Ruth 3:11
New International Version
And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

New Living Translation
Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
And 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And now, my daughter, do not fear. All that you say, I will do for you, for all the gate of my people knows that you are a woman of virtue.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.

New American Standard Bible
So now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you say, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.

NASB 1995
“Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.

NASB 1977
“And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.

Legacy Standard Bible
So now, my daughter, do not fear. All that you say, I will do for you; for all my people within the gates of the city know that you are a woman of excellence.

Amplified Bible
Now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you whatever you ask, since all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.

Berean Annotated Bible
And 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.

Christian Standard Bible
Now don’t be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now don’t be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

American Standard Version
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a worthy woman.

Contemporary English Version
Don't worry, I'll do what you have asked. You are respected by everyone in town.

English Revised Version
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't be afraid, my daughter. I will do whatever you say. The whole town knows that you are a woman who has strength of character.

Good News Translation
Now don't worry, Ruth. I will do everything you ask; as everyone in town knows, you are a fine woman.

International Standard Version
Don't be afraid, my daughter. I'll do for you everything that you have asked, since all of my people in town are aware that you're a virtuous woman.

NET Bible
Now, my dear, don't worry! I intend to do for you everything you propose, for everyone in the village knows that you are a worthy woman.

New Heart English Bible
Now, my daughter, do not be afraid; I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people does know that you are a worthy woman.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And 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.

World English Bible
Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, my daughter, do not fear, all that you say I do to you, for all the gate of my people knows that you [are] a virtuous woman.

Berean Literal Bible
And now, my daughter, do not fear. All that you say, I will do for you, for all the gate of my people knows that you are a woman of virtue.

Young's Literal Translation
And now, my daughter, fear not, all that thou sayest I do to thee, for all the gate of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Smith's Literal Translation
And now, my daughter, thou shalt not fear; all which thou shalt say, I will do to thee: for all the gate of my people will know that thou art a woman of power.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Fear not therefore, but whatsoever thou shalt say to me I will do to thee. For all the people that dwell within the gates of my city, know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, do not be afraid, but whatever you decide about me, I will accomplish for you. For all the people, who dwell within the gates of my city, know that you are a virtuous woman.

New American Bible
Now rest assured, my daughter, I will do for you whatever you say; all my townspeople know you to be a worthy woman.

New Revised Standard Version
And now, my daughter, do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask, for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And now, my daughter, fear not; for I will do for you all that you ask of me; for all the family of our people know that you are a virtuous woman.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And now, my daughter, do not fear, because all that you say to me I shall do for you, for all the tribe of our people know that you are a woman of power
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the men in the gate of my people do know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now fear not, my daughter, whatever thou shalt say I will do to thee; for all the tribe of my people knows that thou art a virtuous woman.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman
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. 12Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.…

Cross References
And now do not be afraid, my daughter.

Ruth 2:8
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls.

Luke 1:30
So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Genesis 21:17
Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies.
I will do for you whatever you request,

1 Kings 3:5
One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Esther 7:2
and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”

Esther 5:3
“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”
since all my fellow townspeople know

3 John 1:12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Proverbs 31:31
Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.

1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
that you are a woman of noble character.

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

Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 31:29
“Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”
1 Peter 3:4
but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Proverbs 31:25
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:28
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

1 Timothy 2:9-10
Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.


Treasury of Scripture

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to you all that you require: for all the city of my people does know that you are a virtuous woman.

city [heb] gate

Proverbs 12:4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 31:10,29-31
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…

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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












And now do not be afraid, my daughter.

Boaz calms Ruth after her bold appeal at the threshing floor. His address conveys tenderness, protection, and the respectful care expected of an older kinsman toward a younger woman.

Rut 2:8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.…
Luk 1:30 So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,…
Gen 21:17 Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God…

I will do for you whatever you request,

Boaz accepts the responsibility Ruth has placed before him and pledges to act honorably. As a close relative, he is willing to seek the redemption of Naomi’s family property and preserve the name of Ruth’s deceased husband.

1Ki 3:5 One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream,…
Est 7:2 and as they drank their wine on that second day,…
Est 5:3 “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired.…

since all my fellow townspeople know

Ruth’s conduct had become known throughout Bethlehem. Her devotion to Naomi, diligent labor, and modest behavior had earned the respect of the community.

3Jn 1:12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone…
Pro 31:31 Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works…
1Ti 3:7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders,…

that you are a woman of noble character.

Though Ruth was a Moabite widow, her faithfulness and integrity marked her as a worthy woman. Her character, rather than her background, commended her before Boaz and the people of Bethlehem.

Pro 31:10 A wife of noble character, who can find?…
Pro 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,…
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ruth
A Moabite widow who has shown loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her character and actions have earned her a reputation of virtue in Bethlehem.

2. Boaz
A wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is a kinsman-redeemer, which means he has the right to marry Ruth to preserve the family lineage.

3. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, a town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth have returned after the famine in Moab.

4. Threshing Floor
The location where Ruth approaches Boaz at night, following Naomi's instructions, to seek his protection and propose marriage.

5. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who guides Ruth in her actions towards Boaz, seeking security and provision for her.
Teaching Points
Virtue and Reputation
Ruth 3:11 highlights the importance of a good reputation. Ruth is known as a "woman of noble character," which opens doors for her future. Our character and how we are perceived by others can significantly impact our lives and opportunities.

God's Provision through Relationships
The relationship between Ruth and Boaz demonstrates how God often provides for us through others. We should be open to the ways God might use people in our lives to fulfill His purposes.

Courage and Initiative
Ruth's approach to Boaz required courage and initiative. In our lives, there are times when we must step out in faith and take bold actions, trusting God with the outcome.

Faithfulness in the Small Things
Ruth's consistent faithfulness in her daily tasks and her loyalty to Naomi set the stage for her future blessings. We should strive to be faithful in the small things, trusting that God sees and rewards our diligence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ruth 3:11?

2. How does Ruth 3:11 demonstrate Ruth's reputation as a "woman of noble character"?

3. What qualities in Ruth 3:11 can we emulate in our daily lives?

4. How does Ruth 3:11 connect to Proverbs 31's description of a virtuous woman?

5. Why is character important in relationships, as seen in Ruth 3:11?

6. How can Ruth 3:11 inspire us to build a godly reputation today?

7. How does Ruth 3:11 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Israelite society?

8. What does Ruth 3:11 reveal about the role of women in biblical times?

9. How does Ruth's character in Ruth 3:11 challenge modern views on virtue and integrity?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 3?


(11) City.--Literally, gate: the constant meeting-place of persons going in and out. (See Genesis 19:1; Genesis 34:20; Genesis 34:24; Deuteronomy 16:18; Deuteronomy 21:19, &c.)

Verse 11. - And now, my daughter, fear not: all that thou sayest I shall do to thee, for it is on all hands known in the gate of my people that thou art a truly capable woman. The word חָיִל in the expression אֵשֶׁת ךחיִל is of many-sided import, and has no synonym in English, German, Latin, or Greek. But every side of its import brings into view one or other or more of such affiliated ideas as strength, force, forces, capability - whether mental and moral only, or also financial; competency, substantiality, ability, bravery. All who had taken notice of Ruth perceived that she was mentally and morally, as well as physically, a substantial and capable woman. She was possessed of force, both of mind and character. She was, in the New England sense, of the expression, a woman of "faculty. She was full of resources, and thus adequate to the position which, as Boaz's wife, she would be required to fill. There was no levity about her, "no nonsense." She was earnest, industrious, virtuous, strenuous, brave. There was much of the heroine in her character, and thus the expression connects itself with the masculine application of the distinctive and many-sided word, "a mighty man of valor." The expression אֵשֶׁת חֲיִל occurs in Proverbs 12:4, where, in King James's version, it is, as here and in Proverbs 31:10, translated 'Ca virtuous woman" - "a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." But it is not so much to moral virtue that there is a reference as to that general capacity which consists in "large discourse, looking before and after" ('Hamlet, ' 4:4). Compare the masculine expression אַנְשֵׁיאּחֲיִל in Exodus 18:21, 25, rendered, in King-James's version, "able men," and meaning capable or substantial men, who, however, as we learn from the additional characteristics that are specified, were to be likewise conspicuous for high moral worth. In Proverbs 31:10 there is the same reference to general capacity, as is evidenced by the graphic representation that follows - a representation that by no means exhausts itself in the idea of moral virtue. Ibn Ezra takes the whole soul out of the expression when he interprets it, both here and in Proverbs, as meaning "a woman possessed of riches." When Boaz says, "All that thou sayest I will do to thee," he means, "All that thou hast so winsomely and yet so modestly referred to in what thou didst say, I am prepared to do to thee. There was only one obstacle in the way, and that of a somewhat technical description. If that should be honorably surmounted, nothing would be more agreeable to Boaz s heart than to get nearer to Ruth "For," said he, "it is on all hands known in the gate of my people that," etc. Literally the phrase is, "for all the gate of my people know," a strange inverted but picturesque mode of expression. It was not "the gate of the people," but the people of the gate," that knew.

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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And now
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid,
תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י (tî·rə·’î)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

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

I will do
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for you
לָּ֑ךְ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

whatever
כֹּ֥ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you request,
תֹּאמְרִ֖י (tō·mə·rî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

since
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

my fellow townspeople
עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

know
יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

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

are a woman
אֵ֥שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of noble character.
חַ֖יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength


Additonal Resources
Ruth 3:11 Blue Letter Bible
Ruth 3:11 Bible Gateway
Ruth 3:11 Bible.com

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Ruth 3:11 Study Bible
Ruth 3:11 Biblia Paralela
Ruth 3:11 Chinese Bible
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Ruth 3:11 Catholic Bible

OT History: Ruth 3:11 Now my daughter don't be afraid (Ru Rut.)

Ruth 3:10
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