Ruth 2:11

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

And Boaz {H1162} answered {H6030} and said {H559} unto her, It hath fully {H5046} been shewed {H5046} me, all that thou hast done {H6213} unto thy mother in law {H2545} since {H310} the death {H4194} of thine husband {H376}: and how thou hast left {H5800} thy father {H1} and thy mother {H517}, and the land {H776} of thy nativity {H4138}, and art come {H3212} unto a people {H5971} which thou knewest {H3045} not heretofore {H8543}{H8032}.

Bo'az answered her, "I've heard the whole story, everything you've done for your mother-in-law since your husband died, including how you left your father and mother and the land you were born in to come to a people about whom you knew nothing beforehand.

Boaz replied, “I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, and how you came to a people you did not know before.

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thy husband; and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people that thou knewest not heretofore.

Commentary

In Ruth 2:11, Boaz, a wealthy and influential kinsman of Naomi's late husband, addresses Ruth directly for the first time in the narrative. This verse marks a pivotal moment where Boaz articulates his awareness of Ruth's extraordinary character and self-sacrificial devotion. It highlights that her reputation for loyalty and kindness had preceded her, reaching even into the fields where she sought to glean for her and Naomi's sustenance.

Context of Ruth 2:11

Following the famine and the deaths of their husbands, Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem from Moab. Ruth, out of deep love and commitment to Naomi, volunteered to glean in the fields to provide food. By divine providence, she happened upon a field belonging to Boaz. After inquiring about her, Boaz approaches Ruth, and this verse records his commendation. His words reveal that Ruth's actions, particularly her unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law and her courageous decision to leave her homeland, were widely known and highly regarded within the community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Exceptional Loyalty and Devotion: Boaz explicitly recognizes Ruth's profound commitment to Naomi, even beyond the cultural expectations of a daughter-in-law. This highlights a rare and commendable faithfulness.
  • Profound Sacrifice: Ruth's decision to leave her "father and mother, and the land of thy nativity" (Moab) was an immense sacrifice. She abandoned the security of her family and familiar surroundings to embrace an unknown future among a foreign people, all for Naomi's sake and, ultimately, for her newfound faith in the God of Israel. This act of leaving a homeland for a spiritual calling echoes Abraham's call in Genesis 12:1.
  • Reputation and Recognition: Ruth's virtuous actions did not go unnoticed. Her character was "fully shewed" or made known, indicating that her kindness and sacrifice had become a testimony to the community. This demonstrates how genuine acts of goodness can build a powerful reputation.
  • Divine Providence at Work: While Boaz speaks of human observation, the broader narrative of Ruth underscores God's hand in orchestrating events. Boaz's awareness of Ruth's character is a crucial step in God's plan to provide for Naomi and Ruth, and to establish the lineage of David and ultimately, the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "it hath fully been shewed me" (KJV) translates from the Hebrew verb nagad, meaning "to declare, make known, report." The use of the intensive form here implies that her actions were not merely heard of, but were thoroughly and widely reported, underscoring the strong positive impression Ruth had made. The phrase "land of thy nativity" emphasizes Moab, her pagan homeland, making her choice to come to Israel even more significant.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:11 serves as an encouragement that acts of genuine kindness, loyalty, and sacrifice, especially when done without expectation of reward, do not go unnoticed by God and often by others. It challenges believers to consider the reputation they are building through their actions, particularly in how they care for family and those in need. Furthermore, it speaks to the courage required to step out of one's comfort zone and embrace an unknown path for the sake of faith or devotion, trusting that God sees and will provide. Boaz's commendation of Ruth's character sets the stage for his blessing in the very next verse, illustrating how faithfulness is often met with divine favor and human kindness.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 14:33 (7 votes)

    So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

  • Luke 18:29 (5 votes)

    And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

  • Luke 18:30 (5 votes)

    Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

  • Luke 5:11 (4 votes)

    And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

  • Psalms 45:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

  • Ruth 1:14 (3 votes)

    And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

  • Ruth 1:22 (3 votes)

    So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.