Ruth 2:21

Ruth 2:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Ruth the Moabitess said, Truly, he said to me, Keep near my young men till all my grain is cut.

Free Bible Version FBV

Ruth added, “He also told me, ‘Stay close to my workers until they have finished harvesting my entire crop.’”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ruth the Moabitesse said, He said also certainely vnto mee, Thou shalt be with my seruants, vntill they haue ended all mine haruest.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Ruth the Moabitess saith, 'Also he surely said unto me, Near the young people whom I have thou dost cleave till they have completed the whole of the harvest which I have.'

World English Bible WEB

Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me, ‘You shall stay close to my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Ruth said, He also charged me, that I should keep close to his reapers, till all the corn should be reaped.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Ruth said, “He also said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they have finished harvesting all my grain.’”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ruth 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר ר֣וּת הַ/מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֑ה גַּ֣ם כִּי אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗/י עִם הַ/נְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר לִ/י֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔י/ן עַ֣ד אִם כִּלּ֔וּ אֵ֥ת כָּל הַ/קָּצִ֖יר אֲשֶׁר לִֽ/י

וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

ר֣וּת Rûwth H7327 Ruth N-proper

הַ/מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֑ה Môwʼâbîy H4125 Moabite Art | Ngfsa

גַּ֣ם gam H1571 also DirObjM

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

הַ/נְּעָרִ֤ים naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לִ/י֙ Prep | Suff

תִּדְבָּקִ֔י/ן dâbaq H1692 to cleave V-Qal-Imperf-2fs | Suff

עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

כִּלּ֔וּ kâlâh H3615 to end V-Piel-Perf-3cp

אֵ֥ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/קָּצִ֖יר qâtsîyr H7105 harvest Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לִֽ/י Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:21

וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ר֣וּת Rûwth H7327 "Ruth" N-proper

Ruth, a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and became part of the royal lineage, as described in the book of Ruth. She was the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 1:5.

Definition: A woman of the Moabites living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.4; married to Mahlon (H4248) and Boaz (H1162); mother of: Obed (H5744) Also named: Rhouth (Ῥούθ "Ruth" G4503) § Ruth = "friendship" daughter-in-law of Naomi, wife of Boaz, and grandmother of David

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Ruth. See also: Ruth 1:4; Ruth 2:21; Ruth 4:13.

הַ/מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֑ה Môwʼâbîy H4125 "Moabite" Art | Ngfsa

A Moabite is a person from the land of Moab, descended from the son of Lot. In the book of Ruth, Ruth is a Moabite who marries an Israelite and becomes part of King David's ancestry.

Definition: Someone from Moab, a Moabite = "from father: what father?" 1) a citizen of Moab 2) an inhabitant of the land of Moab Another name of mo.av (מוֹאָב "Moab" H4124G)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (woman) of Moab, Moabite(-ish, -ss). See also: Deuteronomy 2:11; Ruth 4:5; Nehemiah 13:23.

גַּ֣ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

הַ/נְּעָרִ֤ים naʻar H5288 "youth" Art | N-mp

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לִ/י֙ "" Prep | Suff

תִּדְבָּקִ֔י/ן dâbaq H1692 "to cleave" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs | Suff

To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.

Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.

עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

כִּלּ֔וּ kâlâh H3615 "to end" V-Piel-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.

Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.

אֵ֥ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/קָּצִ֖יר qâtsîyr H7105 "harvest" Art | N-ms

This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.

Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

לִֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Ruth 2:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ruth 2:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:21
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:21
Sermons on Ruth 2:21

Context — Boaz Meets Ruth

19Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you.” So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. 20Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. ”

21Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’”

22And 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.” 23So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Song of Solomon 1:7–8	Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions? If you do not know, O fairest of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and graze your young goats near the tents of the shepherds.
2	Ruth 2:7–8	She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’ So she came out and has continued from morning until now, except that she rested a short time in the shelter.” 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.
3	Ruth 2:22	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.”

Ruth 2:21 Summary

This verse means that Boaz, the owner of the field where Ruth was working, told her to stay with his workers until the harvest was finished. This was a kind and protective thing for Boaz to do, and it shows how God was taking care of Ruth through Boaz. Just like Boaz provided for Ruth's physical needs, God provides for our spiritual needs, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where it says to seek first the kingdom of God. By staying with Boaz's workers, Ruth was able to work in a safe environment and have all her needs met, which is similar to how God meets our needs when we follow Him, as described in Philippians 4:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Boaz tell Ruth to stay with his young men?

Boaz told Ruth to stay with his young men to protect her from potential harm, as seen in Ruth 2:21, and to ensure she had a safe place to work, which reflects his kind and generous nature, similar to the way God watches over His people, as described in Psalm 121:3-8.

What does it mean to 'stay with my young men'?

In this context, 'staying with my young men' means that Ruth would be working alongside and under the supervision of Boaz's male servants, which would provide her with additional protection and support, much like the way Jesus teaches us to follow His guidance in John 10:4.

How does this verse show God's provision for Ruth?

This verse shows God's provision for Ruth by providing her with a safe and stable work environment through Boaz's instructions, which is a demonstration of God's care and provision, as seen in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24, where God feeds the birds and provides for their needs.

What can we learn from Ruth's obedience to Boaz's instructions?

We can learn from Ruth's obedience that trusting and following God's guidance, even when it comes through others, is essential for our well-being and safety, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of trusting God's guidance, as seen in Ruth's obedience to Boaz, to my own life?
What are some ways that God provides for me, just as He provided for Ruth through Boaz?
How can I demonstrate kindness and generosity to others, just as Boaz showed to Ruth?
What are some ways that I can stay close to God's people, just as Ruth stayed close to Boaz's servant girls, to ensure my spiritual safety and growth?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:21

And Ruth the Moabitess said, he said unto me also,.... Besides the favours he has shown me already, he has given me reason to expect more, for he has given me this strict order: thou shalt keep fast

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:21

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. All my harvest - both barley and wheat harvests.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:21

Both barley and wheat harvest, as is said, .

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:21

Rth 2:21 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.Ver. 21. He said unto me also.] She further setteth forth his courtesy, but not a word of what he said in her commendation.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:21

(21) My young men . . . my harvest.—Emphatic in the Hebrew. As long as my reaping lasts, cleave steadily to us.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:21

Verse 21. Keep fast by my young men] The word הנערים hannearim should be translated servants, both the male and female being included in it; the latter especially, as we see in Ruth 2:22-23.

Sermons on Ruth 2:21

	Sermon	Description
	Leaning Upon Her Beloved by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of fully leaning on Jesus, akin to John resting on His breast at the Last Supper, as a demonstration of our love and trust in Him. He illustr

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