Ruth 2:6
Ruth 2:6 in Multiple Translations
The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:
And the servant who was in authority over the cutters said, It is a Moabite girl who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab;
“The young woman is a Moabite who came back with Naomi from Moab,” the servant replied.
And the seruant that was appointed ouer the reapers, answered, and said, It is the Moabitish maide, that came with Naomi out of the countrey of Moab:
And the young man who is set over the reapers answereth and saith, 'A young woman — Moabitess — she [is], who came back with Naomi from the fields of Moab,
The servant who was set over the reapers answered, “It is the Moabite lady who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab.
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi from the country of Moab:
And he answered him: This is the Moabitess who came with Noemi, from the land of Moab,
The foreman replied, “She is the woman from Moab who returned from there with her mother-in-law Naomi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:6
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 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֗עַן
הַ/נַּ֛עַר
הַ/נִּצָּ֥ב
עַל
הַ/קּוֹצְרִ֖ים
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
נַעֲרָ֤ה
מֽוֹאֲבִיָּה֙
הִ֔יא
הַ/שָּׁ֥בָה
עִֽם
נָעֳמִ֖י
מִ/שְּׂדֵ֥ה
מוֹאָֽב
וַ/יַּ֗עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/נַּ֛עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
הַ/נִּצָּ֥ב
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
Art | V-Niphal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/קּוֹצְרִ֖ים
qâtsar
H7114
be short
Art | V-Qal
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נַעֲרָ֤ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fs
מֽוֹאֲבִיָּה֙
Môwʼâbîy
H4125
Moabite
Ngfsa
הִ֔יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/שָּׁ֥בָה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Art | V-Qal
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
נָעֳמִ֖י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
Naomi
N-proper
מִ/שְּׂדֵ֥ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:6
וַ/יַּ֗עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
הַ/נַּ֛עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
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/נִּצָּ֥ב
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/קּוֹצְרִ֖ים
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.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
נַעֲרָ֤ה
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
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.
מֽוֹאֲבִיָּה֙
Môwʼâbîy
H4125
"Moabite"
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.
הִ֔יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/שָּׁ֥בָה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
עִֽם
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.
נָעֳמִ֖י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
"Naomi"
N-proper
Naomi was an Israelite woman who lived before the monarchy. She was the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and is also known as Mara. Naomi means 'my delight'.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Elimelech (H0458); mother of: Mahlon (H4248) and Chilion (H3630); also called Mara at Rut.1.20; Also named: ma.ra (מָרָא "Mara" H4755) § Naomi = "my delight" wife of Elimelech, mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Naomi. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:6; Ruth 4:17.
מִ/שְּׂדֵ֥ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
Study Notes — Ruth 2:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 2:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
- Sermons on Ruth 2:6
Context — Boaz Meets Ruth
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.” 8Then 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 1:22 | So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. |
| 2 | Matthew 24:45 | Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? |
| 3 | Genesis 24:2 | So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, |
| 4 | Ruth 1:16 | But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. |
| 5 | Ruth 1:19 | So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole city was stirred because of them, and the women of the city exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” |
| 6 | Genesis 39:4 | Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. |
| 7 | Genesis 15:2 | But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” |
| 8 | Matthew 20:8 | When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last ones hired and moving on to the first.’ |
Ruth 2:6 Summary
[This verse tells us that Ruth is from the land of Moab and had returned to Judah with her mother-in-law Naomi, as seen in Ruth 1:22. The foreman's response to Boaz's question provides important background information about Ruth's situation. This verse helps us understand that Ruth is a foreigner in a new land, but she is being shown kindness and compassion by Boaz, which is a reflection of God's character, as seen in Psalm 146:9. We can learn from this verse about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances, as seen in Leviticus 19:34.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ruth referred to as a Moabitess in this verse?
Ruth is called a Moabitess because she was from the land of Moab, as stated in Ruth 1:4, and had married into an Israelite family, but she had returned with Naomi to the land of Judah after her husband's death, as seen in Ruth 1:22.
What is the significance of the foreman's response to Boaz's question?
The foreman's response provides Boaz with the background information he needs to understand Ruth's situation and her connection to Naomi, which is important for the events that unfold in the story, as seen in Ruth 2:8-13.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Ruth?
This verse highlights the theme of God's providence and care for the marginalized, as Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, is shown kindness and compassion by Boaz, which is a reflection of God's character, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18-19 and Isaiah 58:6-7.
What can we learn about the character of the foreman from his response?
The foreman's response suggests that he is a knowledgeable and observant person who is familiar with the circumstances of Ruth and Naomi, and is willing to share this information with Boaz, which indicates a sense of responsibility and respect for his employer, as seen in Ephesians 6:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- How does the label 'Moabitess' affect the way others perceive Ruth, and what can we learn from this about how we perceive and treat others who may be different from us?
- What role does the foreman play in the story of Ruth, and how does his character contribute to the events that unfold?
- How does this verse highlight the importance of community and relationships in our lives, and what can we learn from the way Boaz and the foreman interact with Ruth?
- What can we learn from Ruth's experience about the challenges and opportunities that come with being a stranger in a new land, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:6
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said,.... Who had taken a great deal of notice of Ruth, and had conversed with her, and so was capable of giving answers to his master's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:6
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
i.e. That came with Naomi when she came back; for otherwise, as Ruth did not go from thence, so she could not properly be said to come back.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
Rth 2:6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It [is] the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:Ver. 6. And the servant.] He gives a ready answer, a good account, Rationem cum domino crebro putet, saith Cato concerning a steward. It is the Moabitish damsel.] He commendeth her for her virtues, little thinking that shortly she should be his mistress. This was fair, and not ordinary. Vituperant homines quam collaudant promptius. Malignity and morosity reigneth everywhere. De Re Rust, cap. v.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
(6, 7) The steward gives a detailed account of Ruth. She is “the (rather “a”) Moabitish damsel,” she is a foreigner [as such she had a special claim to the gleaning, Leviticus 19:9-10]. She is the daughter-in-law of Naomi; and he adds that her behaviour has been praiseworthy, for she asked leave before beginning to glean, and she has worked hard all day, save for a short interval of rest. It would seem that Boaz’s visit to the field fell at the time when Ruth was thus resting: “This is her tarrying for a little in the house”; apparently, that is, some rude shelter from the heat set up in the field, like the lodge of Isa 1:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:6
6. The Moabitish damsel — Boaz had heard of her, and had been much interested in her history, (Rth 2:11,) but he had not seen her before, so that this was their first meeting.
Sermons on Ruth 2:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Baptism (Part 1) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, Peter asks Jesus if his parable is meant for all or just for them. Jesus responds by discussing the qualities of a faithful and wise servant who will be rewarded by |
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The Second Coming (Voice Only) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher passionately warns against indulging in worldly entertainment and urges the audience to be mindful of what they consume. He emphasizes that this life i |
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What Is Our Attitude Toward His Coming? by Stephen Kaung | This sermon focuses on the anticipation of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for His coming. It delves into the significance of bein |
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The Heavy Responsibility of Sheep-Feeding by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the heavy responsibility of preaching, highlighting that true shepherds must address the specific needs of their congregation rather than delivering generic m |
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The Parables of Jesus by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on various aspects of entering God's Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of good soil for spiritual growth, the need to be properly clothed with Christ's righte |
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The Olivet Discourse Part 2a – Christendom: the Household Servant by C.H. Mackintosh | C.H. Mackintosh preaches on the importance of true ministry in the Church of God, emphasizing that all ministry is divine in its source, nature, and principles, appointed by God al |
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Unto You Who Once Knew the Truth. by John Banks | The preacher delves into the significance of being faithful, emphasizing the importance of trustworthiness and reliability in fulfilling duties and responsibilities. The sermon exp |