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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ruth 3:11 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ruth/3-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/08_Rut_03_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ruth 3:11 - Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ruth/3-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ruth/3-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ruth/">Ruth</a> > <a href="/ruth/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ruth/3-10.htm" title="Ruth 3:10">◄</a> Ruth 3:11 <a href="/ruth/3-12.htm" title="Ruth 3:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ruth/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ruth/3.htm">New International Version</a> And now, my daughter, don&#8217t 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. <a href="/nlt/ruth/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/ruth/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/ruth/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/ruth/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ruth/3.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/ruth/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/ruth/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now, 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. <a href="/nasb77/ruth/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “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. <a href="/lsb/ruth/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/ruth/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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. <a href="/csb/ruth/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/ruth/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now don&#8217t 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. <a href="/asv/ruth/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ruth/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't worry, I'll do what you have asked. You are respected by everyone in town. <a href="/erv/ruth/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/ruth/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/ruth/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now don't worry, Ruth. I will do everything you ask; as everyone in town knows, you are a fine woman. <a href="/isv/ruth/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/ruth/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/ruth/3.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/ruth/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/ruth/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/ruth/3.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ruth/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/ylt/ruth/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/ruth/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ruth/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/ruth/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/ruth/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Now rest assured, my daughter, I will do for you whatever you say; all my townspeople know you to be a worthy woman. <a href="/nrsvce/ruth/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ruth/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hpbt/ruth/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> 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<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ruth/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/ruth/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/ruth/3-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LT1nlCXT1mU?start=596" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ruth/3.htm">Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman</a> …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. 11<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">And now</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rə·’î (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bit·tî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">my daughter.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ’e·‘ĕ·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I will do</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">whatever</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: tō·mə·rî (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you request,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">my fellow townspeople</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: ša·‘ar (N-msc) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’āt (Pro-2fs) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’ê·šeṯ (N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">are a woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">of noble character.</a> 12Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a> A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. <a href="/proverbs/31-29.htm">Proverbs 31:29-31</a> “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” / Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. / Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates. <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">1 Peter 3:4</a> but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Proverbs 12:4</a> A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. <a href="/proverbs/31-25.htm">Proverbs 31:25</a> Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Proverbs 31:28</a> Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">1 Timothy 2:9-10</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Proverbs 31:11-12</a> The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. <a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20</a> She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Proverbs 31:26</a> She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-2</a> Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a> Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">1 Timothy 5:10</a> and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Proverbs 31:27</a> She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. <a href="/1_timothy/5-25.htm">1 Timothy 5:25</a> In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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<a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Proverbs 12:4</a> A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.<a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10,29-31</a> Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ruth/3-8.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">Character</a> <a href="/ruth/2-18.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/20-3.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-29.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/judges/5-13.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/judges/20-5.htm">Townsmen</a> <a href="/judges/5-23.htm">Townspeople</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Virtue</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Virtuous</a> <a href="/ruth/3-5.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm">Worth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-2.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/3-15.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Character</a> <a href="/ruth/3-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-8.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ruth/3-16.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/job/4-21.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-26.htm">Townsmen</a> <a href="/luke/7-13.htm">Townspeople</a> <a href="/psalms/7-8.htm">Virtue</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Virtuous</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-23.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Worth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Ruth 3</div>1. <a href="/ruth/3-1.htm">By Naomi's instruction</a> 5. <a href="/ruth/3-5.htm">Ruth lies at Boaz's feet</a> 8. <a href="/ruth/3-8.htm">Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman</a> 14. <a href="/ruth/3-14.htm">He sends her away with six measures of barley</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ruth/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>And now, my daughter This phrase signifies a transition and a personal address. "And now" indicates a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Boaz is about to make a significant promise. The term "my daughter" is a term of endearment and respect, reflecting Boaz's protective and caring attitude towards Ruth. In the Hebrew context, this phrase underscores the familial bond and the cultural practice of caring for one's kin, even if they are not directly related by blood.do not be afraid This comforting command is a reassurance from Boaz to Ruth. In the Hebrew tradition, fear often accompanies uncertainty and vulnerability, especially for a foreign widow like Ruth. Boaz's words echo God's frequent assurances to His people throughout Scripture, reminding us of His sovereignty and care. This phrase highlights the theme of divine providence and protection that runs throughout the Book of Ruth.I will do for you whatever you request Boaz's promise here is one of action and commitment. The Hebrew root for "do" (עשׂה, 'asah) implies not just a passive agreement but an active fulfillment of a promise. This reflects Boaz's integrity and willingness to go beyond mere obligation. His readiness to fulfill Ruth's request is a testament to his character and foreshadows the redemptive work that he will undertake, mirroring the redemptive work of Christ.since all my fellow townspeople know This phrase indicates the communal aspect of life in ancient Israel. The Hebrew culture was deeply communal, and one's reputation was a public matter. The phrase suggests that Ruth's character was not just known to Boaz but was recognized and respected by the entire community. This communal acknowledgment is crucial in understanding the social dynamics and the importance of reputation in biblical times.that you are a woman of noble character The term "noble character" (חַיִל, chayil) in Hebrew is rich with meaning, often translated as "virtuous," "worthy," or "excellent." It denotes strength, capability, and moral integrity. Ruth's character is a central theme in the narrative, and this acknowledgment by Boaz and the townspeople elevates her status from a foreigner to a respected member of the community. This phrase aligns with the <a href="/proverbs/31.htm">Proverbs 31</a> description of a virtuous woman, highlighting the timeless value of godly character.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ruth/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) City.--Literally, gate: the constant meeting-place of persons going in and out. (See <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm" title="And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;">Genesis 19:1</a>; <a href="/genesis/34-20.htm" title="And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,">Genesis 34:20</a>; <a href="/genesis/34-24.htm" title="And to Hamor and to Shechem his son listened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.">Genesis 34:24</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm" title="Judges and officers shall you make you in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, throughout your tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.">Deuteronomy 16:18</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/21-19.htm" title="Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out to the elders of his city, and to the gate of his place;">Deuteronomy 21:19</a>, &c.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ruth/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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 <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Proverbs 12:4</a>, where, in King James's version, it is, as here and in <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a>, 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 <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21, 25</a>, 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 <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a> 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. <a href="/commentaries/ruth/3-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And now וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be afraid, תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י (tî·rə·’î) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten my daughter. בִּתִּי֙ (bit·tî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter I will do אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make for you לָּ֑ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> whatever כֹּ֥ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every you request, תֹּאמְרִ֖י (tō·mə·rî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say since כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every my fellow townspeople עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock know יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you אָֽתְּ׃ (’āt) Pronoun - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are a woman אֵ֥שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female of noble character. חַ֖יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">OT History: Ruth 3:11 Now my daughter don't be afraid (Ru Rut.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ruth/3-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ruth 3:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ruth 3:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ruth/3-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ruth 3:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ruth 3:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>