And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Boaz is impressed not just by Ruth's loyalty to her deceased husband, but by her deliberate choice not to pursue other marriage prospects, pointing to a deep-seated commitment beyond mere obligation. His commendation highlights that her actions demonstrate a greater depth of character in her present situation than even her initial kindnesses showed. This reveals that Ruth's quest for a goel (kinsman-redeemer) was not about securing just any husband, but about fulfilling her sacred duty with remarkable integrity.
And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ruth has just proposed marriage to Boaz on the threshing floor, following Naomi's bold plan to secure her future. Boaz, touched by Ruth's loyalty to her deceased husband's family, acknowledges her deep commitment, especially her decision to seek a kinsman-redeemer rather than pursuing younger men. He then assures her that he will fulfill this role, but first he must address the matter with a closer relative who has the primary right of redemption.
Boaz calls Ruth's actions her 'latter kindness' and says it's greater than the first. What could he possibly mean by this?
Boaz isn't just saying Ruth is a nice person. He sees her actions through the lens of God's law and covenant promises.
The First Kindness:
Ruth's initial loyalty was incredible. She left her homeland and family to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, and to embrace the God of Israel. This was a profound act of love and commitment, proving her dedication to Naomi and her newfound faith.
The Latter Kindness:
This is Ruth's willingness to marry Boaz under the levirate marriage custom. This ancient law required a kinsman to marry a widow who had no children, to raise up an heir for her deceased husband and preserve his name. Ruth is willing to marry an older man, not for romantic love or personal gain, but to fulfill this sacred duty. This act is considered 'greater' because it directly uphns the memory of her husband and the continuation of his family line, a core concern in ancient Israelite society. It’s about honoring the dead and the community's future, not just personal happiness.
Boaz specifically praises Ruth for not going after 'young men, whether poor or rich.' What does this reveal about her character and his perception of her motives?
Boaz understands that Ruth had options, but she deliberately chose a path of duty over personal preference or youthful romance.
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Avoiding the Expected:
As a young, attractive widow in a land where women's futures were often tied to marriage, Ruth could have sought a younger husband. Boaz acknowledges this, noting she didn't pursue any 'young men.' This wasn't just about avoiding sin; it was about a conscious decision to set aside personal desires.
Motivated by Redemption, Not Romance:
Her 'latter kindness' is about securing a future for her deceased husband's lineage, not finding a new, youthful partner. Boaz sees her actions as selfless and deeply honorable. She wasn't looking for romance or a better financial situation with a younger man; her focus was on fulfilling the ancient Israelite custom of redemption and ensuring her husband's name would not be forgotten. Her choice demonstrates integrity and a mature understanding of her responsibilities.
Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
Divine favor, approval, or protection granted by God; it is the invocation of God’s goodness upon a person, often acknowledging His sovereignty in providing benefits or prosperity.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A profound Hebrew term denoting loyal love, mercy, steadfast faithfulness, and covenantal devotion; it describes God's unwavering commitment to His people and the corresponding duty to treat others with similar covenant-based kindness.
Boaz's commendation of Ruth highlights the specific cultural and legal framework of the kinsman-redeemer (goel) within ancient Israel, a practice designed to maintain family lines and property during times of hardship and loss.
c. 1300-1100 BC
Period of the Judges
Israel experienced a period of decentralized leadership and frequent conflict, leading to social instability and a lapse in consistent adherence to God's law.
During the Period of the Judges
Famine in Bethlehem
A severe famine forced Elimelech, Naomi's husband, to migrate with his family from Bethlehem to Moab, a foreign land.
During the Period of the Judges
Deaths of Elimelech and Sons
Elimelech, his sons Mahlon and Chilion, died in Moab, leaving Naomi widowed and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, also widowed.
During the Period of the Judges
Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
Naomi decided to return to her homeland, Bethlehem, and Ruth, showing extraordinary loyalty, insisted on accompanying her.
During the Period of the Judges
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth gleaned barley in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, who showed her unexpected kindness and protection.
During the Period of the Judges— this verse
Naomi's Plan for Ruth
Naomi devised a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor, seeking to secure her future through the kinsman-redeemer custom.
During the Period of the Judges
Boaz Affirms Ruth's Virtue
Boaz acknowledged Ruth's noble character and her loyalty to Naomi and her deceased husband, recognizing her quest for security.
This passage speaks to the foundational principle of leaving and cleaving for marriage, which is the ultimate goal of Ruth's actions and Boaz's response to honor her commitment.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10Boaz's consideration of the law of levirate marriage (raising up offspring for a deceased brother) directly informs the 'kindness' Ruth is showing by seeking to fulfill this obligation.
Proverbs 31:10-31The description of the excellent wife in Proverbs provides a thematic parallel to Ruth's character – her diligence, loyalty, and virtuous actions, which Boaz recognizes and commends.
1 Corinthians 7:39This verse highlights that marriage is a choice made 'only in the Lord,' reinforcing Boaz's appreciation for Ruth's decision to marry him based on duty and faith rather than youthful desire.
clarkeRuth 3:10: "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
In the latter end than at the beginning - It is not easy to find out what Boaz means. Perhaps חסד chesed, which we translate kindness, means piety; as if he had said: Thou hast given great proof of thy piety in this latter instance, when thou hast avoided the young, and those of thy own a…
henryRuth 3:6-13: "And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
3:6-13 What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attem…
Boaz is impressed not just by Ruth's loyalty to her deceased husband, but by her deliberate choice not to pursue other marriage prospects, pointing to a deep-seated commitment beyond mere obligation. His commendation highlights that her actions demonstrate a greater depth of character in her present situation than even her initial kindnesses showed. This reveals that Ruth's quest for a goel (kinsman-redeemer) was not about securing just any husband, but about fulfilling her sacred duty with remarkable integrity.
Ruth has just proposed marriage to Boaz on the threshing floor, following Naomi's bold plan to secure her future. Boaz, touched by Ruth's loyalty to her deceased husband's family, acknowledges her deep commitment, especially her decision to seek a kinsman-redeemer rather than pursuing younger men. He then assures her that he will fulfill this role, but first he must address the matter with a closer relative who has the primary right of redemption.
Ruth has just proposed marriage to Boaz on the threshing floor, following Naomi's bold plan to secure her future. Boaz, touched by Ruth's loyalty to her deceased husband's family, acknowledges her deep commitment, especially her decision to seek a kinsman-redeemer rather than pursuing younger men. He then assures her that he will fulfill this role, but first he must address the matter with a closer relative who has the primary right of redemption.
"And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich." — Boaz is impressed not just by Ruth's loyalty to her deceased husband, but by her deliberate choice not to pursue other marriage prospects, pointing to a deep-seated commitment beyond mere obligatio…
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Last reviewed October 2026