Ruth 2:9
New International Version
Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

New Living Translation
See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

English Standard Version
Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”

Berean Standard Bible
Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

King James Bible
Let 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.

New King James Version
Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.”

New American Standard Bible
Keep your eyes on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have ordered the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.”

NASB 1995
“Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.”

NASB 1977
“Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the young men not to touch you. And if you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the young men draw.”

Amplified Bible
Watch which field they reap, and follow behind them. I have commanded the servants not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go to the [water] jars and drink from what the servants draw.”

Christian Standard Bible
See which field they are harvesting, and follow them. Haven’t I ordered the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
See which field they are harvesting, and follow them. Haven’t I ordered the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

American Standard Version
Let 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.

Contemporary English Version
and follow along behind them, as they gather up what the men have cut. I have warned the men not to bother you, and whenever you are thirsty, you can drink from their water jars."

English Revised Version
Let 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Watch where my men are reaping, and follow the young women in that field. I have ordered my young men not to touch you. When you're thirsty, go to the jars and drink some of the water that the young men have drawn."

Good News Translation
watch them to see where they are reaping and stay with them. I have ordered my men not to molest you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and drink from the water jars that they have filled."

International Standard Version
Keep your eyes on the field where they are harvesting, and follow them. I've ordered my young men not to bother you, haven't I? And when you are thirsty, drink from the water vessels that the young men have filled."

Majority Standard Bible
Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.?

NET Bible
Take note of the field where the men are harvesting and follow behind with the female workers. I will tell the men to leave you alone. When you are thirsty, you may go to the water jars and drink some of the water the servants draw."

New Heart English Bible
Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them. Haven't I commanded the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from that which the young men have drawn."

Webster's Bible Translation
Let thy eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art thirsty go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

World English Bible
Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them. Haven’t I commanded the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from that which the young men have drawn.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
your eyes [are] on the field which they reap, and you have gone after them; have I not charged the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty then you have gone to the vessels, and have drunk from that which the young men draw.”

Young's Literal Translation
thine eyes are 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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Thine eyes upon the field which they shall reap, and thou wentest after them: did I not command the young men not to touch thee? And being thirsty and go thou to the vessels and drink from what the young men shall draw.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and follow where they reap. For I given orders to my young men, so that no one is to harass you. And so, whenever you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from the waters that the young men also drink.”

New American Bible
Watch to see which field is to be harvested, and follow them. Have I not commanded the young men to do you no harm? When you are thirsty, go and drink from the vessels the young people have filled.”

New Revised Standard Version
Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Look at the field where they are reaping, and follow them; behold, I have charged the young men that no man shall harm you; and when you get thirsty, go and drink from the vessels which the young men have drawn.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And look where they reap and go after them. Behold, I have commanded the boys that no person will harm you, and if you are thirsty, go and drink from the water the boys are filling up”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Let 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Let thine eyes be on the field where my men shall reap, and thou shalt go after them: behold, I have charged the young men not to touch thee: and when you shalt thirst, then thou shalt go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young men shall have drawn.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Boaz Meets Ruth
8Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls. 9Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.” 10At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:25
When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not put a sickle to your neighbor’s grain.

Leviticus 19:9-10
When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. / You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God.

Exodus 22:21-22
You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. / You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.

Deuteronomy 24:19-21
If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. / When you beat the olives from your trees, you must not go over the branches again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. / When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not go over the vines again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.

Psalm 121:5-8
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. / The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. / The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. ...

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. / Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.


Treasury of Scripture

Let your eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go you after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch you? and when you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

touch thee

Genesis 20:6
And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Job 19:21
Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

Psalm 105:15
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

go

Genesis 24:18-20
And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink…

Matthew 10:42
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

John 4:7-11
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink…

Jump to Previous
Athirst Charged Commanded Cutting Draw Drawn Drink Eyes Hand Harvesting Indeed Jars Molest Need Orders Reap Reaped Reaping Servants Thirsty Touch Vessels Watch Water Whenever Young
Jump to Next
Athirst Charged Commanded Cutting Draw Drawn Drink Eyes Hand Harvesting Indeed Jars Molest Need Orders Reap Reaped Reaping Servants Thirsty Touch Vessels Watch Water Whenever Young
Ruth 2
1. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz
4. Boaz takes notice of her
8. and shows her great favor
18. That which she got, she carries to Naomi














Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting
This phrase indicates the importance of focus and diligence in work. In the context of ancient Israel, gleaning was a provision for the poor, widows, and foreigners, as outlined in Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22. Ruth, a Moabite and widow, exemplifies humility and industriousness by participating in this practice. The field represents God's provision and the opportunity for sustenance, echoing the biblical theme of God providing for His people.

and follow along after these girls
Ruth is instructed to follow the female workers, which highlights the social structure and gender roles of the time. Women often worked in groups for safety and efficiency. This instruction also signifies Ruth's acceptance into the community, despite her foreign status. It reflects the biblical principle of community support and protection for the vulnerable, as seen in the laws of gleaning.

Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you
This phrase underscores the protective measures taken by Boaz, the landowner, to ensure Ruth's safety. In the ancient Near East, women, especially foreigners, were vulnerable to harassment. Boaz's command reflects his integrity and respect for Ruth, aligning with the biblical call for justice and protection of the marginalized. This act of kindness foreshadows the protective nature of Christ, who safeguards His followers.

And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled
Providing access to water was a significant gesture of hospitality and care in the arid climate of Israel. This invitation signifies inclusion and acceptance, as Ruth is allowed to share in the resources of the workers. It reflects the biblical theme of God's provision and the living water offered by Christ, as seen in John 4:10-14, where Jesus offers the Samaritan woman living water. This act of kindness by Boaz prefigures the grace and generosity of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ruth
A Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by returning with her to Bethlehem. Ruth is a model of faithfulness and humility.

2. Boaz
A wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God.

3. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She represents the community and family ties in Israel.

4. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, a town in Judah, which is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.

5. The Harvest
The event during which Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, symbolizing God's provision and the opportunity for redemption and blessing.
Teaching Points
God's Providence
Ruth 2:9 shows how God orchestrates events for the good of those who love Him. Ruth's meeting with Boaz is not by chance but part of God's plan.

Protection and Provision
Boaz's instructions to Ruth to stay in his fields and drink from the water jars highlight God's provision and protection for those who seek refuge under His wings.

Kindness and Compassion
Boaz's actions demonstrate the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others, especially those who are vulnerable or outsiders.

Obedience and Humility
Ruth's willingness to follow Boaz's instructions reflects a heart of obedience and humility, qualities that are pleasing to God.

Community and Support
The account emphasizes the role of community in providing support and care, encouraging believers to be active participants in their faith communities.(9) Have drawn.--Literally, shall (from time to time) draw. Possibly from that self-same well at Bethlehem from which David desired to drink (2Samuel 23:15).

Verse 9. - Boaz continues his talk, led on by an interest that was, probably, surprising to himself. Let thine eyes be on the field which they are reaping. He feels increasingly anxious concerning the fascinating stranger, and gives her excellent counsel. "Let not thine eyes be wiled away, wanderingly, from the work on which thou art so praiseworthily engaged." And go thou behind 'them.' The reference is not to the same parties, who are indeterminately spoken of in the preceding clause - "which 'they' are reaping." A determinate feminine pronoun makes it evident that the reference is to the maidens, who were working in the rear of the reapers (אַחֲרֵיהֶן post eas). Have not I charged the young men not to touch thee? A fine euphemistic injunction; that was best obeyed, however, when most literally construed. And when thou thirstest, go to the jars, and drink of whatever the young men may draw. Most likely it would be from the well that was "by the gate of the city that the young men would draw - that very well of which her illustrious descendant, King David, spake, when he "longed, and said, O that one would give me drink of the water of the well in Bethlehem, which is by the gate" (see 2 Samuel 23:4, 15; 1 Chronicles 11:17, 18). When the water was drawn by the young men, then the maidens would carry the filled jars upon their heads to the resting-place. Gleaners could not be expected to get the freedom of the water which was thus so laboriously drawn, and then fatiguingly carried from a distance. But Boaz made Ruth free, and thus conferred on her a distinguishing privilege, that must have been at once most acceptable and most valuable. The Vulgate renders the last clause too freely - "of which the young men 'drink.'" The familiar well referred-to "appears," says Dean Stanley, "close by the gate" of the town ('Sinai and Palestine,' p. 163). Yet not very close. "It is," says Dr. John Wilson, "less than half a mile distant from the present village, and is in a rude enclosure, and consists of a large cistern with several small apertures" ('Lands of the Bible,' vol. 1. p. 399). Dr. Wilson has no doubt of its identity, though Dr. Robinson hesitated to come to the same conclusion ('Researches, ' vol. 2. p. 158).

CHAPTER 2:10-17.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Let] your eyes [be on]
עֵינַ֜יִךְ (‘ê·na·yiḵ)
Noun - cdc | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

[the]
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

field
בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה (baś·śā·ḏeh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

they are harvesting,
יִקְצֹרוּן֙ (yiq·ṣō·rūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7114: To dock off, curtail, to harvest

and follow along
וְהָלַ֣כְתִּ‪‬‪‬‪‬ (wə·hā·laḵt)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

after [these girls].
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔ן (’a·ḥă·rê·hen)
Preposition | third person feminine plural
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Indeed,
הֲל֥וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I have ordered
צִוִּ֛יתִי (ṣiw·wî·ṯî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

the young men
הַנְּעָרִ֖ים (han·nə·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

not
לְבִלְתִּ֣י (lə·ḇil·tî)
Preposition-l
Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until

to touch you.
נָגְעֵ֑ךְ (nā·ḡə·‘êḵ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

And when you are thirsty,
וְצָמִ֗ת (wə·ṣā·miṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 6770: To be thirsty

go
וְהָלַכְתְּ֙ (wə·hā·laḵt)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and drink
וְשָׁתִ֕ית (wə·šā·ṯîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

from
מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר (mê·’ă·šer)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the jars
הַכֵּלִ֔ים (hak·kê·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

the young men
הַנְּעָרִֽים׃ (han·nə·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

have filled.”
יִשְׁאֲב֖וּן (yiš·’ă·ḇūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7579: To bale up water


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OT History: Ruth 2:9 Let your eyes be on the field (Ru Rut.)
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