Ruth 2:21
New International Version
Then Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’”

New Living Translation
Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”

English Standard Version
And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’”

King James Bible
And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

New King James Version
Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also said to me, ‘You shall stay close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “Furthermore, he said to me, ‘You are to stay close to my servants until they have finished all my harvest.’”

NASB 1995
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “Furthermore, he said to me, ‘You should stay close to my servants until they have finished all my harvest.’”

NASB 1977
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “Furthermore, he said to me, ‘You should stay close to my servants until they have finished all my harvest.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “Furthermore, he said to me, ‘You should stay close to my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”

Amplified Bible
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also said to me, ‘Stay close to my servants until they have harvested my entire crop.’”

Christian Standard Bible
Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished all of my harvest.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished all of my harvest.’”

American Standard Version
And Ruth the Moabitess said, Yea, he said unto me, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

Contemporary English Version
Ruth told her, "Boaz even said I could stay in the field with his workers until they had finished harvesting all his grain."

English Revised Version
And Ruth the Moabitess said, Yea, he said unto me, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Ruth, who was from Moab, told her, "He also said to me, 'Stay with my younger workers until they have finished the harvest.'"

Good News Translation
Then Ruth said, "Best of all, he told me to keep gathering grain with his workers until they finish the harvest."

International Standard Version
Then Ruth the Moabite woman added, "He also told me 'Stay close to my young men until they have completed my entire harvest.'"

Majority Standard Bible
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’”

NET Bible
Ruth the Moabite replied, "He even told me, 'You may go along beside my servants until they have finished gathering all my harvest!'"

New Heart English Bible
And Ruth the Moabitess said, "He even said to me, 'You shall stay close to my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said to me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

World English Bible
Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me, ‘You shall stay close to my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ruth the Moabitess says, “Also he surely said to me, Near the young people whom I have you cleave until they have completed the whole of the harvest which I have.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Ruth the Moabitess saith, 'Also he surely said unto me, Near the young people whom I have thou dost cleave till they have completed the whole of the harvest which I have.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Ruth the Moabitess will say, Also that he said to me, With the young men which are to me thou shalt adhere till they finished all the harvest which is to me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Ruth said, He also charged me, that I should keep close to his reapers, till all the corn should be reaped.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Ruth said, “He charged me with this also, that from now on I should join with his reapers until all the crop has been reaped.”

New American Bible
“He even told me,” added Ruth the Moabite, “Stay with my young people until they complete my entire harvest.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay close by my servants, until they have finished all my harvest.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Ruth said to her mother-in-law, He said to me also, You shall keep close by my servants until all the harvest is finished.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Ruth said to her mother in law: “And he said to me again, ‘Cleave to my Servants until all the harvest will end’"
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Ruth the Moabitess said: 'Yea, he said unto me: Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Ruth said to her mother-in-law, Yea, he said also to me, Keep close to my damsels, until the men shall have finished all my reaping.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Boaz Meets Ruth
20Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” 21Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’” 22And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, “My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field.”…

Cross References
Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

Ruth 3:10-11
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.

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.

Deuteronomy 24:19-22
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. ...

Matthew 1:5
Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

Ruth 4:13-17
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. / Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel. / He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” ...

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.

Leviticus 23:22
When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God.’”

Deuteronomy 10:18-19
He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. / So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

1 Timothy 5:3-4
Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.


Treasury of Scripture

And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said to me also, You shall keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

Thou shalt

Ruth 2:7,8,22
And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house…

Song of Solomon 1:7,8
Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? …

Ruth 2:8,22,23
Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: …

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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














Ruth the Moabitess
This phrase highlights Ruth's identity as a foreigner, specifically from Moab. The Moabites were often seen as outsiders and even enemies of Israel, stemming from their origins in Genesis 19:37 and their historical conflicts with Israel. Ruth's designation as a Moabitess underscores the remarkable nature of her inclusion in the Israelite community and God's redemptive plan, which transcends ethnic and national boundaries. Her account is a testament to God's grace and the breaking down of barriers, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.

said
The act of speaking here is significant as it shows Ruth's active participation in her own story. In the ancient Near Eastern context, women often had limited agency, yet Ruth's voice is heard and recorded, emphasizing her role in God's unfolding plan. Her communication with Naomi reflects her loyalty and transparency, qualities that are central to her character throughout the narrative.

He also told me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from Boaz, highlighting his role as a protector and provider. In the cultural context of the time, landowners like Boaz had significant authority and influence. His willingness to speak directly to Ruth, a foreign widow, demonstrates his kindness and adherence to the spirit of the law, which commanded care for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10).

Stay with my young men
The instruction to stay with the young men is both practical and protective. In the context of ancient Israel, gleaning could be dangerous for a young woman, especially a foreigner. Boaz's directive ensures Ruth's safety and provision, reflecting his integrity and the protective nature of God's law. This phrase also foreshadows the deeper relationship that will develop between Ruth and Boaz, as he takes on a kinsman-redeemer role.

until they have finished gathering
This phrase indicates a period of time during which Ruth is assured of provision. The harvest season was a critical time for sustenance, and Boaz's invitation extends security to Ruth and Naomi. It reflects the biblical principle of God's provision and timing, as seen in other scriptures where God provides for His people in due season (Psalm 104:27-28).

all my harvest
The reference to "all my harvest" underscores the abundance and generosity of Boaz. In a broader theological sense, it points to the fullness of God's provision for His people. The harvest is a recurring biblical motif symbolizing blessing, sustenance, and divine favor. Boaz's willingness to share his harvest with Ruth is a tangible expression of God's covenantal love and faithfulness, which ultimately leads to Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and, by extension, Jesus Christ.

(21) My young men . . . my harvest.--Emphatic in the Hebrew. As long as my reaping lasts, cleave steadily to us.

Verse 21. - And Ruth the Moabitess said. It seems to us rather remarkable that Ruth should be here again particularized formally as "the Moabitess." There is apparently no discoverable reason for the re-repetition. It is simply antique particularity, not amenable to any literary law - "the said Moabitess." There is a peculiar abruptness in the initial words of what follows: - Yea also he said to me. Carpzov and Wright understand them thus: "'Yea' blessed be he, 'for' he said to me." But the word blessed, as used by Naomi, is too far removed to make it natural for the yea of Ruth's remark to fall back upon it. Her mind and heart were full. She was profoundly affected by the kindness that had been shown to her. Hence she piles up her representation. "Also," - so may I well speak, - "for he said to me." Keep close by my young men, until they have finished all my harvest. The "young men" are not here discriminated from the "young women" (see ver. 8). The idea, consequently, is not that Ruth was to keep close to them in distinction from the young women. It was understood that she should work behind the young women, who followed in the rear of the young men. But it was the express desire of Boaz that, instead of exposing herself among strangers, on any adjoining harvest-fields, she should maintain her position behind his raspers as long as there remained any golden crops to reap.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Ruth
ר֣וּת (rūṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7327: Ruth -- 'friendship', a Moabite ancestress of David

the Moabitess
הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֑ה (ham·mō·w·’ă·ḇî·yāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4125: Moabite -- descendant of Moab

said,
וַתֹּ֖אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“He also
גַּ֣ם ׀ (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

told me,
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Stay
תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין (tiḏ·bā·qîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular | Paragogic nun
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

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

until
עַ֣ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

they have finished gathering
כִּלּ֔וּ (kil·lū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

my
לִֽי׃ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

harvest.’”
הַקָּצִ֖יר (haq·qā·ṣîr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7105: Severed, harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, a limb


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OT History: Ruth 2:21 Ruth the Moabitess said Yes he said (Ru Rut.)
Ruth 2:20
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