King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:22 Mean?

Ruth 2:22 in the King James Version says “And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. meet: or, fall upon thee”

Ruth 2:22 · KJV

Context

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. one of: or, one that hath right to redeem

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.

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. meet: or, fall upon thee

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Naomi counsels wisdom: 'It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field'. Naomi recognizes the protection Boaz offers and advises Ruth to accept it fully. The concern that Ruth might 'meet' others in different fields implies danger from men who might assault or harass a vulnerable foreign gleaner. Naomi's protective counsel demonstrates maternal care and practical wisdom—Ruth should stay where safety and provision are assured rather than risking herself elsewhere seeking potentially better but dangerous opportunities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agricultural settings posed real dangers for unprotected women, particularly foreigners. Sexual assault and exploitation of vulnerable gleaners occurred regularly in societies lacking strong legal protections. Naomi's advice to stay in Boaz's protected fields acknowledged these threats. Her wisdom balanced Ruth's industriousness with realistic recognition of danger—working hard is good, but not if it means unnecessary risk. The principle applies broadly: accepting God's provision and protection rather than restlessly seeking supposedly better circumstances that expose us to spiritual danger.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Naomi's counsel about staying in safety illustrate wisdom in accepting God's provision?
  2. What does this teach about balancing diligent initiative with prudent protection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָֽעֳמִ֖י2 of 16

“And Naomi”

H5281

noomi, an israelitess

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ר֣וּת4 of 16

“unto Ruth”

H7327

ruth, a moabitess

כַּלָּתָ֑הּ5 of 16

“her daughter in law”

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

ט֣וֹב6 of 16

“It is good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בִּתִּ֗י7 of 16

“my daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֤י8 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֵֽצְאִי֙9 of 16

“that thou go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עִם10 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נַ֣עֲרוֹתָ֔יו11 of 16

“with his maidens”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

וְלֹ֥א12 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפְגְּעוּ13 of 16

“that they meet”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בָ֖ךְ14 of 16
H0
בְּשָׂדֶ֥ה15 of 16

“field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

אַחֵֽר׃16 of 16

“thee not in any other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 2:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1:8Proverbs 27:10

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