What is the meaning of Ruth 3:11? And now This opening phrase signals a decisive moment. Everything in Ruth’s journey—her loyalty to Naomi, her hours gleaning in the fields, her midnight venture to the threshing floor—has led to this point of resolution. Scripture often highlights such turning points: “Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). God’s providence moves from preparation to action in real time, underscoring that His plans unfold within concrete moments of history rather than vague ideals. Do not be afraid Boaz immediately calms Ruth’s heart. Fear could have flooded her mind: fear of rejection, fear of public shame, fear for her future. Yet the kinsman-redeemer tells her what the Lord so often tells His people: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). Joshua heard the same encouragement before entering the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9), and believers today rest in it when facing uncertainty (Philippians 4:6-7). Boaz mirrors God’s own shepherd-like reassurance. My daughter The term reflects tenderness and protective responsibility. Ruth, a Moabitess and a widow, needed both. Boaz treats her with the familial honor prescribed in passages like 1 Timothy 5:2 (“treat younger women as sisters, with absolute purity”) and models the compassion “as a father has compassion on his children” (Psalm 103:13). The words affirm Ruth’s belonging within God’s covenant community despite her foreign birth. I will do for you whatever you request Boaz pledges full cooperation with Ruth’s plea for redemption and marriage. His readiness echoes God’s own willingness to answer the cries of His people: “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do” (John 14:13). Under the law of the kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10), Boaz is prepared to act sacrificially and legally on Ruth’s behalf. The promise foreshadows Christ, who not only can redeem but delights to redeem (Hebrews 7:25). All my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character Ruth’s reputation precedes her. From Moab to Bethlehem, her consistent faithfulness has become public knowledge. Proverbs 31:10 praises “a wife of noble character,” and Ruth embodies that ideal: • Loyalty: She clung to Naomi when Orpah turned back (Ruth 1:16-17). • Humility: She called herself a servant while gleaning (Ruth 2:13). • Industry: She worked “from early morning until now” (Ruth 2:7). • Modesty: Her nighttime approach was pure, not provocative, relying on Boaz’s honor. The community’s affirmation fulfills Matthew 5:16—“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”. Ruth’s quiet integrity becomes a testimony that validates Boaz’s forthcoming action. summary Ruth 3:11 captures the pivotal pledge of a faithful man to a virtuous woman under God’s providence. Boaz moves from reassurance to commitment, grounded in Ruth’s proven character and witnessed by the community. The verse showcases fearless trust, familial compassion, willing redemption, and public virtue—elements that anticipate the greater Redeemer who answers every plea with steadfast love and perfect faithfulness. |
    |