Ruth 3 10

Ruth 3:10 kjv

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

Ruth 3:10 nkjv

Then he said, "Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich.

Ruth 3:10 niv

"The LORD bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

Ruth 3:10 esv

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.

Ruth 3:10 nlt

"The LORD bless you, my daughter!" Boaz exclaimed. "You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 10 Meaning

Ruth 3:10 encapsulates Boaz's commendation of Ruth's extraordinary character and selflessness. He praises her by invoking divine blessing, recognizing that her choice to seek an older, honorable kinsman (Boaz himself) to perpetuate Naomi's lineage, rather than pursuing a younger, more personally desirable partner, demonstrates a profound and selfless "kindness" or loyal love (hesed). This act, characterized by self-denial and devotion to her deceased husband's and Naomi's future, surpasses her initial hesed shown by merely accompanying Naomi to Bethlehem.

Ruth 3 10 Context

Ruth 3:10 occurs after Ruth, following Naomi’s instructions, approaches Boaz at the threshing floor under the cover of night. This daring act is her "proposal," designed to activate the custom of the kinsman-redeemer (goel) or a levirate-like marriage. Historically, for a widowed woman like Ruth, especially a Moabitess, it was socially unusual and culturally risky to take such initiative. Boaz, waking to find her at his feet, responds not with condemnation but with this profound blessing and affirmation. His words underscore Ruth's motivation: she isn't seeking a convenient marriage for her own personal satisfaction (beauty, youth, social status, or immediate financial security), but rather for the preservation of Naomi’s deceased husband’s family line and inheritance, embodying loyalty far beyond cultural expectations.

Ruth 3 10 Word analysis

• Then he said: Indicates Boaz's considered and positive response, not immediate surprise or anger, showing his wisdom and discernment.
• May you be blessed by the LORD: Hebrew: barukh YHWH (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה). Boaz immediately attributes Ruth’s virtue to divine favor and invokes further blessing. This is more than a polite wish; it’s an acknowledgement that Ruth’s actions are aligned with God's will and are divinely commendable. YHWH refers to the covenant God of Israel.
• my daughter; Hebrew: bitti (בִּתִּי). A term of affection and tender paternal care. It highlights Boaz’s age relative to Ruth’s and signifies his benevolent authority and protective posture over her. It removes any suggestion of impropriety from Ruth's action.
• you have shown more kindness now than in the beginning, Hebrew: tovti hesed acharon mirishon (טִיבְתְּ חַסְדֵּךְ אַחֲרוֹן מִן־הָרִאשׁוֹן).
  • hesed (חֶסֶד): This crucial Hebrew term signifies loyal love, steadfast affection, covenant faithfulness, and mercy. It describes not just kindness but a deeper commitment of active, selfless devotion, particularly in relationships or fulfilling obligations. It’s a core attribute of God and a prime virtue expected of His people.
  • acharown (אַחֲרוֹן) and rishown (רִאשׁוֹן): These mean "latter/last" and "first/beginning," respectively.
  • "more kindness now": This comparison elevates Ruth’s current act. Her "first kindness" was remaining loyal to Naomi by leaving Moab and accompanying her to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:8, 2:11). Her "latter/more kindness" is this deliberate, self-sacrificial step to secure Naomi’s lineage and honor, prioritizing familial duty and perhaps even a degree of sacrifice regarding her own desire for a young spouse, demonstrating a greater, more proactive form of hesed. It's an active step to secure the future of the house of Elimelech, which affects Naomi.
• by not going after young men, Hebrew: libilti lektekh acharei habbachurim (לְבִלְתִּי לֶכְתֵּךְ אַחֲרֵי הַבַּחוּרִים).
  • lectech acharei (לֶכְתֵּךְ אַחֲרֵי): "going after," or "following after." This idiom is often used in a romantic or marital context, implying pursuit.
  • habbachurim (הַבַּחוּרִים): "the young men," denoting those in their prime, typically considered more desirable for marriage, particularly for a young widow. Ruth's deliberate decision to not pursue such typical options for personal gratification highlights her extraordinary hesed.
• whether rich or poor. Hebrew: im-ashir im-ani (אִם־עָשִׁיר אִם־עָנִי). This emphasizes the universality of Ruth's selfless choice. Her decision was not about personal economic gain or social status. She was willing to overlook either advantage, indicating that her motivation transcended worldly considerations, focusing instead on covenant faithfulness and the perpetuation of the family line, which was the central objective of the goel custom.

Ruth 3 10 Bonus section

Ruth’s act, while unconventional by some standards, is portrayed here as not only permissible but divinely commendable, due to its pure motivation rooted in hesed. This highlights the biblical principle that intent and character are paramount over mere external compliance with social norms. Her choice to "not go after young men, whether rich or poor" can be seen as an indirect polemic against opportunistic or self-serving marriages, promoting instead a union based on devotion to lineage, duty, and loyal love. Furthermore, this verse underscores the theme of Divine Providence, as Ruth’s radical hesed aligns perfectly with Boaz’s righteous character and position as kinsman-redeemer, setting the stage for the lineage of David and ultimately, the Messiah. Her unusual action demonstrates a proactive faith in God’s established order, even if it requires breaking tradition for the sake of higher covenant obligations.

Ruth 3 10 Commentary

Boaz's response in Ruth 3:10 powerfully affirms Ruth’s character and faith. He blesses her because her courageous initiative at the threshing floor reveals the depth of her hesed—loyal love that goes beyond conventional expectations. Unlike most young widows who would prioritize finding a suitable partner for youth, affection, or wealth, Ruth's primary motivation is securing her mother-in-law Naomi’s future and upholding the family line of Elimelech. This act of chesed, proactively pursuing the ancient practice of levirate marriage or kinsman-redemption for Naomi's benefit, is deemed superior to her initial loyalty because it involves greater personal sacrifice and risk. She bypasses the typical desire for a youthful or financially beneficial marriage, demonstrating selfless commitment to God’s redemptive plan through the family line. Her moral compass and extraordinary integrity are fully recognized and commended by Boaz, who sees her actions as an extension of God’s own loyal love.