King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:5 Mean?

Ruth 2:5 in the King James Version says “Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?”

Ruth 2:5 · KJV

Context

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. hap: Heb. hap happened

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.

5

Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

6

And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

7

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Boaz's question—'Whose damsel is this?'—demonstrates responsible oversight and concern for the vulnerable. As landowner, Boaz monitors who gleans, protecting both property rights and vulnerable gleaners. His inquiry to 'the servant set over the reapers' shows delegation to a foreman, demonstrating organizational competence while maintaining personal involvement in crucial decisions. This models biblical leadership balancing delegation with personal accountability for those under one's authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient harvest involved complex social dynamics with potential for exploitation, particularly for foreign women without male protection. Landowners who feared theft sometimes forbade gleaning; others permitted it generously. Boaz's oversight shows sophisticated management. Questions about family connections reflected social structures where identity derived from clan relationships. Ruth's vulnerability as foreign widow made Boaz's inquiry significant—determining whether she had protection or required his intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Boaz's oversight model Christian leadership balancing delegation with accountability?
  2. What does this teach about using position to protect vulnerable people under your authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 9

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֙עַז֙2 of 9

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

לְנַֽעֲר֔וֹ3 of 9

“unto his servant”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַנִּצָּ֖ב4 of 9

“that was set”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

עַל5 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַקּֽוֹצְרִ֑ים6 of 9

“over the reapers”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

לְמִ֖י7 of 9
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הַנַּֽעֲרָ֥ה8 of 9

“Whose damsel”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

הַזֹּֽאת׃9 of 9
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 2:11-12Ruth 4:21

Test Your Knowledge

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