Ruth 3:11
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)
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Ruth, following her mother-in-law Naomi's bold plan, has approached Boaz on the threshing floor at night, essentially proposing marriage by claiming his role as kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by her integrity and not taking advantage of her vulnerable position, reassures her that he will indeed fulfill her request if possible, but notes there's a closer kinsman who has the primary right to redeem her.
After Ruth followed Naomi's bold plan and presented herself to Boaz on the threshing floor, he assures her not to fear, promising to do everything she asks, not because of her daring request, but because of her universally recognized character. Boaz immediately acknowledges that a kinsman nearer than himself has the primary right of redemption, but he pledges to secure Ruth's future if that man does not fulfill his obligation.
In moments of uncertainty or when stepping out in faith, fear can be a paralyzing force. But what if your reputation could be a source of courage?
Boaz reassures Ruth with "fear not." This isn't just a casual comfort; it's a recognition of her situation. She's placed herself in a vulnerable position, following her mother-in-law's bold plan. There's a risk of misunderstanding or shame.
Boaz immediately counters this fear with a powerful statement about her reputation: "for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman." This isn't about Ruth's actions that night; it's about her established character. The Hebrew word used here, often translated as 'worthy' or 'virtuous,' signifies strength, capability, and substance – not just moral goodness, but a profound, admirable quality.
Think about it: Ruth, a foreign widow, has earned respect in the community. This deep-seated reputation for virtue and capability gives Boaz the confidence to act and reassures Ruth that her character protects her.
Boaz makes a sweeping promise to Ruth, but his words carry a surprising condition. What does this reveal about promises, obligations, and divine order?
Boaz declares, "I will do for you all that you ask." This sounds like a complete and unconditional acceptance of Ruth's proposal, especially considering her bold request for him to act as her kinsman-redeemer. However, the narrative immediately introduces a critical condition.
Boaz explains that while he wants to fulfill her request, there's a legal reality: "there is a kinsman nearer than I." This is the 'right of redemption' (or 'kinsman-avenger') custom. The closest male relative had the primary responsibility and right to marry a widow, protect her inheritance, and perpetuate the family name.
Boaz's promise is therefore conditional. He's willing to marry Ruth and secure her future, but only if the nearer kinsman declines this right. This shows Boaz's deep respect for the law and community customs. He isn't acting solely on personal desire, but within the established framework, ensuring fairness and order. His promise is sincere, but bound by ethical and legal obligations.
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 assurance to Ruth is deeply rooted in the social fabric of Bethlehem, where a woman's reputation was known and valued publicly, particularly in the 'gate' where legal and social matters were conducted.
c. 1100 BC
Period of the Judges
Israel is governed by a cycle of oppression, deliverance, and a period of peace under judges, with significant social and political instability.
c. 1100-1070 BC
Elimelech's Family Migration
Elimelech, driven by famine in Bethlehem, migrates with his wife Naomi and sons Mahlon and Chilion to Moab, a foreign land.
c. 1095 BC
Deaths of Elimelech and Sons
Elimelech and his sons die in Moab, leaving Naomi widowed and with her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.
c. 1090 BC
Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem
Naomi decides to return to her homeland, and Ruth resolutely accompanies her, pledging loyalty.
c. 1090 BC
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
This passage uses a similar Hebrew phrase to describe a 'virtuous woman,' highlighting strength, capability, and worth, mirroring how Boaz praises Ruth's character.
Ruth 4:13This verse shows the fulfillment of Boaz's promise, as he takes Ruth as his wife, demonstrating that his words of assurance in chapter 3 were not empty.
Proverbs 12:4This verse also uses the concept of a 'virtuous woman' (using the same Hebrew word), describing her as a crown to her husband, emphasizing the inherent value and honor she brings.
1 Samuel 25:3Abigail is described using the same Hebrew term for 'virtuous woman,' connecting her wisdom and discernment to Ruth's own commendable character that Boaz recognizes.
Ruth 2:11Boaz first mentions Ruth's good deeds and loyalty to Naomi, showing that his later praise of her as a 'virtuous woman' is based on her demonstrated actions and reputation.
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.
Ruth, following her mother-in-law Naomi's bold plan, has approached Boaz on the threshing floor at night, essentially proposing marriage by claiming his role as kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by her integrity and not taking advantage of her vulnerable position, reassures her that he will indeed fulfill her request if possible, but notes there's a closer kinsman who has the primary right to redeem her.
After Ruth followed Naomi's bold plan and presented herself to Boaz on the threshing floor, he assures her not to fear, promising to do everything she asks, not because of her daring request, but because of her universally recognized character. Boaz immediately acknowledges that a kinsman nearer than himself has the primary right of redemption, but he pledges to secure Ruth's future if that man does not fulfill his obligation.
After Ruth followed Naomi's bold plan and presented herself to Boaz on the threshing floor, he assures her not to fear, promising to do everything she asks, not because of her daring request, but because of her universally recognized character. Boaz immediately acknowledges that a kinsman nearer than himself has the primary right of redemption, but he pledges to secure Ruth's future if that man does not fulfill his obligation.
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Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of her deceased father-in-law, who shows her unexpected kindness and protection.
c. 1090 BC— this verse
Naomi's Plan and Ruth's Action
Following Naomi's instructions, Ruth goes to the threshing floor at night and lies at Boaz's feet, seeking his protection as a kinsman-redeemer.
c. 1090 BC
Boaz Acknowledges Ruth's Worthiness
Boaz assures Ruth he will act as her kinsman-redeemer, acknowledging her virtuous character and the townspeople's knowledge of her worth.
"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." — Ruth, following her mother-in-law Naomi's bold plan, has approached Boaz on the threshing floor at night, essentially proposing marriage by claiming his role as kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, impressed by h…
