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Ruth 2:3 — Word Study

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WLCוַתֵּ֤לֶךְ וַתָּבוֹא֙ וַתְּלַקֵּ֣ט בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה אַחֲרֵ֖י הַקֹּצְרִ֑ים וַיִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔הָ חֶלְקַ֤ת הַשָּׂדֶה֙ לְבֹ֔עַז אֲשֶׁ֖ר מִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

BSAand went outbôwʼ into the fieldsâdeh [a flat area of land used for cultivation] and gleanedlâqaṭ [gathered, picked up] afterʼachar the harvestersqâtsar [reapers, those who cut down grain] And she happenedqârâh [came by chance, met with] to comemiqreh to the partchelqâh [portion, share] of the fieldsâdeh [belonging] to BoazBôʻaz [a relative of Elimelech, a pillar of strength] who [was]ʼăsher from the clanmishpâchâh [family, tribe] of ElimelechʼĔlîymelek [my God is king]

Word
Listen & take awayRuth 2
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 3 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration ('e.li.Me.lekh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ruth 2:3quick helps
In a sentenceRuth leaves to glean in the fields and coincidentally finds herself in Boaz's portion.
Who is speakingRuth, a Moabitess, acting on her own initiative.
Where we areIn the fields of Bethlehem, during the harvest season.
The hard wordוַיִּ֣קֶר
Take awayRuth's actions lead her to a significant encounter by chance.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהלך The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Ruth 2:3

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Ruth's Gleaning in Boaz's Fieldgenerated

2And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.
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?”

Ruth 2:3 describes Ruth's proactive decision to glean in the fields after the harvesters. This decision is significant as it leads her to Boaz's field, a relative of her deceased father-in-law Elimelech. The context illustrates Ruth's determination to provide for herself and Naomi, showcasing her loyalty and initiative. This moment sets the stage for her eventual redemption and relationship with Boaz, which is central to the narrative of Ruth.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Thessalonians 4:11–12and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
22 Thessalonians 3:12We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
32 Kings 8:5And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.”
4Esther 6:1–2That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.
5Matthew 10:29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ, va.Te.lekhgenerated

The verb הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go' or 'to walk' and is often used to describe both physical movement and metaphorical journeys. In this verse, it indicates Ruth's active choice to leave and seek sustenance.

The parsing as a sequential imperfect third person feminine singular highlights that Ruth is the subject of the action, emphasizing her agency in the story. This verb appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, indicating a wide range of contexts from literal walking to spiritual journeys.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse contains multiple clauses, with the main action centered around the finite verbs: וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ (and she went), וַתָּבוֹא֙ (and she came), and וַתְּלַקֵּ֣ט (and she gleaned). Each of these verbs conveys a sequential action that Ruth takes in the field.

The structure emphasizes Ruth's movement and initiative, with the final clause introducing the element of chance regarding her arrival at Boaz's field, which is pivotal for the unfolding narrative.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ as ἐπορεύθη (she went), indicating a straightforward rendering of Ruth's action. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing her departure.

For וַיִּ֣קֶר, the LXX uses περιέπεσεν (it chanced), which captures the sense of chance or coincidence in Ruth's encounter with Boaz, similar to the Hebrew.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ruth 2:3 tells us that Ruth went out into the fields to gather leftover grain after the harvesters. By chance, she ended up in the field of Boaz, who was related to her deceased father-in-law Elimelech. This moment is crucial as it leads to her future with Boaz.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that Ruth gleaned in the fields?

Gleaning refers to the practice of collecting leftover crops after the harvest, which was a way for the poor to gather food.

Why is Boaz significant in Ruth's story?

Boaz is significant because he is a kinsman-redeemer, meaning he has the right to marry Ruth and restore her family's lineage.

What does 'it chanced' imply about Ruth's actions?

The phrase suggests that Ruth's arrival at Boaz's field was coincidental, highlighting the theme of divine providence in the narrative.

How does Ruth's initiative reflect her character?

Ruth's decision to glean shows her determination and loyalty to Naomi, as she seeks to provide for them both.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I demonstrate initiative in my own life, like Ruth did?
  2. How can I recognize and embrace unexpected opportunities that come my way?
  3. What does it mean to me that Ruth's actions were guided by both her choices and circumstances?
  4. How can I apply the values of loyalty and determination seen in Ruth's character to my relationships?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ruth 2:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And she went, and came,.... That is, she went out of the house where she was, and out of the city, and came into the field; though, according to the Midrash (p), she marked the ways as she went,

Read John Gill on Ruth 2 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. A part of the field belonging unto Boaz.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ruth 2 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Her hap was; for it was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’ s providence.

Read Matthew Poole on Ruth 2 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Rth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech.Ver. 3. And she went, and came, and gleaned.] A mean, but honest employment, which therefore she stoopeth unto, and it proved a step to her highest preferment. A diligent person liveth not long in a low place. And her hap was to light, &c.] Accidit accidens vel eventus. By mere chance, in respect of Ruth, - who, being a stranger, knew not whose field it was, - but by a sweet providence of God, who led her hither by the hand as it were, for her present encouragement and future advancement. God will direct and…

Read John Trapp on Ruth 2 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) Her hap was to light on.—Literally, her hap happened. A chance in outward seeming, yet a clear shaping of her course by unseen hands. Her steps were divinely guided to a certain field, that God’s good purposes should be worked out.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ruth 2 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 3. And her hap was] So she was accidentally or providentially led to that part of the cultivated country which belonged to Boaz.

Read AdamClarke on Ruth 2 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

3. her hap … Boaz] The word for hap occurs in 1 Samuel 6:9 (‘a chance’), 1 Samuel 20:26. Throughout the story the writer intends us to share his strong belief in Providence, over-ruling unpremeditated actions and words (cf. Rth 2:12; Rth 2:19 f.), and rewarding those who trust it (Rth 3:4; Rth 3:9; Rth 3:11, Rth 4:6; Rth 4:14). ‘The cosmos is a fighter for the righteous,’ says the Jewish sage, Wis 16:17

Read Cambridge on Ruth 2 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

3. She went… and gleaned — But not without first asking permission of the overseer of the reapers. Rth 2:7.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ruth 2 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

So 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.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

So 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.

NETBNew English Translation2006

So Ruth went and gathered grain in the fields behind the harvesters. Now she just happened to end up in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her lot was to light on a part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And she went, and came and gleaned in the fielde after the reapers, and it came to passe, that she met with the portion of the fielde of Boaz, who was of the familie of Elimelech.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And she went; and she came and gleaned in the fields after the reapers; and she chanced to light on an allotment of Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And she goeth and cometh and gathereth in a field after the reapers, and her chance happeneth — the portion of the field is Boaz's who [is] of the family of Elimelech.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And she goes and comes and gathers in a field after the reapers, and her chance happens—the portion of the field is Boaz’s who [is] of the family of Elimelech.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and the accident happened to her, that it was a part of the field belonging unto Bo'az, who was of the family of Elimelech.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Ruth went and gleaned what remained in the fields after they had harvested it. She happened to come to the portion of the fields belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelek.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

She went therefore and gleaned the ears of corn after the reapers. And it happened that the owner of that field was Booz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

So she went and picked up grain the reapers had left behind. She happened to be working in a field that belonged to Boaz, a relative of Elimelech.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And she went, and came and took up the heads of grain in the field after the cutters; and by chance she went into that part of the field which was the property of Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbתֵּ֤לֶךְshe.wentוַandclauseverbתָּבוֹא֙she.cameוַandclauseverbתְּלַקֵּ֣טshe.gleanedprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּinnoun phrasetheשָּׂדֶ֔הfieldprepositional phrase · prepositionalאַחֲרֵ֖יbehindnoun phraseהַtheקֹּצְרִ֑יםharvestersוַandclauseverbיִּ֣קֶרit.chanced.onnoun phrase · subjectמִקְרֶ֔chanceהָhernoun phrase · adverbialnoun phraseחֶלְקַ֤תthe.portionnoun phraseהַofשָּׂדֶה֙the.fieldprepositional phraseלְofnoun phraseבֹ֔עַזBoazrelpאֲשֶׁ֖רwhoclauseprepositional phrase · predicateמִ[was].fromnoun phraseמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַתthe.clanאֱלִימֶֽלֶךְof.Elimelech

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording for this verse. The Septuagint matches 12 of the 14 words in the Hebrew text, reflecting a consistent understanding of Ruth's actions and the significance of her meeting with Boaz.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ וַתָּבוֹא֙ וַתְּלַקֵּ֣ט בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה אַחֲרֵ֖י הַקֹּצְרִ֑ים וַיִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔הָ חֶלְקַ֤ת הַשָּׂדֶה֙ לְבֹ֔עַז אֲשֶׁ֖ר מִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַתֵּ֤לֶךְἐπορεύθηוַתְּלַקֵּ֣טσυνέλεχενבַּשָּׂדֶ֔הἀγρῷאַחֲרֵ֖יκατόπισθενהַקֹּצְרִ֑יםθεριζόντωνוַיִּ֣קֶרπεριέπεσενמִקְרֶ֔הָπεριπτώματιהַשָּׂדֶה֙ἀγροῦלְבֹ֔עַזβοοςאֲשֶׁ֖רτοῦמִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַתσυγγενείαςאֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ׃αβιμελεξ

12 of the 14 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Ruth 2:3הָלַךְand she wenand she wentהָלַךְבּוֹאand she camand she cameבּוֹאלָקַטand she gleand she gleanedלָקַטשָׂדַיin the fielin the fieldשָׂדַיאַחַרbehindbehindאַחַרקָצֵרthe harvestthe harvestersקָצֵרקָרָהand it chanand it chanced קָרָהמִקְרֶהchance herchance herמִקְרֶהחֶלְקָה[the] porti[the] portion oחֶלְקָהשָׂדַיthe fieldthe fieldשָׂדַיבֹּ֫עַזof Boazof Boazבֹּ֫עַזאֲשֶׁרwhowhoאֲשֶׁרמִשְׁפָּחָה[was] from [was] from [theמִשְׁפָּחָהאֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְElimelechElimelechאֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְקָרָהto meetto meetקָרָהאָחַרto delayto delayאָחַרשָׁפָהbe barebe bareשָׁפָהאֵלgodgodאֵלהָלַךְto walkto walkהָלַךְחֵ֫לֶקportionportionחֵ֫לֶקקָצִירharvestharvestקָצִירעֵ֫שֶׂבvegetationvegetationעֵ֫שֶׂבכֶּרֶםvineyardvineyardכֶּרֶםדֶּ֫רֶךְway: roadway: roadדֶּ֫רֶךְחֻקָּהstatutestatuteחֻקָּהשֶׁ֫מֶשׁsunsunשֶׁ֫מֶשׁשִׁבֹּ֫לֶתShibbolethShibbolethשִׁבֹּ֫לֶתרָדַףto pursueto pursueרָדַףזָנָהto fornicato fornicateזָנָהזָרַעto sowto sowזָרַעמַנְעוּלboltboltמַנְעוּלדָּלdoordoorדָּל
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Ruth 2:3

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
וַתֵּ֤לֶךְva.Te.lekh and she went H1980 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
1,549× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Tyndale gloss
to go: walk
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk

Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך

lit.

of persons

Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

in like manner of inanimate things

The inf. abs. is often used

as in other vbs., quite independently

to intensify meaning of finite form

most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.

with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance

twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

quite by itself

13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

In combination with other verbal forms

Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:

pass away, die

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons

. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

. in like manner of inanimate things

. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently

. to intensify meaning of finite form

. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance

. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

. quite by itself

. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

. In combination with other verbal forms

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1980 halak haw-lak'

akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety

of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,

apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,

depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,

forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,

out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,

march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),

be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,

still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,

on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,

(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.

see HEBREW for 03212

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.

: went/go[away]

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

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.

: come[nearer]

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

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.

: 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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
וַתָּבוֹא֙va.ta.Vo' and she came H935 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
2,573× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Tyndale gloss
Lebo
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go

Qal

come in

come (approach, arrive)

go, i.e. walk, associate with

go from speaker, but with limit of motion given

Hiph.

cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)

cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)

Hoph.

be brought in (of pers. and things)

be brought

be introduced, put

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in

. come (approach, arrive)

. go, i.e. walk, associate with

. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given

. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)

. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)

. . be brought in (of pers. and things)

. be brought

. be introduced, put

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

935 bow' bo

a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of

applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +

besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X

certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,

upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,

(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be

fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),

grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,

pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken

(in age), X surely, take (in), way.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.

: come/go_in

1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to enter, come in

1a2) to come

1a2a) to come with

1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)

1a2c) to come to pass

1a3) to attain to

1a4) to be enumerated

1a5) to go

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to lead in

1b2) to carry in

1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon

1b4) to bring to pass

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be brought, brought in

1c2) to be introduced, be put

לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).

This name means to go in, enter

Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)

בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.

: towards/entrance

1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to enter, come in

1a2) to come

1a2a) to come with

1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)

1a2c) to come to pass

1a3) to attain to

1a4) to be enumerated

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
וַתְּלַקֵּ֣טva.te.la.Ket and she gleaned H3950 Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
37× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to gather or pick up, like gleaning leftover crops in a field. It is used in various forms to describe collecting or gathering things.
Amplified meaning
gathered, picked up
Tyndale gloss
to gather
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לָקַט (laqat) means to pick up or gather, specifically referring to the act of gleaning. It has various forms, including Qal (to gather), Piel (to collect or gather up), and Pual (to be picked up). The entries highlight its use in contexts of gathering, both in agriculture and in collecting money.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[לָקַט] vb. pick or gather up, specif. glean

Qal

pick up, gather

specif. glean

Pi.

gather, gather up

fig. collect (money)

specif. glean

Pu. ye shall be picked up

Hithp. and there collected themselves worthless men unto Jephthah

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3950 לָקַט pick or gather up, specif. glean

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3950 laqat law-kat'

a primitive root; properly, to pick up, i.e. (generally) to

gather; specifically, to glean:--gather (up), glean.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָקַט (la.qat) — to gather.

1) to pick up, gather, glean, gather up

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to pick up, gather

1a2) to glean

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to gather, gather up

1b2) to collect (money)

1b3) to glean

1c) (Pual) to be picked up

1d) (Hithpael) to collect oneself

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vpw3fs
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔הba.sa.Deh in the field H7704 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
334× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
a flat area of land used for cultivation
Tyndale gloss
field
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂדַי (saday) and שָׂדֶה (sadeh) both refer to a field or land, encompassing cultivated areas, open fields, and regions opposed to mountains or seas. The terms can denote specific portions of ground and are associated with wildlife habitats. They derive from a root meaning to spread out, indicating flat, expansive areas.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂדַי n.m. field, land

cultivated field

home of wild beasts

plain, opp. mt.

land, opp. sea

base

שָׂדֶה 819 n.m. id. [u.ak.ab]

(ordinary contr. form)open field, country

definite portion of ground, field, land

land, opp. sea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7704a שָׂדַי field, land . cultivated field

. home of wild beasts

. plain, opp. mt.

. land, opp. sea

H7704b שָׂדֶה id. [7704a] . open field, country

. definite portion of ground, field, land

. land, opp. sea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7704 sadeh saw-deh'

or saday {saw-dah'-ee}; from an unused root meaning to spread

out; a field (as flat):--country, field, ground, land, soil,

X wild.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂדַי (sa.day) — Sirion.

This name means field, land, plain

Another spelling of cher.mon (חֶרְמוֹן "(Mount )Hermon" H2768)

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: soil.

: soil

1) field, land

1a) open field, country

1b) definite portion of ground, field, land

1c) land (opposed to sea)

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: country.

: country/field

1) field, land

1a) open field, country

1b) definite portion of ground, field, land

1c) land (opposed to sea)

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — Field (of the Launderer).

Combined with ka.vas (כָּבַס "Washer's" H3526)

This name means field, land

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: wildlife.

: wild(animals/plants)

1) field, land

1a) open field, country

1b) definite portion of ground, field, land

1c) land (opposed to sea)

שָׂדַי (sa.day) — field.

1) field, land

1a) cultivated field

1b) of home of wild beasts

1c) plain (opposed to mountain)

1d) land (opposed to sea)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

feld.

See AGRICULTURE.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Field

(Heb. sadeh), a cultivated field, but unenclosed. It is applied to any cultivated ground or pasture (Gen. 29:2; 31:4; 34:7), or tillage (Gen. 37:7; 47:24). It is also applied to woodland (Ps. 132:6) or mountain top (Judg. 9:32, 36; 2 Sam. 1:21). It denotes sometimes a cultivated region as opposed to the wilderness (Gen. 33:19; 36:35). Unwalled villages or scattered houses are spoken of as “in the fields” (Deut. 28:3, 16; Lev. 25:31;

The Hebrew sadeh is applied to any cultivated ground, and in some instances in marked opposition to the neighboring wilderness. On the other hand the sadeh is frequently contrasted with what is enclosed, whether a vineyard, a garden or a walled town. In many passages the term implies what is remote from a house, (Genesis 4:8; 24:63; 22:25) or settled habitation, as in the case of Esau. (Genesis 25:27) The separate plots of ground were marked off by stones, which might easily be removed, (19:14; 27:17) cf. Job 24:2; Prov 22:28; 23:10 The absence of fences rendered the fields liable to damage from straying cattle, (Exodus…

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
אַחֲרֵ֖י'a.cha.Rei behind H310 Prep
716× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
after
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part

adv.

of place, behind

of time, afterwards

prep.

of place, behind, after

of time, after

conj. after that.

base

אַחֲרַי adj. Pr 28:23 a man that turneth backwards.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind

. of time, afterwards

. prep. . of place, behind, after

. of time, after

. conj. after that.

H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

310 'achar akh-ar'

from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an

adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after

(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),

behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,

hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,

posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),

when, with.

see HEBREW for 0309

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַחַר (a.char) — after.

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

אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.

backwards (of a man that turns backwards)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Prep
HAcmpc
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
הַקֹּצְרִ֑יםha.ko.tze.Rim the harvesters H7114 Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
reapers, those who cut down grain
Tyndale gloss
be short
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָצֵר (qatsar) is a Hebrew word that primarily means 'to be short' or 'to reap.' It is built from a primitive root that conveys the idea of curtailing or harvesting, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts. The entries indicate that it can express feelings of impatience or grief, as well as the act of harvesting crops.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קָצֵר], I. קָצַר vb. be short

Qal be short

Pi. shorten

Hiph. id.

base

[קָצַר] vb. reap, harvest

Qal reap

Hiph. Jb 24:6 Kt

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7114a קָצֵר, קָצַר be short H7114b קָצַר reap, harvest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7114 qatsar kaw-tsar'

a primitive root; to dock off, i.e. curtail (transitive or

intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest

(grass or grain):--X at all, cut down, much discouraged,

grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax)

short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָצֵר (qa.tser) — be short.

1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved

1a) (Qal) to be short

1b) (Piel) to shorten

1c) (Hiphil) to shorten

קָצַר (qa.tsar) — to reap.

1) to reap, harvest

1a) (Qal) to reap, harvest

1b) (Hiphil) to reap, harvest

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | V-Qal — Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural
HTd/Vqrmpa
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
וַיִּ֣קֶרvai.Yi.ker and it chanced on H7136 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
27× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Amplified meaning
came by chance, met with
Tyndale gloss
to meet
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word קָרָה (qarah) has two main meanings. It can refer to encountering or meeting, often by chance, as well as to the act of laying beams in construction. The entries indicate its use in various forms, such as Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, covering both accidental meetings and intentional building actions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קָרָה] vb. encounter, meet, befall

Qal

encounter, meet

befall

Niph.

encounter, meet without pre-arrangement

chance to be present

Hiph.

of י׳, cause (the right thing, good fortune) to occur

of Israel, ye shall (cause cities to occur rightly for yourselves, i.e.) select cities as suitable.

base

[קָרָה] vb. denom. Pi. lay the beams of, furnish with beams

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7136a קָרָה encounter, meet, befall H7136b קָרָה vb. denom. Pi. lay the beams of, furnish with beams

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7136 qarah kaw-raw'

a primitive root; to light upon (chiefly by accident);

causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose timbers

(for roof or floor):--appoint, lay (make) beams, befall,

bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto),

meet, send good speed.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָרָה (qa.rah) — to meet.

1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to encounter, meet

1a2) to befall

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement)

1b2) to chance to be present

1b3) to come to meet

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint

קָרָה (qa.rah) — to lay beams.

1) to build with beams

1a) (Piel) to lay the beams of, furnish with beams

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

On

Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See HELIOPOLIS.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

pain; force; iniquity

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
מִקְרֶ֔הָmik.Re.ha chance her H4745 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
10× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means an unexpected event or accident, like something that happens by chance. It appears in the Bible to describe an unforeseen meeting or occurrence, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to convey a sense of surprise or coincidence.
Tyndale gloss
accident
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִקְרֶה (miqreh) refers to an accident or chance occurrence, encompassing concepts like fortune and fate. It is derived from the root meaning 'to meet' or 'to happen upon.' The word captures unforeseen events and is notably referenced in the context of fortune in Ecclesiastes.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִקְרֶה n.m. accident, chance, fortune 

accident, chance

in Ec, fortune, fate

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4745 מִקְרֶה accident, chance, fortune

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4745 miqreh mik-reh'

from 7136; something met with, i.e. an accident or

fortune:--something befallen, befalleth, chance, event,

hap(-peneth).

see HEBREW for 07136

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִקְרֶה (miq.reh) — accident.

1) unforeseen meeting or event, accident, happening, chance, fortune

1a) accident, chance

1b) fortune, fate

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3fs
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
חֶלְקַ֤תchel.Kat [the] portion of H2513 Noun common · feminine singular construct
29× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Amplified meaning
portion, share
Tyndale gloss
portion
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶלְקָה (chelqah) primarily means a portion or parcel of ground, but it also refers to smoothness and can imply flattery. The word is built from the concept of smoothness, which can extend to slippery places. It encompasses both literal and figurative meanings, highlighting its versatility in describing land and characteristics like flattery.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶלְקָה n.f. portion of ground

base

[חֶלְקָה] n.f. smooth part, smoothness, flattery

smoothness, smooth part

pl. slippery places

smoothness = flattery

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2513a חֶלְקָה portion of ground H2513b חֶלְקָה smooth part, smoothness, flattery

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2513 chelqah khel-kaw'

feminine of 2506; properly, smoothness; figuratively,

flattery; also an allotment:--field, flattering(-ry), ground,

parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery

place, smooth (thing).

see HEBREW for 02506

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶלְקָה (chel.qah) — portion.

1) portion, parcel

1a) of ground

חֶלְקָה (chel.qah) — smoothness.

1) smooth part, smoothness, flattery

1a) smoothness, smooth part

1b) slippery places

1c) smoothness, flattery

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
הַשָּׂדֶה֙ha.sa.Deh the field H7704 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
334× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
field
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂדַי (saday) and שָׂדֶה (sadeh) both refer to a field or land, encompassing cultivated areas, open fields, and regions opposed to mountains or seas. The terms can denote specific portions of ground and are associated with wildlife habitats. They derive from a root meaning to spread out, indicating flat, expansive areas.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂדַי n.m. field, land

cultivated field

home of wild beasts

plain, opp. mt.

land, opp. sea

base

שָׂדֶה 819 n.m. id. [u.ak.ab]

(ordinary contr. form)open field, country

definite portion of ground, field, land

land, opp. sea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7704a שָׂדַי field, land . cultivated field

. home of wild beasts

. plain, opp. mt.

. land, opp. sea

H7704b שָׂדֶה id. [7704a] . open field, country

. definite portion of ground, field, land

. land, opp. sea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7704 sadeh saw-deh'

or saday {saw-dah'-ee}; from an unused root meaning to spread

out; a field (as flat):--country, field, ground, land, soil,

X wild.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂדַי (sa.day) — Sirion.

This name means field, land, plain

Another spelling of cher.mon (חֶרְמוֹן "(Mount )Hermon" H2768)

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: soil.

: soil

1) field, land

1a) open field, country

1b) definite portion of ground, field, land

1c) land (opposed to sea)

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: country.

: country/field

1) field, land

1a) open field, country

1b) definite portion of ground, field, land

1c) land (opposed to sea)

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — Field (of the Launderer).

Combined with ka.vas (כָּבַס "Washer's" H3526)

This name means field, land

שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: wildlife.

: wild(animals/plants)

1) field, land

1a) open field, country

1b) definite portion of ground, field, land

1c) land (opposed to sea)

שָׂדַי (sa.day) — field.

1) field, land

1a) cultivated field

1b) of home of wild beasts

1c) plain (opposed to mountain)

1d) land (opposed to sea)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

feld.

See AGRICULTURE.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Field

(Heb. sadeh), a cultivated field, but unenclosed. It is applied to any cultivated ground or pasture (Gen. 29:2; 31:4; 34:7), or tillage (Gen. 37:7; 47:24). It is also applied to woodland (Ps. 132:6) or mountain top (Judg. 9:32, 36; 2 Sam. 1:21). It denotes sometimes a cultivated region as opposed to the wilderness (Gen. 33:19; 36:35). Unwalled villages or scattered houses are spoken of as “in the fields” (Deut. 28:3, 16; Lev. 25:31;

The Hebrew sadeh is applied to any cultivated ground, and in some instances in marked opposition to the neighboring wilderness. On the other hand the sadeh is frequently contrasted with what is enclosed, whether a vineyard, a garden or a walled town. In many passages the term implies what is remote from a house, (Genesis 4:8; 24:63; 22:25) or settled habitation, as in the case of Esau. (Genesis 25:27) The separate plots of ground were marked off by stones, which might easily be removed, (19:14; 27:17) cf. Job 24:2; Prov 22:28; 23:10 The absence of fences rendered the fields liable to damage from straying cattle, (Exodus…

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
לְבֹ֔עַזle.Vo.'az of Boaz H1162 Preposition · noun proper masculine
24× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Amplified meaning
a relative of Elimelech, a pillar of strength
Tyndale gloss
Boaz
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֹּ֫עַז (Boaz) refers to a man from the tribe of Judah, known as the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and is also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple. The word may imply 'quickness,' though its exact meaning is uncertain. Boaz is first mentioned in the Book of Ruth and is noted as an ancestor of David.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֹּ֫עַז n.pr.m. (quickness?)—kinsman of Naomi, who married Ruth

name of the left hand of two pillars set up before temple

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1162 בֹּ֫עַז (quickness?) . kinsman of Naomi, who married Ruth

. name of the left hand of two pillars set up before temple

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1162 Bo`az bo'-az

from an unused root of uncertain meaning; Boaz, the ancestor

of David; also the name of a pillar in front of the

temple:--Boaz.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֹּ֫עַז (bo.az) — Boaz.

A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.2.1;

son of: Salmon (H8007) and Rahab (H7343); married to Ruth (H7327);

father of: Obed (H5744)

Also named: Booz (Βοόζ "Boaz" G1003)

§ Boaz = "fleetness"

1) ancestor of David, kinsman-redeemer to Ruth, daughter-in-law of Naomi

2) name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple

בֹּ֫עַז (bo.az) — Boaz.

§ Boaz = "fleetness"

name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculine
HR/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bo'-az (bo`az; Booz; "quickness" (?) Ru 2-4; 1Ch 2:11,12; Mt 1:5; Lu 3:32):

(1) A resident of Bethlehem and kinsman of Elimelech, Naomi's husband. In Ru 2:1 he is described as a gibbor chayil, a phrase which can mean either "a mighty man of valor" or else "a man of position and wealth." The latter is probably the sense in which the phrase is applied to Boaz (compare 1Sa 9:1). He had fields outside the town, and to them Ru went to glean. Boaz noticed her and extended special kindness and protection to her, bidding her remain with his female workers, and charging the men not to illtreat her, and also giving her of the reapers'…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Boaz

Alacrity. (1.) The husband of Ruth, a wealthy Bethlehemite. By the “levirate law” the duty devolved on him of marrying Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 4:1-13). He was a kinsman of Mahlon, her first husband.

(2.) The name given (for what reason is unknown) to one of the two (the other was called Jachin) brazen pillars which Solomon erected in the court of the temple (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chr. 3:17). These pillars were broken up and carried to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(fleetness). A wealthy Bethlehemite kinsman to Elimelech the husband of Naomi. He married Ruth, and redeemed the estates of her deceased husband Mahlon. (Ruth 4:1) Boaz is mentioned in the genealogy of Christ, (Matthew 1:5) (B.C. 1250, but there is great difficulty in assigning his date.) The name of one of Solomon’s brazen pillars erected in the temple porch. [JACHIN] It stood on the left, and was eighteen cubits high. (1 Kings 7:15; 21; 2 Chronicles 3:15; Jeremiah 52:21)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Ru 2:1, a wealthy Bethlehemite, a descendant of Judah, through whom is traced the regular succession of Jewish kings, Mt 1:5. His conduct in the case of Ruth proves him to have been a man of fine spirit and of strict integrity. He admitted the claim which Ruth had upon him as a near kinsman: under the obligations of the Levitical law, he married the poor gleaner, and thus became one of the ancestors of David, and also of David’s Son and Lord. He was the father of Obed, Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse of David. The whole narrative is a beautiful picture of the simplicity of the age, when artificial courtesies had not usurped the place of natural and sincere expressions of love.

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
אֲשֶׁ֖ר'a.Sher who H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

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

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Rel — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַתmi.mish.Pa.chat [was] from [the] clan of H4940 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
303× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Amplified meaning
family, tribe
Tyndale gloss
family
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah) refers to a clan or family, encompassing a circle of relatives and extending to tribes or peoples. It can also denote a class of persons, species of animals, or kinds of things. The entries highlight its various uses, including guilds and aristocrats, but do not present any significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִשְׁפָּחָה 303 n.f. clan

clan

= guild

= species, kind

pl. = aristocrats

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4940 מִשְׁפָּחָה clan . clan

. = guild

. = species, kind

. pl. = aristocrats

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4940 mishpachah mish-paw-khaw'

from 8192 (compare 8198); a family, i.e. circle of relatives;

figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or

sort (of things); by extens. a tribe or people:--family,

kind(-red).

see HEBREW for 08192

see HEBREW for 08198

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִשְׁפָּחָה (mish.pa.chah) — family.

1) clan, family

1a) clan

1a1) family

1a2) tribe

1a3) people, nation

1b) guild

1c) species, kind

1d) aristocrats

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
HR/Ncfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and she went and she came and she gleaned in the field behind the harvesters and it chanced on chance her [the] portion of the field of Boaz who [was] from [the] clan of Elimelech
אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ׃'e.li.Me.lekh Elimelech H458 Noun proper masculine
6× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Elimelech was an Israelite whose name means my God is king, husband of Naomi and father of Mahlon and Chilion in the book of Ruth.
Amplified meaning
my God is king
Tyndale gloss
Elimelech
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְ (Eliymelek) means "God is king" and refers to a man mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically as Naomi's husband. The name is derived from the Hebrew words for God and king. He is noted in the Book of Ruth, where he is the father of Mahlon and Chilion.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְ n.pr.m. (God is king) husband of Naomi

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H458 אֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְ (God is king) husband of Naomi

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

458 'Eliymelek el-ee-meh'-lek

from 410 and 4428; God of (the) king; Elimelek, an

Israelite:--Elimelech.

see HEBREW for 0410

see HEBREW for 04428

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְ (e.li.me.lekh) — Elimelech.

A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Naomi (H5281);

father of: Mahlon (H4248), Chilion (H3630)

§ Elimelech = "my God is king"

Naomi's husband

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

e-lim'-e-lek ('elimelekh, "my God is king"; Abeimelech, Alimelek):

Elimelech was a member of the tribe of Judah, a native of Bethlehem Judah, a man of wealth and probably head of a family or clan (Ru 1:2,3; 2:1,3). He lived during the period of the Judges, had a hereditary possession near Bethlehem, and is chiefly known as the husband of Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ru and ancestress of David the king. Because of a severe famine in Judea, he emigrated to the land of Moab with his wife and his sons, Mahlon and Chilion. Not long afterward he died, and his two sons married Moabite women, Ru and Orpah. Ten years in all were spent in Moab, when the two sons died, and the three widows were left. Soon afterward Naomi decided to return to Judah, and the sequel is told in the Book of Ruth.

See RUTH; NAOMI.

J. J. Reeve

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Elimelech

God his king, a man of the tribe of Judah, of the family of the Hezronites, and kinsman of Boaz, who dwelt in Bethlehem in the days of the judges. In consequence of a great dearth he, with his wife Naomi and his two sons, went to dwell in the land of Moab. There he and his sons died (Ruth 1:2,3; 2:1,3; 4:3,9). Naomi afterwards returned to Palestine with her daughter Ruth.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(my God is king), a man of the tribe of Judah and of the family of the Hezronites, who dwelt in Bethlehem-Ephratah in the days of the Judges. (B.C. 1312.) In consequence of a great death in the land he went with his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, to dwell in Moab, where he and his sons died without posterity. (Ruth 1:2,3) etc.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A Bethlehemite, husband of Naomi, Ru 1:2.

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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