Ruth 2:8

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Boaz {H1162} unto Ruth {H7327}, Hearest {H8085} thou not, my daughter {H1323}? Go {H3212} not to glean {H3950} in another {H312} field {H7704}, neither go {H5674} from hence, but abide {H1692} here fast by my maidens {H5291}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Bo'az said to Rut, "Did you hear that, my daughter? Don't go to glean in another field, don't leave this place, but stick here with my working girls.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls.

American Standard Version

Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:8 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Boaz, a wealthy and respected kinsman of Naomi’s late husband, directly addresses Ruth for the first time. This verse signals the immediate initiation of Boaz's protective care and generous provision for the young Moabite widow, inviting her to remain exclusively within the safety and abundance of his fields, thereby setting the stage for the unfolding of divine providence and the eventual redemption of Naomi’s lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 2:8 follows Ruth's diligent gleaning in Boaz's field, an act of selfless devotion to Naomi, her mother-in-law. Earlier, Ruth had "happened" upon this particular field, an event the narrator subtly presents as divinely guided, though seemingly coincidental ([Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's Providential Arrival")). Boaz, having heard of Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her self-sacrificing return to Bethlehem, takes the initiative to speak to her. His words in this verse are the first direct interaction between the two, transitioning the narrative from Ruth's humble labor to Boaz's active benevolence and oversight, effectively drawing her into his sphere of protection and provision. This direct address immediately elevates Ruth's status from a mere gleaner to someone under the personal care of the prominent landowner.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of gleaning was a divinely mandated provision for the poor and the sojourner in ancient Israel, as outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 19:9](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9 - Laws for Gleaning")). Farmers were commanded to leave the edges of their fields unharvested and not to pick up fallen grain, allowing the needy to gather what remained. For a Moabite woman like Ruth, an outsider in Israel, gleaning was her only legitimate means of survival. However, gleaning fields could be dangerous, with vulnerable women susceptible to harassment from male reapers. Boaz's instruction for Ruth to stay specifically with his "maidens" (female workers) highlights his awareness of these dangers and his commitment to her safety, going beyond the legal requirements of gleaning to offer exceptional protection and access to the best gleanings. This act of kindness also reflects the cultural value placed on hospitality and care for the vulnerable, particularly widows and foreigners.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Ruth. It underscores **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly ordinary events—like Ruth "happening" upon a field—to bring about His purposes of provision and redemption ([Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - God's Hand in Ruth's Path")). It highlights **Boaz's Benevolence and Righteousness**, portraying him as a man of integrity, compassion, and generosity, who embodies the spirit of the Law in caring for the vulnerable. His paternal address, "my daughter," immediately establishes a tone of care and protection, foreshadowing his later role as kinsman-redeemer ([Ruth 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer")). The verse also subtly touches upon **Ruth's Humility and Diligence**, as Boaz's favor is a direct response to her commendable character and hard work. Finally, it signals **Acceptance and Integration** for Ruth, a foreign woman, into the community of Israel, a testament to her faith and God's inclusive grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"my daughter" (Hebrew, _bitti'_):** This term, literally "my daughter," is a significant expression of endearment, respect, and paternal care. Used by an elder male to a younger woman, it immediately establishes a compassionate and authoritative relationship, transcending a mere employer-employee dynamic. It conveys a sense of responsibility and protection, signaling Boaz's benevolent intentions toward Ruth from their very first direct interaction. This address is crucial in setting the tone for their developing relationship, moving beyond the transactional nature of gleaning to a deeper, familial concern.
* **"abide here fast" (Hebrew, _tidbaqin'_):** Derived from the root דָּבַק (dabaq), meaning "to cling," "to cleave," "to stick close," or "to be joined to." This word is notably used elsewhere in the Bible to describe the covenant union between a husband and wife ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife")), or the steadfast devotion to God ([Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleaving to the Lord")). In Ruth 2:8, Boaz's instruction for Ruth to "cling" to his maidens emphasizes the importance of remaining in a safe, protected, and advantageous environment. It's not merely a suggestion to stay, but a strong directive to maintain close proximity and association, ensuring her security and continued access to the best gleanings, away from potential harm or less favorable conditions in other fields. This choice of word subtly foreshadows the deeper "cleaving" that will eventually occur between Ruth and Boaz.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Boaz unto Ruth,"**: This opening clause marks the first direct interaction between Boaz and Ruth. Up until this point, Boaz had observed Ruth and inquired about her, but this is the moment he initiates personal communication, signaling a shift in the narrative from observation to direct engagement and intervention.
* **"Hearest thou not, my daughter?"**: This is a gentle but firm rhetorical question, designed to draw Ruth's full attention and emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. The accompanying address, "my daughter," immediately establishes a tone of paternal affection and authority, indicating that Boaz is speaking not just as a landowner, but as a protector and benefactor.
* **"Go not to glean in another field,"**: This is Boaz's first explicit command, a prohibition against Ruth seeking sustenance elsewhere. It is an act of exclusive provision, ensuring that Ruth will remain under his direct care and benefit from the abundance of his fields, rather than risking the uncertainties or dangers of other properties.
* **"neither go from hence,"**: This reinforces the previous command, emphasizing the importance of her staying precisely where she is, within the boundaries of his property. It underscores the security and stability he is offering, contrasting with the precariousness of her previous situation as a foreign widow.
* **"but abide here fast by my maidens:"**: This final instruction provides the positive directive, specifying exactly where Ruth is to remain. By instructing her to "cling" or "cleave" to his female workers, Boaz ensures her physical safety from potentially aggressive male reapers and guarantees her access to the best gleanings, as the maidens would likely be working in the most productive areas of the field. This highlights Boaz's meticulous care and foresight.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Dialogue** is paramount here, as Boaz's direct address to Ruth marks a critical turning point in the narrative. His words are not merely informative but performative, initiating a new phase of their relationship and the unfolding plot. The use of **Paternal Language**, specifically "my daughter," functions as a form of **Characterization**, immediately revealing Boaz's benevolent and protective nature. This phrase also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the familial relationship that will eventually develop between them, moving beyond mere employer-employee to a deeper, covenantal bond. Furthermore, the entire interaction, particularly Boaz's unsolicited generosity and protective commands, operates as **Divine Irony** or **Providence in Action**. What seems like a chance encounter and a kind gesture is, from a theological perspective, God's unseen hand orchestrating the provision and redemption for Ruth and Naomi, transforming a vulnerable Moabite widow into an ancestor of the Messiah. Boaz's field itself can be seen as **Symbolic** of a place of refuge, provision, and ultimately, redemption, mirroring the spiritual blessings found in God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:8 beautifully illustrates the proactive nature of God's providence, often working through the kindness and righteousness of human agents. Boaz, a man who clearly embodies the principles of the Mosaic Law concerning care for the poor and the sojourner, becomes the tangible expression of God's faithfulness to Ruth. His unsolicited protection and provision for a vulnerable foreign woman reflect divine compassion and the covenant loyalty (חֶסֶד, _hesed_) that Ruth herself had shown to Naomi ([Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Covenant Loyalty to Naomi")). This verse underscores the biblical truth that God cares for the marginalized and often uses those in positions of influence to extend His grace, transforming seemingly ordinary circumstances into extraordinary demonstrations of His care and redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 24:19](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19 - Gleaning Laws for the Needy")
* [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 Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Boaz’s actions in Ruth 2:8 provide a profound model for how believers are called to interact with the vulnerable and those in need. His initiative, generosity, and protective care for Ruth, an outsider with no claim on him, exemplify a proactive love that goes beyond mere obligation. For us today, this challenges us to look beyond our immediate circles and consider how we can extend practical compassion and protection to those who are marginalized, struggling, or new to our communities. It reminds us that God often works through our willingness to be His hands and feet, transforming lives through simple acts of kindness and intentional provision. Just as Ruth found safety and blessing by heeding Boaz's counsel and remaining within his protective sphere, we are encouraged to seek wise guidance and to remain in environments—whether spiritual, relational, or physical—where we are protected, nurtured, and can flourish under God's watchful eye. Our diligence in our daily tasks, like Ruth's gleaning, can often open doors to unexpected divine favor and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Boaz, proactively extend kindness and protection to those who are vulnerable or marginalized in my community?**
* **How does Ruth's diligence in gleaning, even before Boaz's intervention, encourage me to faithfully carry out my own responsibilities?**
* **Are there "fields" or environments in my life where I need to "abide fast" for my safety and spiritual flourishing, and conversely, places I need to avoid?**
* **How does the seemingly "coincidental" meeting of Ruth and Boaz in this chapter deepen my understanding of divine providence in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Boaz call Ruth "my daughter" if he wasn't her father?**

Answer: The address "my daughter" (Hebrew: _bitti_) was a common term of endearment and respect used by an older, authoritative male figure towards a younger woman in ancient Israel, even if there was no biological familial relationship. It conveyed a sense of paternal care, protection, and benevolence. In this context, Boaz, as a wealthy and respected landowner, immediately establishes a compassionate and protective relationship with Ruth, signaling his good intentions and his desire to care for her, much like a father would for his child. This address sets the tone for their future interactions and highlights Boaz's righteous character, demonstrating his concern for Ruth's well-being beyond mere economic transaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:8, with Boaz's gracious and protective invitation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Boaz, as the benevolent kinsman-redeemer, serves as a beautiful type of Christ. Just as Boaz proactively seeks out and provides for Ruth, a foreign outsider with no claim on his generosity, so too does Christ extend His unmerited grace to us, who were once "strangers and aliens" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers")) to the covenant of promise. Boaz's command for Ruth to "abide here fast by my maidens" mirrors Christ's invitation to "abide in me" ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Christ")), promising safety, provision, and fruitfulness within His protective care. The field of Boaz, where Ruth finds refuge and sustenance, becomes a symbol of the spiritual blessings and security found in Christ, the true "field" of redemption. Through His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer, has purchased us from the slavery of sin and welcomed us into His family, offering not just physical provision but eternal life and belonging, just as Boaz's actions ultimately led to Ruth's full integration and a place in the lineage of David and Christ ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")).

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

2 Kings 5:13

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

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.

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

1 Samuel 3:6

And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

1 Samuel 3:16

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.

Matthew 9:2

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.