Add parallel Print Page Options

Ruth Works in the Field of Boaz

Naomi had a relative named Boaz, a rich and influential man who belonged to the family of her husband Elimelech. (A)One day Ruth said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields to gather the grain that the harvest workers leave. I am sure to find someone who will let me work with him.”

Naomi answered, “Go ahead, daughter.”

So Ruth went out to the fields and walked behind the workers, picking up the heads of grain which they left. It so happened that she was in a field that belonged to Boaz.

Read full chapter

Ruth Meets Boaz

Now Naomi had a ·rich [or influential; L man of great wealth/standing] relative named Boaz, from Elimelech’s ·family [clan].

One day Ruth, the Moabite, said to Naomi, “[L Please] Let me go to the fields. Maybe someone ·will be kind enough to [L in whose eyes/sight I find grace/favor will] let me ·gather the grain he leaves behind [L glean among the sheaves/bundles; Deut. 24:21–22].”

Naomi said, “Go, my daughter.”

So Ruth went ·to the fields and gathered the grain that the workers cutting the grain had left behind [L and gleaned in the field behind the reapers/harvesters]. It just so happened that the field belonged to Boaz, from Elimelech’s ·family [clan; C a chance event from Ruth’s perspective, but part of God’s plan].

Read full chapter