Ruth 2:9

Ruth 2:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

King James Version KJV

Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

Keep your eyes on the field they are cutting, and go after them; have I not given orders to the young men not to put a hand on you? And when you are in need of drink go to the vessels and take of what the young men have put there.

Free Bible Version FBV

Pay attention to what part of the field the men are reaping and follow the women. I've told the men not to bother you. When you get thirsty, go and have a drink from the water jars the servants have filled.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reape, and goe thou after the maidens. Haue I not charged the seruants, that they touche thee not? Moreouer whe thou art a thirst, go vnto ye vessels, and drinke of that which ye seruants haue drawen.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

thine eyes [are] on the field which they reap, and thou hast gone after them; have not I charged the young men not to touch thee? when thou art athirst then thou hast gone unto the vessels, and hast drunk from that which the young men draw.'

World English Bible WEB

Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them. Haven’t I commanded the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from that which the young men have drawn.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let thy eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art thirsty go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And follow where they reap. For I have charged my young men, not to molest thee: and if thou art thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink of the waters whereof the servants drink.

Translation for Translators T4T

Watch where the men are harvesting, and follow along behind the servant girls. I will tell the men who are working not to touch/molest you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get some water to drink from the jars that the men have filled.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:9

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 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עֵינַ֜יִ/ךְ בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֤ה אֲשֶׁר יִקְצֹרוּ/ן֙ וְ/הָלַ֣כְתִּ אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֔ן הֲ/ל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת הַ/נְּעָרִ֖ים לְ/בִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑/ךְ וְ/צָמִ֗ת וְ/הָלַכְתְּ֙ אֶל הַ/כֵּלִ֔ים וְ/שָׁתִ֕ית מֵ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ/ן הַ/נְּעָרִֽים

עֵינַ֜יִ/ךְ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֤ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִקְצֹרוּ/ן֙ qâtsar H7114 be short V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

וְ/הָלַ֣כְתִּ hâlak H1980 to go Conj | V-Qal-2fs

אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֔ן ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

הֲ/ל֥וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

צִוִּ֛יתִי tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/נְּעָרִ֖ים naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-mp

לְ/בִלְתִּ֣י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj

נָגְעֵ֑/ךְ nâgaʻ H5060 to touch V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

וְ/צָמִ֗ת tsâmêʼ H6770 to thirst Conj | V-Qal-2fs

וְ/הָלַכְתְּ֙ hâlak H1980 to go Conj | V-Qal-2fs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/כֵּלִ֔ים kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil Art | N-mp

וְ/שָׁתִ֕ית shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | V-Qal-2fs

מֵ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ/ן shâʼab H7579 to draw V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

הַ/נְּעָרִֽים naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:9

עֵינַ֜יִ/ךְ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֤ה 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.

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.

יִקְצֹרוּ/ן֙ qâtsar H7114 "be short" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

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.

וְ/הָלַ֣כְתִּ hâlak H1980 "to go" Conj | V-Qal-2fs

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֔ן ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

הֲ/ל֥וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

צִוִּ֛יתִי tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

אֶת 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.

הַ/נְּעָרִ֖ים 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.

לְ/בִלְתִּ֣י biltîy H1115 "lest" Prep | Conj

This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.

Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not

Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.

נָגְעֵ֑/ךְ nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.

Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.

וְ/צָמִ֗ת tsâmêʼ H6770 "to thirst" Conj | V-Qal-2fs

This Hebrew word means to feel thirsty, either physically or spiritually, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or longing, like in Psalm 42:2 where David thirsts for God. It can also refer to a lack of something, like water or satisfaction. It is often used figuratively.

Definition: (Qal) to be thirsty

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be a-, suffer) thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Psalms 42:3; Psalms 63:2.

וְ/הָלַכְתְּ֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" Conj | V-Qal-2fs

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

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.

הַ/כֵּלִ֔ים kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" Art | N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.

Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

וְ/שָׁתִ֕ית shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | V-Qal-2fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

מֵ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | 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.

יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ/ן shâʼab H7579 "to draw" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

To draw water from a well is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used to describe the daily task of women in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, it describes the women of the town gathering at the well to draw water and socialize.

Definition: 1) to draw (water) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (water) 1a2) water-drawing women (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (woman to) draw(-er, water). See also: Genesis 24:11; Joshua 9:23; Isaiah 12:3.

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

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.

Study Notes — Ruth 2:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ruth 2:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:9
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:9
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:9
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 2:9
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:9
Sermons on Ruth 2:9

Context — Boaz Meets Ruth

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.

9Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

10At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?” 11Boaz 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 John 5:18	We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.
2	Genesis 20:6	Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her.
3	Proverbs 6:29	So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
4	Matthew 10:42	And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”
5	1 Corinthians 7:1	Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations.
6	Psalms 105:15	“Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”
7	Genesis 24:18–20	“Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.” And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels.
8	Job 19:21	Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.
9	John 4:7–11	When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water?

Ruth 2:9 Summary

[In this verse, Boaz is telling Ruth to focus on her work in the field and to follow the lead of the other women, which is a great reminder for us to focus on the tasks God has given us and to work together with others. Just like Ruth, we can trust in God's provision and care for us, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4. By following Boaz's instructions, Ruth is able to find safety and provision, and we can find similar comfort in following God's commands, as in John 14:15.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Ruth to 'let her eyes be on the field they are harvesting'?

This means Ruth should focus on the work at hand and follow the lead of the other women harvesting in the field, as Boaz instructs her to stay close to his servant girls, similar to how we are called to focus on our work as unto the Lord in Colossians 3:23-24.

Why did Boaz order the young men not to touch Ruth?

Boaz ordered the young men not to touch Ruth to protect her from potential harm or harassment, demonstrating his kindness and care for her as a foreigner in a new land, much like God's command to care for the stranger in Exodus 22:21.

What can we learn from Boaz's instructions to Ruth about drinking from the jars the young men have filled?

Boaz's instructions show his concern for Ruth's physical needs, and we can learn from his example to care for the physical and spiritual needs of those around us, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:35-40.

How does this verse relate to God's overall plan of redemption?

This verse shows God's providence and care for Ruth, a foreigner, as she is integrated into the community of Israel, foreshadowing the greater redemption that would come through Jesus Christ, who would bring people from all nations into His family, as seen in Ephesians 2:19-22.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can focus on the 'field' God has called me to, just like Ruth focused on her work in the field?
How can I demonstrate kindness and care for those around me, just like Boaz did for Ruth?
What are some physical and spiritual needs of those around me that I can help meet, just like Boaz provided for Ruth's needs?
How can I trust in God's providence and care for me, just like Ruth trusted in Boaz's protection and provision?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:9

Let thine eyes be upon the field that they do reap, and go thou after them,.... And gather up the loose ears of corn dropped and left by them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:9

Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:9

That they shall not touch thee, so as to offer any incivility or injury to thee. Touching is oft taken for hurting, .

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:9

Rth 2:9 [Let] thine eyes [be] on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of [that] which the young men have drawn.Ver. 9. Go thou after them.] Mercy is not miserly: charity is no churl. Love is full of good works. This age aboundeth with mouth mercy, but a little handful were better than a great many such mouthfuls. That they should not touch thee.] With a wanton touch, as young men are apt to do, or otherwise wrong thee. Let masters of families make Nebuchadnezzar’ s law, that nothing be said or done, by those under their charge, against the God of heaven. Drink of that which the young men have drawn.] Not without hard labour in those hot and high countries: the courtesy, therefore, was the greater.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:9

(9) Have drawn.—Literally, shall (from time to time) draw. Possibly from that self-same well at Bethlehem from which David desired to drink (2 Samuel 23:15).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:9

Verse 9. The young men that they shall not touch thee] This was peculiarly necessary, as she was a stranger and unprotected.

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:9

9. after them] i.e. the maidens Rth 2:8, who followed the reapers and did the binding.

Barnes' Notes on Ruth 2:9

After them - i. e. “after my maidens.” The fields not being divided by hedges, but only by unplowed ridges, it would be easy for her to pass off Boaz’s land without being aware of it, and so find

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:9

9. That they do reap… go after them — The words they and them refer respectively to the reapers and the maidens of Boaz, for in the Hebrew the verb ιχφψεο reap, is in the masculine, and the suffix δο

Sermons on Ruth 2:9

	Sermon	Description
	(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Practical Courtship Issues by Rick Leibee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the principles and indicators of God's work in young people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in courtship and m
	Biblical Assurance 5 - Austin, Tx by Paul Washer	In this sermon, Paul Washer emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. He urges listeners to consider the two significant days
	(1 John #30) Stock of Certainties by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the Apostle John concludes his epistle by presenting a cluster of certainties to challenge and comfort the readers. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the true
	Does Doctrine Matter - Part 7 by Derek Melton	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the Christian experience of being dead in sin and feeling the wrath of God. He criticizes the idea of coming to God for personal gain rather
	Does Doctrine Matter - Part 8 by Derek Melton	Derek Melton emphasizes the critical importance of doctrine, particularly the doctrine of regeneration, in the Christian faith. He explains that true regeneration leads to a transf
	I'm Not Sure I Am Saved - How Can I Know for Sure? by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker recounts an encounter with a young man at a retreat center in New Hampshire. The young man approached the speaker to discuss the certainty of one's rela
	I John - Keep Yourselves From Idols by Mariano Di Gangi	In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a dog dropping its bone to reach for a bigger one to caution against abandoning the true and living God. He emphasizes the importan