FocusRuth meets Boaz
Connection to the wholeRuth's gleaning and Boaz's kindness introduce the family relationship on which the later redemption depends.
interpretation Ruth 2:20
KJVAnd Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
Read it in context
Ruth reports to Naomi
Start reading at Ruth 2:17 (Ruth 2:17 to Ruth 2:23).
Ruth brings home an abundance; Naomi recognizes Boaz as a near kinsman and blesses the LORD.
- 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
- 2:18 And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
- 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
- 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
- 2:21 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.
- 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
- 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Samuel is the traditional Jewish attribution, but the identity of the final writer is uncertain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ruth 2:1–2:23): Ruth is a widow gathering leftover grain for provision; Boaz is the landholder who speaks to her and directs his reapers. His supervisor answers him, and Ruth later reports to Naomi. Historical background: The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, Ruth 2:1–2 (printed p. 278). stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers, with particular interest in Ruth's incorporation into Israel and the family line leading to David. The book does not identify a named recipient. Biblical references: Ruth 1:16; Ruth 4:17; Ruth 4:22. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Boaz Meets Ruth. Read Ruth 2:1 through Ruth 2:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Ruth's gleaning and Boaz's kindness introduce the family relationship on which the later redemption depends. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Ruth 1:1 places the account in the days of the judges. The return to Bethlehem and later work are connected with barley and wheat harvests. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The story moves from Bethlehem to Moab and back to Bethlehem, including the field, threshing floor, and city gate. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Ruth reports to Naomi (Ruth 2:17 to Ruth 2:23). Start reading at Ruth 2:17.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew's genealogy names Ruth and Boaz in the line leading to David and Jesus. Calling Boaz a type of Christ goes beyond that explicit genealogy and should be labeled as an interpretive comparison. See Ruth 4:21, Ruth 4:22, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Value loyal care, generous provision, and integrity in public dealings. Read the redemption arrangements in their family and legal setting before drawing a modern analogy. interpretation
Cited: Ruth 2:1, Ruth 2:23, Ruth 4:21, Ruth 4:22, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Samuel (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Samuel.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated and is uncertain.
Related passages
- Blessed Ruth 3:10 2 Sam 2:5 Job 29:12-13 2 Tim 1:16-18
- hath not 2 Sam 9:1 Prov 17:17 Phil 4:10
- one of our Ruth 3:9 Ruth 4:6 Lev 25:25 Deut 25:5-7 Job 19:25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ruth 2
Ruth is set in the days of the judges and follows Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The writer is not named. The genealogy explicitly leads to David; a further connection to Jesus rests on the later genealogy in Matthew. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Ruth 1:1 Ruth 4:22 Matthew 1:5
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ruth
Ruth is set in the days of the judges and follows Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The writer is not named. The genealogy explicitly leads to David; a further connection to Jesus rests on the later genealogy in Matthew.
Ruth 1:1 Ruth 4:22 Matthew 1:5
Loss and return
Ruth 1:1–22FocusNaomi and Ruth come to Bethlehem
Connection to the wholeThe losses in Moab and Ruth's commitment lead the two women to Bethlehem at harvest time.
interpretation FocusRuth meets Boaz
Connection to the wholeRuth's gleaning and Boaz's kindness introduce the family relationship on which the later redemption depends.
interpretation The appeal at the threshing floor
Ruth 3:1–18FocusA request and an unresolved right
Connection to the wholeRuth's appeal receives a favorable response, but Boaz identifies the nearer kinsman's prior right.
interpretation Redemption and the family line
Ruth 4:1–22FocusA public settlement and a son
Connection to the wholeThe matter is settled before witnesses, Obed is born, and the genealogy connects this family's story with David.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.