Ruth 2:4
Ruth 2:4 in Multiple Translations
Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied.
¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, Jehovah be with you. And they answered him, Jehovah bless thee.
And Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said to the grain-cutters, The Lord be with you. And they made answer, The Lord give you his blessing.
Later on Boaz arrived from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “May the Lord be with you!” They replied, “The Lord bless you!”
And behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and saide vnto the reapers, The Lord be with you: and they answered him, The Lord blesse thee.
And lo, Boaz hath come from Beth-Lehem, and saith to the reapers, 'Jehovah [is] with you;' and they say to him, 'Jehovah doth bless thee.'
Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “May the LORD be with you.” They answered him, “May the LORD bless you.”
And behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said to the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
And behold, he came out of Bethlehem, and said to the reapers: The Lord be with you. And they answered him: The Lord bless thee.
Just then, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem. He greeted the men who were harvesting the grain, saying, “I want Yahweh to bless you!” They replied, “We want Yahweh to bless you, too!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:4
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 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּה
בֹ֗עַז
בָּ֚א
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
לֶ֔חֶם
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
לַ/קּוֹצְרִ֖ים
יְהוָ֣ה
עִמָּ/כֶ֑ם
וַ/יֹּ֥אמְרוּ
ל֖/וֹ
יְבָרֶכְ/ךָ֥
יְהוָֽה
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
בֹ֗עַז
Bôʻaz
H1162
Boaz
N-proper
בָּ֚א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
Prep | N-proper
לֶ֔חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/קּוֹצְרִ֖ים
qâtsar
H7114
be short
Prep | V-Qal
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עִמָּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֥אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
יְבָרֶכְ/ךָ֥
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:4
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בֹ֗עַז
Bôʻaz
H1162
"Boaz"
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.
בָּ֚א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
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.
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
Prep | N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לֶ֔חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לַ/קּוֹצְרִ֖ים
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
Prep | 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.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עִמָּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
יְבָרֶכְ/ךָ֥
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Ruth 2:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 2:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
- Sermons on Ruth 2:4
Context — Boaz Meets Ruth
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?” 6The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 129:7–8 | unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves. May none who pass by say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.” |
| 2 | Judges 6:12 | And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” |
| 3 | Luke 1:28 | The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. ” |
| 4 | 2 Thessalonians 3:16 | Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:22 | The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all. |
| 6 | Psalms 118:26 | Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. |
| 7 | Genesis 18:19 | For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” |
| 8 | Joshua 24:15 | But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” |
| 9 | Ruth 4:11 | “We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. |
| 10 | Psalms 133:1–3 | Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore. |
Ruth 2:4 Summary
[In this verse, Boaz greets his harvesters with a blessing, expressing his desire for God's presence and favor on them, similar to the way God blesses his people in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. This shows that Boaz is a kind and faithful man who trusts in God. The harvesters respond with a similar blessing, showing that they share Boaz's faith. This exchange teaches us about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in Matthew 7:12. By following Boaz's example, we can cultivate a culture of kindness and respect in our own lives, and trust in God's presence and blessing, just like the Psalmist in Psalms 23:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Boaz's greeting to the harvesters in Ruth 2:4?
Boaz's greeting, 'The LORD be with you,' is a common Hebrew greeting that expresses a desire for God's presence and blessing on the harvesters, similar to the greeting used by the angel in Luke 1:28, and it reflects Boaz's faith and trust in God.
Why did the harvesters respond with 'The LORD bless you'?
The harvesters' response is a polite and customary reply, but it also indicates their shared faith and trust in God, similar to the exchange between Boaz and his workers, it reflects a culture that acknowledges God's presence and blessing in everyday life, as seen in Psalms 115:15.
What can we learn from Boaz's interaction with his harvesters?
Boaz's interaction with his harvesters teaches us about the importance of kindness, respect, and genuine concern for others, as seen in Ephesians 6:9, where masters are instructed to treat their slaves with respect and kindness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Ruth?
This verse sets the stage for the introduction of Boaz as a kind and faithful Israelite, who will later become Ruth's husband, and it highlights God's providence in bringing Ruth into the field owned by Boaz, as seen in Ruth 2:3, where it says 'she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my faith and trust in God in my daily interactions with others, like Boaz did with his harvesters?
- How can I cultivate a culture of kindness, respect, and genuine concern for others in my own community, like Boaz did with his workers?
- What are some ways God's presence and blessing can be evident in my everyday life, and how can I acknowledge and express gratitude for them?
- How can I, like Boaz, be mindful of the needs of those around me and show them kindness and respect, as instructed in Galatians 6:2?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:4
And, behold, Boaz came to Bethlehem,.... Into the field, to see how his workmen went on, and performed their service, and to encourage them in it by his presence, and by his courteous language and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:4
And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. The Lord be with you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
They expressed and professed their piety, even in their civil conversation and worldly transactions; which now so many are ashamed of, and call it hypocrisy or vain ostentation thus to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
Rth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.Ver. 4. And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem.] To look to his country business, as a good economist: his eyes are on the servants, on the reapers, on the gleaners. Maiores fertilissimum in agro oculum domini esse dixerunt; our ancestors were wont to say, that the master’ s eye maketh the ground most fruitful. The master’ s footsteps, saith one in Aristotle, are the best manure for the farm. And, Procul a villa sua dissitus iacturae vicinus, said Cato: The farther from thy business, the nearer to loss. Boaz had a bailiff of his husbandry, Aγρονομον, as Josephus calleth him, careful and painful; and yet we find him not only looking to, but even lodging in the midst of his hinds. The Lord be with you … The Lord bless thee.] Piety not only stands with humanity and civil courtesy, but also exacteth and requireth it. God hath his ethics, and commandeth good manners as well as good conscience. Affability and courtesy is the way to win upon others; men’ s minds are taken with it, as passengers’ eyes are with fair flowers in the spring-tide; whereas a harsh, sullen, sour, churlish conversation is very distasteful to all, galleth the best, and openeth bad men’ s mouths to speak evil of religion, as if it were an enemy to comity and courtesy - as if it removed it, whereas it only rectifieth it, and prescribeth to it, by restraining flattery and treachery.
The Lord bless thee.] Courtesy must be paid in the same coin. The Turk’ s salutation is Salaum aleek, Peace be to thee; the reply is, Aleek salaum. They which salute are to be re-saluted. Note this against some Anabaptists and the Quakers. Those places, 2 Kings 4:29 Luke 10:4, make nothing for them, as enjoining only haste to be made in matters so weighty. Nor that, 2 John 1:10, as meant only of desperate heretics, such as was Marcion, to whom Polycarp, Agnosco te primogenitum diaboli. As for others, "Charity hopeth all things," and if they be not sons of peace, our peace returneth to us. Plin., lib. viii. cap. 6. Domini vestigia stercus optimum. - Arist. Oecon., lib. i.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
(4) The Lord be with you.—There is a trace here of the good feeling prevailing between Boaz and his servants. Though he has come to his field to supervise the work, it is not in a fault-finding spirit, but with true courtesy and friendliness; nor is it a frivolous jesting manner that he displays, but with gravity and soberness he presents a true gentleman in his intercourse with his inferiors.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
Verse 4. Boaz came from Beth-lehem] This salutation between Boaz and his reapers is worthy of particular regard; he said, יהוה עמחם Yehovah immachem, "Jehovah be with you!" They said, יברכך יהוה yebarechecha Yehovah, "May Jehovah bless thee!" Can a pious mind read these godly salutations without wishing for a return of those simple primitive times? The words may be thus paraphrased: "May God be with you, to preserve you from accidents, and strengthen you to accomplish your work!" "May God bless THEE with the increase of the field, and grace to use his bounty to the glory of the Giver!"
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:4
4. The Lord be with you] Cf. Judges 6:12, Psalms 129:8. A religious spirit governs the relations between employer and employed on this estate.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:4
4. Boaz came from Beth-lehem — His dwelling was in the city and his grainfield some distance out in the neighbouring country. The Lord be with you… The Lord bless thee — These salutations are well paraphrased by Dr. A.
Sermons on Ruth 2:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Ruth by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holding onto something that is no longer rightfully ours. He refers to the book of Revelation, where a scroll with seven seals |
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Lesser Known Characters 03 Epaphras-Man of Prayer by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing in one's place and being committed to prayer. He uses the story of Gideon and his army to illustrate this point. G |
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Blessed in the Field by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the blessings found in the field, drawing parallels between the experiences of Isaac and Boaz, who both encountered God's presence and favor in their labor |
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God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w |
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Question of the World to a Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. Samson was a man with great strength and anointing from God. However, he made a mistake by revealing his |
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The Blood of the Lamb by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that God allowed the extreme test of being thrown into a |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 4 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges and relates it to the letter to the Philippians. The preacher emphasizes that God calls specific |