Ruth 2:8 (KJV)

What does Ruth 2:8 mean?

Boaz tells Ruth to keep gathering leftover grain in his field and to stay close to his female workers. His words give Ruth a place to continue gleaning without moving from field to field.

The key expression is “abide here fast,” from Hebrew דָּבַק (davaq), meaning “cling,” “stick close,” or “keep close.” Here, “fast” means firmly or closely. Boaz is directing Ruth to remain near a particular group—“my maidens”—rather than simply allowing her to stay somewhere on his land.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 2:8

• “Hearest” — שָׁמַע (shama): This word means “hear” or “listen.” In “Hearest thou not,” Boaz calls for Ruth’s attention before giving his instructions. The question functions as a direct appeal to listen carefully.

• “daughter” — בַּת (bat): This means “daughter,” but can also be used to address a younger woman. “My daughter” gives Boaz’s speech a warm, fatherly tone; Ruth is not his actual daughter.

• “glean” — לָקַט (laqat): This means to gather or pick up, here gathering grain left behind during harvesting. Ruth is collecting what remains after the harvesters, rather than cutting the standing crop herself.

• “maidens” — נַעֲרָה (na‘arah): This word means a girl or young woman; the verse uses its plural form for Boaz’s female workers. “My maidens” identifies the group Ruth should accompany, not merely young women who happen to be nearby.

Why Ruth 2:8 matters

• Boaz gives Ruth a definite place to glean. “Go not to glean in another field” and “neither go from hence” direct her to remain in the field where she has already begun working.

• Boaz’s instructions concern her company as well as her location. “By my maidens” places Ruth alongside his female workers. The following verse makes the protective setting explicit: Boaz has ordered the men not to touch her.