Bible Strands
Ruth 2:8
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Boaz addresses Ruth in the field of Elimelech’s harvest, immediately after her servant reports her overnight labor and early arrival. He issues direct commands regarding her gleaning location and proximity to his female workers.
The words — The Hebrew הֲלֹא שָׁמַעַתְּ (ha-lo sha-ma-at) translates literally as “have you not heard?” and functions as a rhetorical prompt for attention. אַל (al) follows as a prohibitive particle, commanding Ruth not to depart.
The thread — This directive to stay close to designated workers parallels God’s boundary-setting in 2 Kings 5:13 and the relational guidance in Song of Solomon 1:7. The pattern of authoritative yet protective speech echoes the prophetic calls recorded in 1 Samuel 3:6.
Why it lands — The text commands Ruth to remain in a specific location under the supervision of Boaz’s household rather than seeking safety elsewhere. The reader is asked to recognize how direct instruction establishes both physical protection and social integration for a vulnerable foreigner.
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
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:
Cross-references
- 2 Kings 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”
- Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions?
- 1 Samuel 3:6 Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.”
- 1 Samuel 3:16 but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel.
- Matthew 9:2 Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”
- Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that very hour.
- Matthew 10:7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.