New International VersionAt this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
New Living TranslationRuth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”
English Standard VersionThen she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Berean Standard BibleAt this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”
King James BibleThen she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
New King James VersionSo she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
New American Standard BibleThen she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
NASB 1995Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
NASB 1977Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Legacy Standard BibleThen she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, though I am a foreigner?”
Amplified BibleThen she kneeled face downward, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should notice me, when I am a foreigner?”
Christian Standard BibleShe fell facedown, bowed to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor with you, so that you notice me, although I am a foreigner? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleShe bowed with her face to the ground and said to him, “Why are you so kind to notice me, although I am a foreigner?”
American Standard VersionThen she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found favor in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?
Contemporary English VersionRuth bowed down to the ground and said, "You know I come from another country. Why are you so good to me?"
English Revised VersionThen she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationRuth immediately bowed down to the ground and said to him, "Why are you so helpful? Why are you paying attention to me? I'm only a foreigner."
Good News TranslationRuth bowed down with her face touching the ground, and said to Boaz, "Why should you be so concerned about me? Why should you be so kind to a foreigner?"
International Standard VersionAt this she fell prostrate, bowing low to the ground, and asked him, "Why is it that you're showing me kindness by noticing me, since I'm a foreigner?"
NET BibleRuth knelt before him with her forehead to the ground and said to him, "Why are you so kind and so attentive to me, even though I am a foreigner?"
New Heart English BibleThen she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, since I am a foreigner?"
Webster's Bible TranslationThen she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, Why have I found grace in thy eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”
World English BibleThen she fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, since I am a foreigner?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she falls on her face, and bows herself to the earth, and says to him, “Why have I found grace in your eyes, to discern me, and I a stranger?”
Young's Literal Translation And she falleth on her face, and boweth herself to the earth, and saith unto him, 'Wherefore have I found grace in thine eyes, to discern me, and I a stranger?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd she will fall upon her face and worship to the earth, and she will say to him, Wherefore did I find favor in thine eyes, and thou didst recognize me, and I a stranger? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShe fell on her face and worshipping upon the ground, said to him: Whence cometh this to me, that I should find grace before thy eyes, and that thou shouldst vouchsafe to take notice of me a woman of another country?
Catholic Public Domain VersionShe, falling on her face and paying homage on the ground, said to him: “How did this happen to me, that I should find favor before your eyes, and that you would condescend to accept me, a foreign woman?”
New American BibleCasting herself prostrate upon the ground, she said to him, “Why should I, a foreigner, be favored with your attention?”
New Revised Standard VersionThen she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen she fell on her face to the ground, and made obeisance to him, and said, Is it because I have found grace in your eyes, that you should recognize me, seeing that I am a stranger?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd she fell on her face on the ground and she bowed to him and she said: “Why have I found favors in your eyes, to recognize me that I am a foreigner? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then she fell on her face, and bowed down to the ground, and said unto him: 'Why have I found favour in thy sight, that thou shouldest take cognizance of me, seeing I am a foreigner?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd she fell upon her face, and did reverence to the ground, and said to him, How is it that I have found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take notice of me, whereas I am a stranger?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Boaz Meets Ruth… 9Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.” 10At this, she fellonher face,bowing lowto the ground,and saidto him,“Whyhave I foundsuch favorin your eyesthat you should take notice of me,even though I ama foreigner?”11Boaz replied, “I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, and how you came to a people you did not know before.…
Cross References Genesis 19:19Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.
Exodus 33:13Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.”
1 Samuel 25:23-24When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.
2 Samuel 9:8Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”
2 Samuel 14:22Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.”
1 Kings 3:6Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
2 Kings 8:13“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
Psalm 8:4what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
Psalm 144:3O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?
Isaiah 56:3Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.”
Matthew 15:27“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Matthew 25:37-40Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? / When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? / When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ ...
Luke 1:43And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Luke 7:6-7So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. / That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Luke 17:15-18When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. / He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan. / “Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where then are the other nine? ...
Treasury of Scripture Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, Why have I found grace in your eyes, that you should take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? fell Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he sawthem, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 1 Samuel 25:23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, Why have Ruth 2:2,13 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn afterhim in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter… 2 Samuel 9:8 And he bowed himself, and said, Whatis thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as Iam? 2 Samuel 19:28 For allof my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? seeing Isaiah 56:3-8 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, Iam a dry tree… Matthew 15:22-28 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord,thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil… Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Jump to Previous AttentionBowedBowingCognizanceEarthExclaimedEyesHerselfNoticeRegardShouldestShouldstSightStrangeStrangerJump to Next AttentionBowedBowingCognizanceEarthExclaimedEyesHerselfNoticeRegardShouldestShouldstSightStrangeStrangerRuth 2 1.Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz4.Boaz takes notice of her8.and shows her great favor18.That which she got, she carries to NaomiAt this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the groundThis act of humility and reverence is significant in the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where bowing was a common gesture of respect and submission. Ruth's actions demonstrate her gratitude and acknowledgment of Boaz's authority and kindness. This mirrors other biblical instances of bowing, such as Abraham's servant bowing in Genesis 24:26, showing a deep respect and recognition of divine providence. and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes
Ruth's question highlights her surprise and humility at receiving kindness from Boaz. The concept of "favor" is often associated with grace and unmerited kindness, reflecting God's grace towards humanity. This echoes the theme of divine favor found inGenesis 6:8, where Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, suggesting a parallel between Ruth's situation and God's grace. that you should take notice of me
Boaz's attention to Ruth is significant, as it reflects God's care for the marginalized and the outsider. This phrase underscores the biblical theme of God's concern for the vulnerable, as seen inDeuteronomy 10:18, where God defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow. Boaz's actions prefigure Christ's ministry, where He often took notice of and ministered to those society overlooked. even though I am a foreigner?”
Ruth's identity as a Moabite is crucial, as Moabites were often viewed with suspicion and hostility by Israelites due to historical enmity (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). Her inclusion in the community of Israel through Boaz's kindness foreshadows the New Testament message of the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, as seen inEphesians 2:12-13. Ruth's story is a testament to God's redemptive plan that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, pointing to the ultimate reconciliation found in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by leaving her homeland to live in Bethlehem. Her account is one of faithfulness and redemption. 2. BoazA wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's late husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God, playing a pivotal role in Ruth's life. 3. BethlehemThe town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth return to after the famine in Moab. It is significant as the setting for much of the Book of Ruth and later as the birthplace of Jesus. 4. NaomiRuth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She represents the transition from bitterness to hope. 5. The HarvestThe setting of Ruth 2, where Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz. It symbolizes God's provision and the unfolding of His plan for Ruth and Naomi. Teaching Points Humility and GratitudeRuth 2:10 shows Ruth's humility and gratitude when she asks, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?" Her response is a model for how we should approach God's grace in our lives. God's ProvidenceThe account of Ruth and Boaz illustrates God's providence and care for those who trust in Him. Even in difficult circumstances, God is at work, orchestrating events for our good. Kindness and GenerosityBoaz's treatment of Ruth demonstrates the importance of kindness and generosity. As Christians, we are called to reflect God's love by caring for others, especially the vulnerable. Faithfulness in RelationshipsRuth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to work hard in the fields show the importance of faithfulness in our relationships. This commitment is a reflection of God's faithfulness to us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Ruth 2:10?
2.How does Ruth 2:10 demonstrate humility and gratitude in Ruth's character?
3.What can we learn from Ruth's response to Boaz about receiving grace?
4.How does Ruth 2:10 connect to God's provision in Philippians 4:19?
5.How can we apply Ruth's humility in our daily interactions with others?
6.What does Ruth's question reveal about her understanding of God's favor and kindness?
7.Why does Ruth find favor in Boaz's eyes despite being a foreigner?
8.How does Ruth 2:10 illustrate God's providence and grace?
9.What cultural norms are challenged by Ruth's acceptance in Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 2?
11.What does "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly" mean?
12.Ruth 2:2-3 - Is it historically plausible that a foreign widow could freely glean in a stranger's field with no social or legal barriers?
13.Does Ezra 9:2 contradict the acceptance of foreign converts in other passages of Scripture, such as the story of Ruth?
14.Why does Nehemiah 10:30 emphasize not intermarrying with neighboring peoples, when other passages (e.g., the Book of Ruth) show positive outcomes from such unions?What Does Ruth 2:10 Mean At thisBoaz has just spoken words of provision and protection (Ruth 2:8-9). The phrase signals Ruth’s immediate, heartfelt reaction. • The moment captures God’s providence in real time, much like Joseph recognizing God’s hand inGenesis 45:7-8. •Romans 8:28 reminds us that the Lord “works all things together for the good” of those who love Him—Ruth is experiencing that promise firsthand.
she fell on her faceHer first response is physical surrender. • Abram did the same when God spoke covenant promises (Genesis 17:3). • Joshua bowed before the Commander of the LORD’s army (Joshua 5:14). • Such posture declares, “You are greater; I am dependent.”
bowing low to the groundThe repeated description intensifies her humility. •Psalm 95:6 invites, “Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” •James 4:10 calls believers to “humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Ruth models that humility.
and said to himGratitude must be voiced. • One healed leper returned “and fell facedown at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him” (Luke 17:15-16). • Thankfulness completes the circle of grace received and grace acknowledged.
“Why have I found such favor in your eyes”Ruth marvels at unearned kindness—pure grace. • Noah “found favor in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8), setting a biblical pattern of grace preceding merit. •Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation, too, is “by grace…not from yourselves.”
“that you should take notice of me”She recognizes personal attention from one far above her station. • David asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4). • Mary rejoiced that God “has been mindful of the humble state of His servant” (Luke 1:48). • Boaz’s notice foreshadows Christ’s compassion for the overlooked (John 4:7-10).
“even though I am a foreigner?”Ruth’s Moabite identity underscores the barrier grace has crossed. • Israel was told to love the foreigner, “for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). • In Christ, “you who were foreigners…have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13). •Galatians 3:28 celebrates that in Jesus ethnic walls crumble.
summaryRuth 2:10 paints a vivid picture of humble amazement before lavish grace. Overwhelmed, Ruth throws herself to the ground, acknowledges Boaz’s unmerited favor, and marvels that an outsider like her has been noticed. The verse highlights timeless truths: God exalts the lowly, extends grace beyond expected boundaries, and personally sees those who seem least likely to receive attention. What Ruth experienced in Boaz, every believer experiences in an even fuller way through Christ. (10) A stranger.--A foreigner. Note, however, that the Moabite language, though having its own peculiarities, really differed but little from Hebrew, as may be seen, for instance, from the famous inscription of King Mesha discovered in the land of Moab in 1868. Verse 10. - RUTH did not seize the opportunity for bewailing the hardship of the lot to which she had been reduced, and which now constrained her to undertake a species of work which at one time she little anticipated. With beautiful humility and modesty, and in the profoundest gratitude, she accepted wonderingly the kindness of Boaz. And she fell on her face. A rather remarkable expression, physiologically viewed. Her face was part of herself. How then could she fall on it? It was part of that which fell, and yet she is said to fall upon ( עַל) it, as if it had been underneath the self-hood that fell. It was what was undermost as she bowed herself, so that the pressure of the sum-total of the body fell on it as she gracefully stooped. And prostrated herself to the ground. Thus completing, and doubtless in no sprawling or clumsy way, her respectful obeisance. Her face would be made, with aesthetic delicacy of movement, to touch the ground. Wherefore have I found favor in thine eyes; She was surprised, amazed, bewildered. So that thou takest notice of me, and I a stranger! Boaz had done far more than merely rake notice of her. But, with equal gratitude and felicity, she specifies not the culminating acts of kindness, but the very first step that her benefactor had taken. He began by taking notice of her. There is an interesting paranomasia in the two words הַכִּירֵנִי and נָכְרִיָּה. A foreigner, though unknown, and just indeed because unknown, is naturally noted and noticed.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew At this, she fellוַתִּפֹּל֙(wat·tip·pōl)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, lieonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsther face,פָּנֶ֔יהָ(pā·ne·hā)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6440:The facebowing lowוַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ(wat·tiš·ta·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7812:To depress, prostrateto the ground,אָ֑רְצָה(’ā·rə·ṣāh)Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landand saidוַתֹּ֣אמֶר(wat·tō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto him,אֵלָ֗יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Whyמַדּוּעַ֩(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?have I foundמָצָ֨אתִי(mā·ṣā·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentsuch favorחֵ֤ן(ḥên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580:Graciousness, subjective, objectivein your eyesבְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙(bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainthat you should take notice of me,לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי(lə·hak·kî·rê·nî)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5234:To regard, recognizeeven though I [am]וְאָּנֹכִ֖י(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Ia foreigner?”נָכְרִיָּֽה׃(nā·ḵə·rî·yāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 5237:Foreign, alien
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OT History: Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face (Ru Rut.) |
