Ruth 2:13
What does Ruth 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:13 means
Ruth responds by asking to continue in Boaz’s favor, acknowledging how his kind words have comforted her, though she is not even as one of his handmaidens. She knows her low status and marvels that she has received both tangible help and tender speech. Kindness spoken can heal shame; Ruth feels seen and valued. Her request is not grasping but humble, desiring only to remain under the favor that has already refreshed her. The dignity Boaz confers by his words anticipates the fuller acceptance and honor she will eventually receive within his household.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then she said, May I have grace in your eyes, my lord, for you have given me comfort, and you have said kind words to your servant, though I am not like one of your servants.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And she saith, `Let me find grace in thine eyes, my lord, because thou hast comforted me, and because thou hast spoken unto the heart of thy maid-servant, and I--I am not as one of thy maid-servants.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she said: I have found grace in thy eyes, my lord, who hast comforted me, and hast spoken to the heart of thy handmaid, who am not like to one of thy maids.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And she said, Let me find favour in thine eyes, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken kindly to thy handmaid, though I am not like one of thy handmaidens.
Context
After Boaz’s blessing (v. 12), Ruth’s reply seals the personal tone of their interaction. What began as protection and provision now includes comfort and inclusion. This prepares for the deepening of Boaz’s generosity at mealtime in verse 14. The narrative shifts from assurances to shared fellowship, showing that Ruth’s place among Boaz’s people is not merely functional but relational.
v.12Jehovah 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.
v.13This passage
v.14And at meal-time Boaz said unto her, Come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers, and they reached her parched grain, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left thereof.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:3
doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;
- 2 Samuel 16:4
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine is all that pertaineth unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I do obeisance; let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, O king.
- Genesis 33:8
And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.
- 1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, thy handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
- Proverbs 15:33
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honorgoethhumility.
- Genesis 33:15
And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find favor in the sight of my lord.
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