Ruth 2 10

Ruth 2:10 kjv

Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Ruth 2:10 nkjv

So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"

Ruth 2:10 niv

At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me?a foreigner?"

Ruth 2:10 esv

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"

Ruth 2:10 nlt

Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. "What have I done to deserve such kindness?" she asked. "I am only a foreigner."

Ruth 2 verses

Ruth 2 10 Meaning

Ruth 2:10 captures Ruth’s humble surprise and gratitude upon receiving unexpected favor from Boaz. Her question, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" highlights her perceived unworthiness due to her Moabite origin and status as a marginalized widow. It demonstrates her deep humility and astonishment at Boaz's kindness, contrasting her status as an outsider with his remarkable recognition and provision.

Ruth 2 10 Context

Ruth 2:10 is pivotal within the broader narrative of Ruth chapter 2. Naomi and Ruth, having returned to Bethlehem in destitution, are without immediate provision. Ruth's decision to glean in the fields, guided by God's providence, leads her to the field of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman. This verse marks Ruth's first direct interaction with Boaz after he observes her diligence and hears of her unwavering loyalty to Naomi. Boaz, informed of her reputation and selfless commitment (Ruth 2:11-12), extends extraordinary kindness and protection, far beyond the legal requirements for gleaning. Ruth's reaction in verse 10 is her heartfelt, humble response to this overwhelming and unexpected generosity, setting the stage for Boaz's role as her kinsman-redeemer (go'el) and a key turning point in the book's themes of loyal love (hesed), redemption, and divine inclusion of the marginalized. Historically, Moabites were often excluded from the Israelite assembly (Dt 23:3-6), making Boaz's welcome and Ruth's integration all the more significant.

Ruth 2 10 Word analysis

• Then she fell on her face, (watipol 'al-paneiha)

  • watipol: From naphal (נפל), meaning "to fall." Indicates immediate physical reaction, a deep prostration.
  • 'al-paneiha: "on her face." Signifies extreme humility, deep respect, submission, and even adoration or prayer. It's a gesture of someone in a subordinate position before a superior or in reverence before God. It highlights the vast social and economic gap Ruth perceives between herself and Boaz.

• bowing to the ground, (watishaḥu 'artsah)

  • watishaḥu: From shachah (שָׁחָה), meaning "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," "to do homage," often used for worship.
  • 'artsah: "to the ground" or "to the earth." This reinforces the completeness and depth of her physical abasement, emphasizing reverence and subjection. It is a further expression of her profound humility and awe at Boaz's favor.

• and said to him, (watto'mer 'elaw)

  • A simple, direct address following her physical gesture, showing her verbal response directly stems from her humble posture.

• 'Why have I found favor in your eyes, (maddu'a' matsati ḥen be'eineika)

  • maddu'a': "Why?" Expresses genuine surprise, perhaps a degree of disbelief, and a search for understanding the unexpected grace.
  • matsati ḥen: "I have found favor" or "I have found grace." Ḥen (חֵן) refers to grace, favor, charm, or kindness. It's often divine favor (e.g., Noah in Gen 6:8), but here it refers to human favor. Ruth recognizes Boaz's actions as a gratuitous act of kindness, not something earned.
  • be'eineika: "in your eyes." Idiomatic for "in your sight" or "in your estimation/judgment." Implies Boaz's deliberate, favorable recognition.

• that you should take notice of me, (lakkeiranu)

  • lakkeiranu: From nakar (נָכַר), meaning "to know," "to recognize," "to acknowledge," "to regard." This is more than just seeing her; it implies intentional awareness, distinguishing her, and actively paying heed. It suggests an active, considerate regard, which for an anonymous gleaner is significant.

• since I am a foreigner?' (we'anokhi nokhriyah)

  • we'anokhi: "and I" or "but I," adding emphasis to her personal identity.
  • nokhriyah: (נכריה) "foreigner," "stranger," "alien woman." This is the core of her surprise. She sees herself as an outsider, a Moabite (Dt 23:3-6), one traditionally excluded from the assembly of Israel. This term powerfully underscores her perceived low status and unworthiness, amplifying the magnitude of Boaz's kindness. It highlights her awareness of her vulnerable and disadvantaged position.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground,": This phrase emphasizes profound humility, respect, and submission. It’s a typical posture of one recognizing superior status and seeking or receiving profound grace. It also suggests an inner feeling of lowliness matching the outward gesture.
  • "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me,": This unit expresses Ruth's profound surprise at being singled out for exceptional kindness. It contrasts her self-perception with Boaz’s gracious act, showing that his actions are above and beyond expectation.
  • "since I am a foreigner?": This explains why she is so surprised. Her identity as a nokhriyah is her chief reason for astonishment, highlighting the counter-cultural and covenantal implications of Boaz's welcoming embrace. It underscores the theme of radical inclusion despite traditional ethnic barriers.

Ruth 2 10 Bonus section

The motif of "finding favor" (מצא חן, matsa' hen) is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, consistently preceding significant divine or human blessing. Ruth's utterance connects her experience directly to this rich biblical pattern of undeserved grace. For a Moabite woman, explicitly excluded by certain Mosaic laws, to "find favor" is a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan that transcends ethnic boundaries. It also serves as an example of human hesed reflecting divine hesed. Boaz’s recognition of Ruth goes beyond simple hospitality; it is an active, mindful acknowledgment (nakar) that values her character and integrates her into the community, an action profoundly prophetic of the expansive nature of God's grace for all nations. Her humility is key; she doesn't demand, but graciously receives, illustrating how humility can position one to receive blessing.

Ruth 2 10 Commentary

Ruth's reaction in verse 10 is not mere polite deference but a deeply felt expression of humility, gratitude, and astonishment. Her prostration signifies profound respect and a clear acknowledgment of Boaz's elevated status and the unexpected nature of his grace. Her question "Why have I found favor... since I am a foreigner?" articulates the core tension of her situation: a Moabite, traditionally excluded, is now being treated with extraordinary kindness by a prominent Israelite. This highlights Boaz's exemplary character as one who embodies the Lord's hesed (loyal love/kindness), extending it even to a marginalized outsider.

Ruth's "unworthiness" (as she perceives it due to her foreign identity) magnifies the graciousness of Boaz. Her humility is genuine, born of her vulnerable circumstances and cultural standing, contrasting with her faithful commitment to Naomi and Yahweh. This exchange lays the groundwork for Boaz's later role as kinsman-redeemer, demonstrating that his actions stem from a heart aligned with God's compassionate justice, willing to incorporate even the outcast into the fold of Israel. It beautifully foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant family through Christ, where favor is bestowed not based on merit or ethnic origin, but by grace.