King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:9 Mean?

Ruth 2:9 in the King James Version says “Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they sha...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.”

Ruth 2:9 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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:

9

Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

10

Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

11

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore .

Read Ruth 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Boaz's provision intensifies: 'Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them'. He grants Ruth access to the prime gleaning areas immediately behind the reapers, where the most grain is dropped. The promise 'have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee?' provides explicit protection. The Hebrew tzivviti (commanded) indicates formal orders to his workers—not merely suggestions but authoritative commands carrying consequences for disobedience. Boaz uses his authority to create safety. The invitation 'when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn' extends further grace—Ruth may drink water his servants prepared, treating her not as outsider but as part of his household. This extraordinary generosity demonstrates chesed (covenant loyalty) that Ruth showed to Naomi now reciprocated by Boaz.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern water access was precious commodity, particularly during hot harvest season. Wells or water sources might be distant from fields, and water transportation was labor-intensive. That Boaz offered Ruth free access to water his servants had drawn represented significant practical provision—she didn't need to leave fields mid-day to find water, maximizing her gleaning time while maintaining hydration necessary for strenuous labor. The offer also honored her dignity—rather than making her beg for water or go thirsty, Boaz proactively provided. Ancient hospitality codes mandated water provision for guests, but Ruth was a mere gleaner without formal guest status. Boaz's treatment elevated her, demonstrating the gospel pattern of grace freely given beyond legal requirements.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Boaz's combination of protection and provision illustrate God's comprehensive care for His people?
  2. What does this teach about Christian generosity going beyond minimal legal requirements to abundant grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
עֵינַ֜יִךְ1 of 20

“Let thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה2 of 20

“be on the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִקְצֹרוּן֙4 of 20

“that they do reap”

H7114

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

וְהָֽלַכְתְּ֙5 of 20

“and go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ן6 of 20

“thou after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הֲל֥וֹא7 of 20
H3808

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

צִוִּ֛יתִי8 of 20

“them have I not charged”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת9 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַנְּעָרִֽים׃10 of 20

“of that which the young men”

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

לְבִלְתִּ֣י11 of 20
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

נָגְעֵ֑ךְ12 of 20

“that they shall not touch”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

וְצָמִ֗ת13 of 20

“thee and when thou art athirst”

H6770

to thirst (literally or figuratively)

וְהָֽלַכְתְּ֙14 of 20

“and go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל15 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֵּלִ֔ים16 of 20

“unto the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְשָׁתִ֕ית17 of 20

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשְׁאֲב֖וּן19 of 20

“have drawn”

H7579

to bale up water

הַנְּעָרִֽים׃20 of 20

“of that which the young men”

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

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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 5:18Genesis 20:61 Corinthians 7:1Proverbs 6:29Psalms 105:15Matthew 10:42

Test Your Knowledge

Ruth 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ruth 2 with CommentaryAll Ruth ChaptersComplete Ruth QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes