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"). Ultimately, the union of Boaz and Ruth, initiated by this simple question, prefigures the spiritual union between Christ and His Church, where believers, once outsiders and aliens, are brought near by His blood and become fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints") and co-heirs with Him in His glorious inheritance [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ").

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 4:21

And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

1 Chronicles 2:11

And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,

1 Chronicles 2:12

And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,