Ruth 2:5
What does Ruth 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:5 means
Boaz immediately notices Ruth and asks his overseer, “Whose damsel is this?” In that culture, identity and protection were tied to family or household. Boaz’s question is not prying but pastoral, seeking to know to whom she belongs and whether she is under anyone’s care. His attentiveness shows both responsibility as a landowner and sensitivity to a vulnerable woman gleaning at the field’s edge. Without yet speaking to Ruth, Boaz positions himself to act wisely and justly on accurate information, an early sign of the prudent compassion that will shape his dealings with her.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Boaz said to his servant who was in authority over the cutters, Whose girl is this?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Boaz saith to his young man who is set over the reapers, `Whose <FI>is<Fi> this young person?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Booz said to the young man that was set over the reapers: Whose maid is this ?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Boaz said to his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose maiden is this?
Context
The godly tone of the workplace (v. 4) leads to Boaz’s specific attention to Ruth. His question to the foreman shifts the narrative focus from the field and its order to the person of Ruth, whose status is not immediately obvious. The answer that follows in verses 6–7 will supply her background and commend her character, laying the foundation for Boaz’s generous instructions and protections in verses 8–9.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 2:11
and Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,
- Ruth 4:21
and Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
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