Ruth 2:8
What does Ruth 2:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:8 means
Boaz speaks to Ruth with fatherly warmth—“my daughter”—and commands her to remain in his field and stay close to his maidens. He removes uncertainty from her day-to-day survival. By telling her not to glean elsewhere, he invites her into a sphere of care and accountability. Staying near the maidens protects her dignity and safety, integrating her with the women who labor honorably under his oversight. Boaz’s kindness is concrete and immediate, creating a stable place for Ruth to work without fear or shame, a notable mercy to a foreign widow navigating unfamiliar customs and potential dangers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then said Boaz to Ruth, Give ear to me, my daughter: do not go to take up the grain in another field, or go away from here, but keep here by my young women:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Boaz saith unto Ruth, `Hast thou not heard, my daughter? go not to glean in another field, and also, pass not over from this, and thus thou dost cleave to my young women:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Booz said to Ruth: Hear me, daughter, do not go to glean in any other field, and do not depart from this place: but keep with my maids,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Boaz said to Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from here, but keep here with my maidens.
Context
After learning who Ruth is and hearing of her diligence, Boaz initiates direct care. This marks a transition from observation to intervention. Verse 8 begins a two-verse set of instructions (vv. 8–9) where Boaz establishes ongoing protection, not just a one-time favor. The specificity—whose field to remain in and with whom to keep company—prepares for further safeguards in verse 9 and highlights Boaz’s intentional, structured benevolence.
v.7and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house.
v.8This passage
v.9Let 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Matthew 9:22
But Jesus turning and seeing her said, Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
- Matthew 10:7
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- Matthew 9:2
And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven.
- Song of Solomon 1:7
Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?
- 1 Samuel 3:6
And Jehovah called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
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