What does Ruth 2:20 mean?
"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." - Ruth 2:20
The Bible verse Ruth 2:20 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "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."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of Ruth, which tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who shows great loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. The verse itself is a statement made by Naomi to Ruth, expressing gratitude and blessings for the man who has shown kindness to them and is also their close relative, or kinsman.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. Ruth and Naomi had returned to Bethlehem from Moab, and Ruth had gone to glean in the fields in order to provide for herself and Naomi. They were destitute and in need of a provider and protector. Through a series of events, Ruth finds herself gleaning in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and kind man who is related to Naomi. In this verse, Naomi is expressing her thankfulness for Boaz and recognizing him as a potential redeemer for her and Ruth.
One of the prominent themes in this verse and the book of Ruth as a whole is the theme of loyalty and kindness. We see Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi as she refuses to leave her side, even in the face of uncertainty and hardship. Likewise, Boaz demonstrates kindness and generosity to Ruth as a stranger and as a distant relative. These acts of loyalty and kindness ultimately lead to redemption and restoration for both Ruth and Naomi.
Another important theme in this verse is the theme of providence and God's faithfulness. Naomi acknowledges that it is by the Lord's blessing and guidance that they have found favor in the eyes of Boaz. She recognizes that it is through God's providence that they have found a relative who can potentially redeem their situation. This theme of God's faithfulness and provision runs throughout the entire book of Ruth and serves as a reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of His people.
Symbolism also plays a role in this verse, particularly in the mention of Boaz as their "next kinsman." In the cultural context of the time, a close relative had the right to serve as a redeemer, marrying a widow and caring for her and her family. Boaz's role as a close relative foreshadows his actions as a redeemer, ultimately marrying Ruth and providing for her and Naomi. This symbolism points to a larger spiritual truth, as Boaz's actions mirror the redemptive work of Christ who is our ultimate redeemer.
In conclusion, Ruth 2:20 in the King James Version holds deep significance and meaning within the context of the book of Ruth. It speaks to themes of loyalty, kindness, providence, and redemption, all of which are important aspects of the Christian faith. Through the actions of Boaz and the faithfulness of God, Ruth and Naomi find restoration and hope in the midst of their struggles. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, and the importance of showing kindness and loyalty to others.
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Ruth 2:20 - "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."
"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." - Ruth 2:20
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:22 - "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."
Ruth 2:8 - "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:"
Ruth 2:21 - "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."
Ruth 1:20 - "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
"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." - Ruth 2:22
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 2:6 - "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:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
Ruth 2:16 - "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
"And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." - Ruth 1:20
Ruth 2:23 - "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."
Ruth 2:12 - "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 2:3 - "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."
"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:" - Ruth 2:8
"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." - Ruth 2:21
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12
"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter." - Ruth 2:2
Ruth 1:2 - "And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."