Ruth 2:3
Ruth 2:3 in Multiple Translations
So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
And she went, and came and took up the heads of grain in the field after the cutters; and by chance she went into that part of the field which was the property of Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
So she went and picked up grain the reapers had left behind. She happened to be working in a field that belonged to Boaz, a relative of Elimelech.
And she went, and came and gleaned in the fielde after the reapers, and it came to passe, that she met with the portion of the fielde of Boaz, who was of the familie of Elimelech.
And she goeth and cometh and gathereth in a field after the reapers, and her chance happeneth — the portion of the field is Boaz's who [is] of the family of Elimelech.
She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her lot was to light on a part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
She went therefore and gleaned the ears of corn after the reapers. And it happened that the owner of that field was Booz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
So Ruth went to the fields and began to pick up some of the left-over grain. And it happened that she was working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the man from the clan of her dead father-in-law, Elimelech!
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּ֤לֶךְ
וַ/תָּבוֹא֙
וַ/תְּלַקֵּ֣ט
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
אַחֲרֵ֖י
הַ/קֹּצְרִ֑ים
וַ/יִּ֣קֶר
מִקְרֶ֔/הָ
חֶלְקַ֤ת
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
לְ/בֹ֔עַז
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ
וַ/תֵּ֤לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תָּבוֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תְּלַקֵּ֣ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
to gather
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
אַחֲרֵ֖י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הַ/קֹּצְרִ֑ים
qâtsar
H7114
be short
Art | V-Qal
וַ/יִּ֣קֶר
qârâh
H7136
to meet
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִקְרֶ֔/הָ
miqreh
H4745
accident
N-ms | Suff
חֶלְקַ֤ת
chelqâh
H2513
portion
N-fs
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
לְ/בֹ֔עַז
Bôʻaz
H1162
Boaz
Prep | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fs
אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĔlîymelek
H458
Elimelech
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:3
וַ/תֵּ֤לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וַ/תָּבוֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/תְּלַקֵּ֣ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
"to gather"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to gather or pick up, like gleaning leftover crops in a field. It is used in various forms to describe collecting or gathering things.
Definition: 1) to pick up, gather, glean, gather up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pick up, gather 1a2) to glean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to gather, gather up 1b2) to collect (money) 1b3) to glean 1c) (Pual) to be picked up 1d) (Hithpael) to collect oneself
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: gather (up), glean. See also: Genesis 31:46; Ruth 2:2; Psalms 104:28.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
אַחֲרֵ֖י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הַ/קֹּצְרִ֑ים
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
וַ/יִּ֣קֶר
qârâh
H7136
"to meet"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.
מִקְרֶ֔/הָ
miqreh
H4745
"accident"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means an unexpected event or accident, like something that happens by chance. It appears in the Bible to describe an unforeseen meeting or occurrence, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to convey a sense of surprise or coincidence.
Definition: 1) unforeseen meeting or event, accident, happening, chance, fortune 1a) accident, chance 1b) fortune, fate
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: something befallen, befalleth, chance, event, hap(-peneth). See also: Ruth 2:3; Ecclesiastes 2:15; Ecclesiastes 9:3.
חֶלְקַ֤ת
chelqâh
H2513
"portion"
N-fs
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Definition: 1) portion, parcel 1a) of ground
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery place, smooth (thing). See also: Genesis 27:16; 2 Kings 9:21; Psalms 12:3.
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
לְ/בֹ֔עַז
Bôʻaz
H1162
"Boaz"
Prep | N-proper
Boaz was an ancestor of King David and also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple, symbolizing strength and support. The name means 'fleetness' or 'swiftness'.
Definition: § Boaz = "fleetness" name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Boaz. See also: Ruth 2:1; Ruth 3:7; 2 Chronicles 3:17.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĔlîymelek
H458
"Elimelech"
N-proper
Elimelech was an Israelite whose name means my God is king, husband of Naomi and father of Mahlon and Chilion in the book of Ruth.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Naomi (H5281); father of: Mahlon (H4248), Chilion (H3630) § Elimelech = "my God is king" Naomi's husband
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Elimelech. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:3; Ruth 4:9.
Study Notes — Ruth 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
- Sermons on Ruth 2:3
Context — Boaz Meets Ruth
1Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
2And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.
3So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
4Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied. 5And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Thessalonians 3:12 | We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. |
| 2 | Matthew 10:29 | Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. |
| 3 | Luke 10:31 | Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 | and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 8:5 | And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.” |
| 6 | Esther 6:1–2 | That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him. And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. |
Ruth 2:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Ruth went out to the fields to gather food for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. She happened to come to a field that belonged to a man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's husband. This was a turning point in Ruth's life, because it led to her meeting Boaz and eventually becoming his wife, as seen in Ruth 4:13. We can learn from Ruth's example to be diligent and responsible, and to trust God to work behind the scenes in our lives, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ruth go out to the fields to glean after the harvesters?
Ruth went out to the fields to glean after the harvesters because she was trying to provide for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi, as seen in Ruth 2:2, and this was a way for the poor to gather food according to Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19.
What is the significance of Ruth coming to the part of the field belonging to Boaz?
The significance of Ruth coming to the part of the field belonging to Boaz is that it sets the stage for their meeting and eventual marriage, which is a key part of the story of Ruth, and it also shows how God was working behind the scenes to bring about a positive outcome, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Who was Boaz and why is he important in the story of Ruth?
Boaz was a relative of Naomi's husband and a prominent man of noble character, as mentioned in Ruth 2:1, and he is important in the story of Ruth because he becomes Ruth's husband and an ancestor of King David, as seen in Ruth 4:13 and Matthew 1:5-6.
What can we learn from Ruth's initiative and hard work in this verse?
We can learn from Ruth's initiative and hard work that she was a diligent and responsible person, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5, and that God often blesses and rewards those who are willing to work hard and take initiative, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show initiative and be diligent in my own life, like Ruth did in this verse?
- How can I trust God to work behind the scenes in my life, like He did in Ruth's life, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
- What are some ways that I can provide for those in need, like Ruth was trying to do for herself and Naomi, and how can I show kindness and compassion to those around me?
- How can I be more aware of the ways that God is working in my life, and give Him thanks and praise for His blessings and provision?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:3
And she went, and came,.... That is, she went out of the house where she was, and out of the city, and came into the field; though, according to the Midrash (p), she marked the ways as she went,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:3
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. A part of the field belonging unto Boaz.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
Her hap was; for it was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’ s providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
Rth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech.Ver. 3. And she went, and came, and gleaned.] A mean, but honest employment, which therefore she stoopeth unto, and it proved a step to her highest preferment. A diligent person liveth not long in a low place. And her hap was to light, &c.] Accidit accidens vel eventus. By mere chance, in respect of Ruth, - who, being a stranger, knew not whose field it was, - but by a sweet providence of God, who led her hither by the hand as it were, for her present encouragement and future advancement. God will direct and succeed the attempts of the well minded.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
(3) Her hap was to light on.—Literally, her hap happened. A chance in outward seeming, yet a clear shaping of her course by unseen hands. Her steps were divinely guided to a certain field, that God’s good purposes should be worked out.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
Verse 3. And her hap was] So she was accidentally or providentially led to that part of the cultivated country which belonged to Boaz.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:3
3. her hap … Boaz] The word for hap occurs in 1 Samuel 6:9 (‘a chance’), 1 Samuel 20:26. Throughout the story the writer intends us to share his strong belief in Providence, over-ruling unpremeditated actions and words (cf. Rth 2:12; Rth 2:19 f.), and rewarding those who trust it (Rth 3:4; Rth 3:9; Rth 3:11, Rth 4:6; Rth 4:14). ‘The cosmos is a fighter for the righteous,’ says the Jewish sage, Wis 16:17
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:3
3. She went… and gleaned — But not without first asking permission of the overseer of the reapers. Rth 2:7.
Sermons on Ruth 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
|
Jesus Wants the Best for His Bride by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that it breaks the Lord's heart when we doubt His ability and desire to provide the best for us, as illustrated through the story of Ruth. Ruth's unwaver |
|
Little Did She Know, That Amid the Sheaves—she Would Find a Husband! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the providence of God in the life of Ruth, who, while gathering grain, unknowingly steps into a divine plan that leads her to Boaz, her future husband. Thi |
|
Live in Peace by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of cultivating quietness in our daily lives, following the example set by the holy angels, to experience a deep inner peace despi |
|
2000 Advent Week 1 - Joseph of Arimathea by John Piper | In this sermon transcript, the speaker reflects on the lack of courage and faith among the people of Jerusalem, particularly those who had been with Jesus. The focus then shifts to |
|
God Uses Pain - Part 1 by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of God's presence and care in the midst of pain and suffering. He emphasizes that God does not promise exemption from pain, but ra |
|
God Cares for the Sparrow by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the mysteries of life and the greatness of God. He shares a personal experience at a seminary and emphasizes the importance of faith in time |