Ruth 2:12
What does Ruth 2:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:12 means
Boaz prays that Jehovah would repay Ruth’s work and grant her a full reward, because she has come to find refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. This image pictures God as a sheltering protector, welcoming even a Moabitess who trusts in Him. Boaz recognizes that Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi springs from deeper trust in Israel’s God. His prayer is both benediction and commitment—since he himself will become part of the answer by providing for her. This verse centers the chapter theologically: ultimate safety and recompense come from Jehovah, whose compassionate care for seekers of refuge is sure and tender.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Jehovah, the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Jehovah, the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord give you a reward for what you have done, and may a full reward be given to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take cover.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah doth recompense thy work, and thy reward is complete from Jehovah, God of Israel, under whose wings thou hast come to take refuge.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord render unto thee for thy work, and mayst thou receive a full reward of the Lord the God of Israel, to whom thou art come, and under whose wings thou art fled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah recompense thy work, and let thy reward be full from Jehovah theGod of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge.
Context
Following his recognition of Ruth’s sacrifices (v. 11), Boaz turns Godward, invoking divine recompense and protection. The “wings” metaphor frames Ruth’s story in terms of faith and refuge, elevating the narrative beyond mere human kindness. The blessing anticipates how Boaz’s ongoing generosity will embody God’s sheltering care. Ruth’s grateful reply in verse 13 will confirm that Boaz’s words have brought comfort as well as provision.
v.11And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thy husband; and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people that thou knewest not heretofore.
v.12This passage
v.13Then she said, Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken kindly unto thy handmaid, though I be not as one of thy handmaidens.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 24:19
For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore Jehovah reward thee good for that which thou hast done unto me this day.
- Psalms 58:11
So that men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.
- Hebrews 11:6
and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
- Hebrews 6:10
for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.
- Psalms 63:7
For thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
- Psalms 19:11
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward.
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