Ruth 2:6 (KJV)

What does Ruth 2:6 mean?

Ruth 2:6 reports that the overseer of the harvesters tells Boaz about Ruth, identifying her as the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from Moab. This verse makes clear to Boaz—and to the reader—who Ruth is and where she has come from.

In this scene, Boaz is visiting his fields and asks about a new woman working among the harvesters. The servant in charge responds, using the words "Moabitish damsel" to highlight Ruth's foreign origin and her connection to Naomi. This introduction sets the stage for Boaz to learn about Ruth's background and her loyalty to Naomi, which becomes important in the story.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 2:6

• "servant" (נַעַר, naʿar): This word often means a young man or attendant, and here it refers to the worker overseeing the reapers. It shows that Boaz’s fields were managed by trusted staff.
• "Moabitish" (מוֹאֲבִיָּה, moʾaviyyah): This term specifically marks Ruth as a woman from Moab, emphasizing her status as an outsider in Israelite society.
• "damsel" (נַעֲרָה, naʿarah): This word means a young woman or girl, underlining Ruth’s youth and perhaps her vulnerability as a newcomer.

Why Ruth 2:6 matters

• Ruth 2:6 highlights Ruth’s identity as both a foreigner and someone closely tied to Naomi, which is crucial for understanding the social barriers she faces and the kindness she receives.
• The verse shows that Ruth’s reputation has already spread among the workers, suggesting her actions and loyalty to Naomi have not gone unnoticed.
• This introduction prepares the reader for Boaz’s favorable response to Ruth, setting up the relationship that develops in the following verses.