Ruth 3:10
New International Version
“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.

New Living Translation
“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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

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

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Then he said, “May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first, by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.

NASB 1995
Then he said, “May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.

NASB 1977
Then he said, “May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he said, “May you be blessed of Yahweh, my daughter. You have shown your last lovingkindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.

Amplified Bible
Then he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made your last kindness better than the first; for you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor.

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

Contemporary English Version
Boaz replied: The LORD bless you! This shows how truly loyal you are to your family. You could have looked for a younger man, either rich or poor, but you didn't.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Boaz replied, "May the LORD bless you, my daughter. This last kindness-that you didn't go after the younger men, whether rich or poor-is better than the first.

Good News Translation
"The LORD bless you," he said. "You are showing even greater family loyalty in what you are doing now than in what you did for your mother-in-law. You might have gone looking for a young man, either rich or poor, but you haven't.

International Standard Version
He replied, "May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You've added to the gracious love you've already demonstrated by not pursuing younger men, whether rich or poor.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

NET Bible
He said, "May you be rewarded by the LORD, my dear! This act of devotion is greater than what you did before. For you have not sought to marry one of the young men, whether rich or poor.

New Heart English Bible
He said, "Blessed are you by the LORD, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you didn't follow young men, whether poor or rich.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou didst not follow young men, whether poor or rich.

World English Bible
He said, “You are blessed by Yahweh, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, because you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says, “Blessed [are] you of YHWH, my daughter; you have dealt more kindly at the latter end than at the beginning—not to go after the young men, either poor or rich.

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith, 'Blessed art thou of Jehovah, my daughter; thou hast dealt more kindly at the latter end than at the beginning -- not to go after the young men, either poor or rich.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, Blessed thou to Jehovah, my daughter: thou didst make good thy mercy at the last more than the beginning, so that thou wentest not after the young men, if poor and if rich.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: Blessed art thou of the Lord, my daughter, and thy latter kindness has surpassed the former: because thou hast not followed young men either poor or rich.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said, “You are blessed by the Lord, daughter, and you have excelled beyond your earlier benevolence, because you have not followed young men, whether poor or rich.

New American Bible
He said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter! You have been even more loyal now than before in not going after the young men, whether poor or rich.

New Revised Standard Version
He said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter; this last instance of your loyalty is better than the first; you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Boaz said to her, Blessed be you of the LORD, my daughter; for you have shown more kindness in the latter days than at the beginning of your life in that you have not gone after young men, whether rich or poor.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Baaz said to her: “Blessed are you to God, my daughter, because you are kind. Your last kindness is better than the first, for you have not gone after young men who are rich or who are poor
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter; thou hast shown more kindness in the end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou didst not follow the young men, whether poor or rich.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Booz said, Blessed be thou of the Lord God, my daughter, for thou hast made thy latter kindness greater than the former, in that thou followest not after young men, whether any be poor or rich.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman
9“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” 10Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.…

Cross References
Ruth 2:20
Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”

Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

Genesis 24:27
saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

Genesis 24:12
“O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

Genesis 38:26
Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.

1 Samuel 15:13
When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “May the LORD bless you. I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.”

1 Samuel 23:21
“May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me.

2 Samuel 2:5-6
So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.

2 Samuel 9:1
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”

2 Samuel 10:2
And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,

1 Kings 2:7
But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

Psalm 18:25
To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;

Psalm 103:17
But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—

Proverbs 19:22
The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Blessed

Ruth 2:4,20
And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee…

1 Corinthians 13:4,5
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, …

at the beginning

Ruth 1:8
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Jump to Previous
Act Beginning Better Bless Blessed Blessing Daughter Dealt Earlier Either End Inasmuch Kind Kindness Latter Poor Rich Run Shewn Showed Shown Wealth Whether Young Younger
Jump to Next
Act Beginning Better Bless Blessed Blessing Daughter Dealt Earlier Either End Inasmuch Kind Kindness Latter Poor Rich Run Shewn Showed Shown Wealth Whether Young Younger
Ruth 3
1. By Naomi's instruction
5. Ruth lies at Boaz's feet
8. Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman
14. He sends her away with six measures of barley














Then he said
This phrase introduces Boaz's response to Ruth's actions. In the context of ancient Israel, communication between a man and a woman in such a setting was significant. Boaz's willingness to speak directly to Ruth highlights his respect and acknowledgment of her presence and actions. It sets the tone for a conversation that is both respectful and filled with kindness.

May the LORD bless you
The invocation of the LORD's blessing is a profound expression of Boaz's faith and recognition of God's sovereignty. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, indicating a personal and relational aspect of God's character. Boaz's blessing is not just a polite wish but a sincere prayer for divine favor upon Ruth.

my daughter
This term of endearment reflects Boaz's protective and caring attitude towards Ruth. It suggests a familial bond, emphasizing the community and kinship values prevalent in Israelite society. By calling her "my daughter," Boaz acknowledges Ruth's vulnerability and his role as a potential guardian or redeemer.

You have shown more kindness now than before
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is "chesed," which denotes loyal love, faithfulness, and mercy. Ruth's actions are seen as an extension of her earlier loyalty to Naomi. Boaz recognizes that Ruth's decision to seek him out as a kinsman-redeemer is an act of great loyalty and love, surpassing her previous acts of devotion.

because you have not run after the younger men
This phrase highlights Ruth's integrity and the counter-cultural nature of her actions. In a society where marrying for personal gain or attraction was common, Ruth's choice to seek Boaz, an older man, for the sake of family loyalty and covenant faithfulness, is commendable. It underscores her commitment to Naomi and the family lineage.

whether rich or poor
Boaz acknowledges that Ruth's decision was not influenced by material wealth or social status. This statement reflects the biblical principle that true worth is not measured by earthly possessions but by character and faithfulness. Ruth's actions are a testament to her virtuous character, prioritizing family and faith over worldly gain.

(10) Blessed be thou of the Lord.--This answer of Boaz's is in itself a sufficient proof of the view he took of her conduct, and of the integrity of his own. We note, too, that this blessing follows immediately on the avowal of her name. His own feelings had already been attuned to due honour and respect for Ruth; he is prepared not only to discharge the duty of next of kin, but to do it in no perfunctory spirit, but with a sincere loyal affection. The Targum on Ruth 3:15 supposes that to Ruth, the distant ancestress of the Saviour, was vouchsafed the knowledge, as in its fulness to the Virgin hereafter, of the birth of the Messiah through her. Origen compares Ruth to the Gentile Church, the engrafted wild olive.

Thou hast shewed . . . .--Literally, thou hast done well thy latter kindness above the former.

Verse 10. - And he said, Blessed be thou of Yahveh, my daughter; thou hast made thy latter kindness better than the former, in not going after any young man, whether poor or rich. This verse is full of satisfactory evidence that Naomi was perfectly right in conjecturing that Boas, deep in love, was restrained only by diffidence from formally declaring himself. It shows us too that the chief ground of his diffidence was his age. He had been an acquaintance, and the equal in years, of Ruth's father-in-law, Elimelech, and the impression had got hold on him that the handsome young widow might feel repugnance to his suit. Hence, instead of being in the least degree offended by the steps she had taken, he was relieved, and felt full of gratification on the one hand, and of gratitude on the other. Blessed be thou by Yahveh. Literally, "to Yahveh," i.e. "in relation to Yahveh" (see Ruth 2:20). My daughter. His relative elderliness was in his mind. Thou hast made thy latter kindness better than the former. Michaelis has seized the true meaning of these words: "The kindness which thou art showing to thy husband, now that he is gone, is still greater than what thou didst show to him while he lived." Her employment of the word "kinsman," or goel, was evidence to Boas that she was thinking of the respect which she owed to her husband's memory. Her concern in discharging that duty of 'piety' struck the heart of Boaz; and all the more as, in his opinion, she might easily have found open doors, had she wished for them, in quarters where there was no connection of kinship with her deceased husband. "She did not go after any young man, whether poor or rich." She preferred, above all such, her first husband's elderly "kinsman." In the original the construction is peculiar - "in not going after the young men, whether a poor one or a rich one." He does not simply mean that she was free from vagrant courses and desires. Her character lay, to his eye, on a far higher level His meaning is that she deliberately refrained from "thinking of any young man. The plural "young men" is to be accounted for on the principle that when an alternate is assumed or postulated, there is, in actual contemplation, a plurality of individuals.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then [Boaz] said,
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“May the LORD
לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

bless
בְּרוּכָ֨ה (bə·rū·ḵāh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

you,
אַ֤תְּ (’at)
Pronoun - second person feminine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

my daughter.
בִּתִּ֔י (bit·tî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

You have shown
הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ (hê·ṭaḇt)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

more kindness
חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ (ḥas·dêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

now
הָאַחֲר֖וֹן (hā·’a·ḥă·rō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 314: Hinder, late, last, western

than
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

before,
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן (hā·ri·šō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

because you have not
לְבִלְתִּי־ (lə·ḇil·tî-)
Preposition-l
Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until

run
לֶ֗כֶת (le·ḵeṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

after
אַחֲרֵי֙ (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

the younger men,
הַבַּ֣חוּרִ֔ים (hab·ba·ḥū·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 970: Selected, a youth

whether
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

rich
עָשִֽׁיר׃ (‘ā·šîr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223: Rich

or
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

poor.
דַּ֖ל (dal)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1800: Dangling, weak, thin


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OT History: Ruth 3:10 He said Blessed are you by Yahweh (Ru Rut.)
Ruth 3:9
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