Ruth 2:5
Ruth 2:5 in Multiple Translations
And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
Then Boaz said to his servant who was in authority over the cutters, Whose girl is this?
Then Boaz asked his servant who was in charge of the harvesters, “Who is this young woman related to?”
Then saide Boaz vnto his seruant that was appointed ouer the reapers, Whose maide is this?
And Boaz saith to his young man who is set over the reapers, 'Whose [is] this young person?'
Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers, “Whose young lady is this?”
Then said Boaz to his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
And Booz said to the young man that was set over the reapers: Whose maid is this?
Then Boaz saw Ruth, and asked the ◄foreman/man in charge of the other workmen►, “Whose daughter is that young woman?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:5
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 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
בֹּ֨עַז֙
לְ/נַעֲר֔/וֹ
הַ/נִּצָּ֖ב
עַל
הַ/קּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים
לְ/מִ֖י
הַ/נַּעֲרָ֥ה
הַ/זֹּֽאת
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֹּ֨עַז֙
Bôʻaz
H1162
Boaz
N-proper
לְ/נַעֲר֔/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
youth
Prep | N-ms | Suff
הַ/נִּצָּ֖ב
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
Art | V-Niphal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/קּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים
qâtsar
H7114
be short
Art | V-Qal
לְ/מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
הַ/נַּעֲרָ֥ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:5
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
בֹּ֨עַז֙
Bôʻaz
H1162
"Boaz"
N-proper
Boaz was an ancestor of King David and also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple, symbolizing strength and support. The name means 'fleetness' or 'swiftness'.
Definition: § Boaz = "fleetness" name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Boaz. See also: Ruth 2:1; Ruth 3:7; 2 Chronicles 3:17.
לְ/נַעֲר֔/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
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.
הַ/נִּצָּ֖ב
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
Art | V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/קּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
לְ/מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
הַ/נַּעֲרָ֥ה
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Art | N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
Study Notes — Ruth 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Boaz Meets Ruth
3So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
4Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied.
5And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”
6The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab. 7She 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 4:21 | Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed, |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 2:11–12 | Nahshon was the father of Salmon, and Salmon was the father of Boaz. Boaz was the father of Obed, and Obed was the father of Jesse. |
Ruth 2:5 Summary
[In this verse, Boaz shows his kindness and concern for others by asking about the identity of the young woman gleaning in his field. This question helps him understand her situation and provide help when needed, as seen in Ruth 2:8-9 and Leviticus 19:9-10. By asking about Ruth, Boaz demonstrates his willingness to care for those around him, which is a key part of living out our faith, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40 and Galatians 6:2. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those around us, and look for ways to care for others in our own lives, just like Boaz did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Boaz ask about Ruth's identity?
Boaz asked about Ruth's identity because he was interested in knowing more about the young woman who was gleaning in his field, as seen in Ruth 2:5. This curiosity may have been sparked by her diligence and faith, as noted in Ruth 2:7 and Proverbs 31:27.
What is the significance of Boaz's question?
Boaz's question shows his concern for the well-being of those working in his field, including those who are gleaning, as commanded in Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19. It also highlights his kindness and willingness to help those in need, as seen in Ruth 2:8-9.
Why did Boaz ask the foreman of his harvesters instead of asking Ruth directly?
Boaz may have asked the foreman because he wanted to learn more about Ruth's background and circumstances before approaching her, as seen in Ruth 2:6. This approach shows his respect for her and his desire to understand her situation before offering help, as encouraged in Proverbs 18:13.
What can we learn from Boaz's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those around us, especially those who may be struggling or in need, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 25:40. By asking about Ruth's identity, Boaz demonstrates his willingness to care for others and provide help when needed, as seen in Acts 20:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can show kindness and compassion to those around us, just like Boaz did in this verse?
- How can we balance our desire to help others with the need to respect their boundaries and circumstances, as Boaz did by asking the foreman about Ruth?
- What can we learn from Ruth's example of diligence and faith in this passage, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?
- How does Boaz's question about Ruth's identity reflect his character and values, and what can we learn from his example about the importance of caring for others?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:5
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers,.... To direct them their work, what part each was to do, and to see that they did it well; to take care for provisions for them, and to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:5
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:5
Rth 2:5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel [is] this?Ver. 5. Unto his servant that was set over the reapers.] His villicus, his bailiff, whose office was to see that the rest were painful and faithful. The Jews have a saying, Marbe gnabhadim, marbe gezel, He that multiplieth servants, multiplieth thieves. How idle and wasteful are many! An overseer, therefore, is but necessary. Whose damsel is this?] Observing her by her habit or complexion to be a stranger, and with it laborious, he maketh this inquiry.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:5
Verse 5. His servant that was set over the reapers] This was a kind of steward or hind who had the under management of the estate. Some think that an officer of this kind is intended in the description given by Homer of the labours of a harvest field, as represented by Vulcan on one compartment of the shield which he made for Achilles: - Ενδ' ετιθειτεμενοςβαθυληΐον·ενθαδεριθοι Ἡμων, οξειαςδρεπαναςενχερσινεχοντες· Δραγματαδ' αλλαμετ' ογμονεπμονεπητριμαπιπτονεραζε, Αλλαδ' αμαλλοδετηρεςενελλεδανοισιδεοντο. Τρειςδ' αρ' αμαλλοδετηρεςεφεστασαν·αυταροπισθε Παιδεςδραγμευοντες, εναγκαλιδεσσιφεροντες, Ασπερχεςπαρεχον·βασιλευςδ' εντοισισιωπῃ Σκηπτρονεχωνἑστηκειεπ' ογμουγηθοσυνοςκηρ. Κηρυκεςδ' απανευθενὑποδρυΐδαιταπενοντο· Βουνδ' ἱερευσαντεςμεγαν, αμφεπον·αἱδεγυναικες Δειπνονεριθοισιν, λευκ' αλφιταπολλαπαλυνον. Iliad xviii., v. 550. There too he form'd the likeness of a field Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil'd, Each with a sharp-tooth'd sickle in his hand. Along the furrow here, the harvest fell In frequent handfuls; there, they bound the sheaves. Three binders of the sheaves their sultry task All plied industrious, and behind them boys Attended, filling with the corn their arms, And offering still their bundles to be bound. Amid them, staff in hand, the master stood, Enjoying, mute the order of the field: While, shaded by an oak, apart his train Prepared the banquet - a well thriven ox New slain, and the attendant maidens mix'd Large supper for the hinds, of whitest flour. COWPER. This scene is well described; and the person who acts as overseer is here called βασιλευς, king, and his staff is called σκηπτρον, a sceptre; and he stands in mute dignity, merely to see that the work is well done, and that each person performs his task; and there appear to me to be gleaners in the description, viz., the boys who gather the handfuls after the three binders.
See the Greek.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:5
5. His servant that was set over the reapers — An officer or steward whose business it was to oversee the work of the reapers and exercise authority in the absence of the owner.