What does Ruth 2:21 mean?
"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 Bible verse Ruth 2:21 in the King James Version states, "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." This verse is found in the book of Ruth, which tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who becomes a widow and follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem. Ruth's devotion to Naomi leads her to glean in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner, and ultimately to find favor with him.
The verse Ruth 2:21 occurs as Ruth returns home after a day of gleaning in Boaz's fields. She shares with Naomi the kindness and generosity that she experienced from Boaz. In this verse, Ruth recounts how Boaz instructed her to stay close to his young men and continue gleaning until the harvest is completed. This conversation between Ruth and Naomi sets the stage for the unfolding of the relationship between Ruth and Boaz, and it reveals the integrity and kindness of Boaz as well as Ruth's humility and hard work.
The book of Ruth is often seen as a story of loyalty, faithfulness, and redemption. It is a narrative that demonstrates God's providential care and his ability to bring good out of challenging circumstances. The verse Ruth 2:21 highlights several key themes that are prevalent throughout the book of Ruth, including the themes of provision, inclusion, and faithfulness.
The theme of provision is evident in Ruth's experience in Boaz's fields. As a widow and a foreigner, Ruth finds herself in a vulnerable position, reliant on the generosity and provision of others. Boaz's instruction for Ruth to glean alongside his young men is a demonstration of his care and provision for her. This theme of provision is further emphasized as the story unfolds and Boaz takes steps to ensure Ruth and Naomi's well-being.
In addition to provision, the theme of inclusion is prominent in this verse. Boaz's willingness to welcome Ruth into his fields and to ensure that she has a place alongside his workers demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and fairness. The inclusion of Ruth, a foreigner, in the community of Bethlehem speaks to the larger message of the book of Ruth, which emphasizes the value of every individual and the potential for inclusion and belonging in the family of God.
Furthermore, the verse also highlights the theme of faithfulness. Ruth's willingness to work diligently in the fields, even in the face of adversity, and her faithfulness to Naomi in providing for her needs, are central to the narrative. Likewise, Boaz's faithfulness in caring for Ruth and Naomi and upholding the customs and laws of the time reflects the importance of faithfulness in relationships and in following God's will.
In addition to these themes, the verse Ruth 2:21 contains significant symbolism that is worth exploring. The act of gleaning itself carries symbolic weight, representing the act of gathering and receiving the blessings that come from God's provision. The fields of Bethlehem, where Ruth gleans, can also be seen as symbolic of the place where God's blessings are abundant and where the marginalized and vulnerable find care and support.
Overall, Ruth 2:21 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ruth, encapsulating themes of provision, inclusion, and faithfulness, and offering rich symbolism that speaks to the broader message of the narrative. It serves as a reminder of God's care and provision for those in need and the importance of extending kindness and hospitality to others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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Ruth 2:21 Artwork
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."
"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
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
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."
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
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 2:3 – "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."
"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 2:1
Ruth 1:21 - "I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?"
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."
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
"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."
"Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?" - Ruth 2:5
"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