Ruth 2:4
What does Ruth 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:4 means
Boaz arrives from Beth-lehem and greets his workers with a blessing invoking Jehovah, and they bless him in return. This exchange reveals a workplace marked by piety and mutual respect. Boaz’s leadership is not only efficient but godly; he sees his laborers as under God’s care, and they gladly honor him. In a time of the Judges often characterized by moral confusion, this snapshot shines with covenant faithfulness in everyday life. The blessing on the lips of both master and reapers sets a gracious tone, preparing us to receive Boaz’s later kindness to Ruth as the fruit of a heart already oriented toward the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, Jehovah be with you. And they answered him, Jehovah bless thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And, behold, Boaz came from Beth–lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, Jehovah be with you. And they answered him, Jehovah bless thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said to the grain-cutters, The Lord be with you. And they made answer, The Lord give you his blessing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And lo, Boaz hath come from Beth-Lehem, and saith to the reapers, `Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> with you;' and they say to him, `Jehovah doth bless thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And behold, he came out of Bethlehem, and said to the reapers: The Lord be with you. And they answered him: The Lord bless thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem; and he said to the reapers, Jehovah be with you! And they said to him, Jehovah bless thee!
Context
After Ruth arrives at Boaz’s land, the owner himself appears. The first words we hear from Boaz are a blessing, which immediately colors our perception of him and the environment he fosters. This prepares the reader to trust Boaz’s actions toward Ruth. The reciprocal blessing of the reapers signals a healthy, orderly scene. Next, Boaz will notice Ruth and inquire about her, moving the narrative from general atmosphere to specific concern for the unknown gleaner in his field.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Judges 6:12
And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.
- Ruth 4:11
And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Jehovah make the woman that is come into thy house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Beth-lehem:
- Genesis 18:19
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
- Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
- 1 Timothy 6:2
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ruth 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ruth 2.