Ruth 2:9 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."

◄ 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?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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.

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

Berean Study Bible

Let your eyes be on the field
This phrase invites Ruth to focus her attention and efforts on a specific area. In the Hebrew context, the word for "eyes" (עַיִן, 'ayin) often symbolizes perception and understanding. Boaz is not only providing Ruth with physical sustenance but also offering her a place of belonging and purpose. This directive can be seen as a metaphor for keeping one's focus on God's provision and guidance, trusting that He will lead us to where we need to be.

they are harvesting
The act of harvesting is central to the agrarian society of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "harvesting" (קָצַר, qatsar) implies gathering and reaping, which is a time of joy and fulfillment. Spiritually, this can be seen as a reminder of the fruits of labor and the blessings that come from diligent work. It also reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where faithful actions lead to divine blessings.

follow along after these girls
Boaz instructs Ruth to follow the female workers, ensuring her safety and inclusion. The Hebrew word for "follow" (דָּבַק, dabaq) can also mean to cling or adhere closely. This suggests a sense of community and support, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and unity among believers. It highlights the protective and inclusive nature of Boaz, a foreshadowing of Christ's care for His church.

I have ordered the young men not to touch you
This phrase underscores Boaz's role as a protector. The Hebrew word for "touch" (נָגַע, naga) can imply harm or violation. Boaz's command ensures Ruth's safety and dignity, reflecting God's protective nature over His people. It also speaks to the biblical principle of respecting and honoring one another, particularly in the context of gender relations.

And when you are thirsty
Thirst is a powerful metaphor in Scripture, often symbolizing spiritual longing and need. The Hebrew word for "thirsty" (צָמֵא, tsame) conveys a deep desire for refreshment. Boaz's provision for Ruth's physical thirst mirrors God's promise to satisfy our spiritual thirst, as seen in passages like John 4:14, where Jesus offers living water.

go and drink from the jars
The act of drinking from the jars signifies receiving sustenance and life. In the ancient Near East, water was a precious commodity, and access to it was a sign of hospitality and care. The Hebrew word for "drink" (שָׁתָה, shatah) implies satisfaction and fulfillment. This provision by Boaz is a tangible expression of grace, paralleling the spiritual nourishment God provides through His Word and Spirit.

the young men have filled
The young men filling the jars represents the community's role in providing for one another. The Hebrew word for "filled" (מָלֵא, male) suggests abundance and completeness. This communal effort reflects the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the well-being of others. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness and mutual support that should characterize the Christian community.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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).

Pulpit Commentary

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.)