Ruth 2:9
What does Ruth 2:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:9 means
Boaz extends protection and provision further: he has warned the young men not to touch her, and he grants her access to the water drawn for his workers. In a context where gleaners could be harassed, Boaz pledges her safety. He also treats her as part of the household by sharing resources ordinarily reserved for his hired team. This is grace—undeserved favor to a foreigner—applied in practical ways. Ruth is not merely tolerated; she is honored. Boaz’s care anticipates the heart of the Redeemer who welcomes the outsider and shields the vulnerable, expressing God’s own compassionate character in tangible actions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862thine eyes <FI>are<Fi> 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.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let thine eyes be on the field which is being reaped, and go thou after them; have I not charged the young men not to touch thee? And when thou art athirst, go to the vessels and drink of what the young men draw.
Context
Continuing the directives of verse 8, Boaz adds explicit safeguards and privileges. The warning to the young men addresses Ruth’s physical safety; the offer of water addresses her ongoing need and dignity. These measures exceed minimal requirements and show Boaz’s integrity in stewarding his authority. Ruth’s immediate response in verse 10 will display her humility and amazement at such favor, paving the way for Boaz’s explanation of why he treats her so kindly (vv. 11–12).
v.8Then 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.
v.9This passage
v.10Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found favor in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
- Proverbs 6:29
So he that goeth in to his neighbor’s wife; Whosoever toucheth her shall not be unpunished.
- John 4:7
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
- Genesis 24:18
And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.
- 1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
- Job 19:21
Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; For the hand of God hath touched me.
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