And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Boaz reassures Ruth that her request will be granted because the entire community recognizes her not just as morally good, but as a woman of exceptional "capability" and "force" – a woman fully equipped for any significant role, including becoming his wife. This highlights that her worth was seen as a profound inner strength and resourcefulness, not merely outward virtue.
And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Ruth followed her mother-in-law Naomi's daring plan to approach Boaz on the threshing floor, he reassures her that he will grant her request, acknowledging that her reputation as a capable and virtuous woman is known throughout the town. However, Boaz immediately introduces a crucial complication: a kinsman closer than himself has the primary right of redemption, meaning he must first be offered the opportunity to marry Ruth before Boaz can finalize anything.
Ruth's initiative in approaching Boaz on the threshing floor was a risky move. How does Boaz's response immediately address her potential fears?
Naomi’s plan for Ruth to approach Boaz was daring, placing Ruth in a vulnerable position. The custom of the time might have allowed it, but it still carried social risk. Boaz, however, immediately recognizes the courage and precariousness of Ruth's situation.
Dispelling Fear
His opening words, 'And now, my daughter, do not fear,' are crucial. He's not scolding her for her boldness but offering comfort and assurance. He understands that her actions, though guided by Naomi's strategy, could invite judgment or misunderstanding from the community. Boaz’s immediate reassurance is a fatherly and protective response, signaling that he sees her intent and not just the potentially scandalous circumstances.
Boaz doesn't just promise to help Ruth; he grounds his promise in her established character. What does it mean to be a 'worthy woman' in this context?
Boaz’s statement, 'for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman,' is high praise and a key reason for his willingness to act. The Hebrew word translated 'worthy' or 'virtuous' (chayil) here signifies much more than just moral goodness. It encompasses strength, capability, substance, and competence. It suggests a woman of character, resilience, and resourcefulness.
A Public Testimony
This reputation wasn't built in a vacuum. It was known 'in the gate' – the public square where business was conducted and justice administered. Ruth's consistent diligence, loyalty to Naomi, and integrity, even as a foreigner, had earned her respect. Boaz is saying that her good name makes her a desirable prospect, not just for marriage, but as a member of the community. Her 'worth' is a public testament that assures him of her character and makes him confident in pursuing her request.
Ask a follow-up
Boaz assures Ruth he will do 'all that you ask.' But his commitment is not impulsive. How does this promise connect to legal and ethical obligations?
Boaz's promise, 'I will do for you all that you ask,' is generous, but it's immediately qualified by the reality of the situation. He recognizes that Ruth has a specific request – likely marriage, as implied by the custom of the kinsman-redeemer. His promise is spoken with the understanding that it must align with the laws and customs governing redemption and marriage.
The Greater Obligation
As the commentaries note, Boaz is bound by the law of the kinsman-redeemer. There is a nearer kinsman who has the primary right. Boaz cannot simply grant Ruth’s request without considering this prior obligation. His assurance to Ruth is therefore a promise to act justly and honorably within the framework of Israel's legal and social structure. He commits to fulfilling her request if the legal path allows, demonstrating that true commitment honors both personal desires and communal responsibilities.
Understand the original words
tira'i · Hebrew Verb
A general state of agitation or anxiety, often used in Scripture as a command against being overwhelmed by circumstances, grounded in the assurance of God’s presence or the reliability of a protector.
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A term describing a person of excellent character, integrity, strength, and virtue. It is used to denote someone whose life is marked by diligence, courage, and moral soundness.
Boaz's affirmation of Ruth's worthiness, known throughout the 'gate' (the town's public square and place of legal judgment), highlights how her strong character and reputation were crucial in the ancient Near East for social standing and legal dealings.
~1100 BC
Period of the Judges
Israel was a confederation of tribes governed by charismatic leaders called judges, a time marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance.
c. 1100-1070 BC
Elimelech's family flees famine
Due to famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion emigrate to Moab, a foreign land.
c. 1070 BC
Deaths of Elimelech and sons
Elimelech dies in Moab. His sons Mahlon and Chilion marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, and then they too die, leaving Naomi widowed and childless.
c. 1070-1050 BC
Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem
After years in Moab, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, demonstrating profound loyalty, insists on accompanying her mother-in-law.
c. 1050 BC
Ruth gleans in Boaz's field
Ruth works to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning leftover grain in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Elimelech.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Naomi's plan and Ruth's approach
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor, seeking his protection and potential marriage under the custom of the kinsman-redeemer.
c. 1050 BC
Boaz acknowledges Ruth's worthiness
Boaz, impressed by Ruth's virtue and loyalty, agrees to act as her kinsman-redeemer, but first must address a nearer relative.
This passage echoes the high praise for Ruth, describing a 'virtuous woman' (or 'woman of strength') as someone precious and valuable, reinforcing the idea that Ruth's character was widely recognized.
Proverbs 31:23This verse speaks of a husband being respected when his wife is a 'virtuous woman,' connecting Ruth's recognized worth to the honorable standing of her future husband, Boaz.
Ruth 4:11The elders of the city bless Boaz and Ruth, praying that she may be like Rachel and Leah who built up the house of Israel, further highlighting the community's recognition of Ruth's esteemed character.
Matthew 5:16Jesus calls on believers to let their 'light shine before others,' which is exactly what Ruth's widely known virtuous character does, bringing honor to God and good to her community.
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…
pooleRuth 3:11: "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Fear not; think not that I despise and reject thee, because I do not immediately comply with thy desire. I will do to thee all that thou requirest, i.e. marry thee, upon the condition here following.
Boaz reassures Ruth that her request will be granted because the entire community recognizes her not just as morally good, but as a woman of exceptional "capability" and "force" – a woman fully equipped for any significant role, including becoming his wife. This highlights that her worth was seen as a profound inner strength and resourcefulness, not merely outward virtue.
After Ruth followed her mother-in-law Naomi's daring plan to approach Boaz on the threshing floor, he reassures her that he will grant her request, acknowledging that her reputation as a capable and virtuous woman is known throughout the town. However, Boaz immediately introduces a crucial complication: a kinsman closer than himself has the primary right of redemption, meaning he must first be offered the opportunity to marry Ruth before Boaz can finalize anything.
After Ruth followed her mother-in-law Naomi's daring plan to approach Boaz on the threshing floor, he reassures her that he will grant her request, acknowledging that her reputation as a capable and virtuous woman is known throughout the town. However, Boaz immediately introduces a crucial complication: a kinsman closer than himself has the primary right of redemption, meaning he must first be offered the opportunity to marry Ruth before Boaz can finalize anything.
"And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman." — Boaz reassures Ruth that her request will be granted because the entire community recognizes her not just as morally good, but as a woman of exceptional "capability" and "force" – a woman fully equip…
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Last reviewed October 2026