Bible Strands
Ruth 2:19
Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you.” So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Naomi asks Ruth where she gleaned and worked today, then pronounces a blessing on the man who noticed her. Ruth responds by identifying Boaz as the field owner who directed her labor.
The words — The Hebrew לִקַּטְתְּ (li.katt) means “you gleaned,” and יְהִי (ye.hi) translates literally as “may he be.” These terms frame the exchange around agricultural work and a spoken blessing.
The thread — The blessing formula aligns with the principle that caring for the poor invites divine deliverance (Psalms 41:1) and mirrors Ruth’s earlier request for favor in the field (Ruth 2:10).
Why it lands — The text records a factual inquiry that identifies Boaz and triggers Naomi’s recognition of his kinsman-redeemer role. It requires the reader to observe how providential care is disclosed through routine labor and familial questioning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Ruth 2:10 At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”
- Psalms 41:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.
- 1 Kings 7:21 Thus he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz.
- 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.