Ruth 2:4 (KJV)

What does Ruth 2:4 mean?

Ruth 2:4 describes Boaz arriving from Bethlehem and greeting the workers in his field with a blessing, "The LORD be with you," to which the workers reply, "The LORD bless thee." This exchange shows mutual respect and a shared faith between Boaz and his workers.

In this scene, Boaz, a landowner, addresses the reapers—those harvesting his fields—using the name for God, "the LORD" (Yahweh), as part of his greeting. The workers respond in kind, wishing God's blessing on Boaz. The verse highlights the everyday use of God's name in greetings and shows a respectful, positive relationship between Boaz and those who work for him.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 2:4

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh, H3068): Both Boaz and the workers use this specific name for God, showing their shared faith and the central place of God in their daily lives and interactions.
• Bless (בָּרַךְ, barakh, H1288): The workers use this word to wish Boaz well, which often means to ask for God's favor or goodness. This shows that their relationship is not just professional but also spiritual in nature.

Why Ruth 2:4 matters

• Ruth 2:4 clears up any idea that faith was only a private or formal matter in ancient Israel; here, God's name is part of daily greetings at work.
• The verse emphasizes the good character of Boaz, showing he treats his workers with kindness and respect, setting the stage for his later actions in the story.
• This moment connects to the wider story by introducing Boaz as a man of faith and integrity, which becomes important in his relationship with Ruth and his role in her life.