Ruth 2:10 At 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?"

◄ Ruth 2:10 ►

New International Version
At 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 Translation
Ruth 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 Version
Then 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 Bible
At 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 Bible
Then 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 Version
So 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 Bible
Then 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 1995
Then 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 1977
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Bible
She 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 Bible
She 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 Version
Then 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 Version
Ruth bowed down to the ground and said, "You know I come from another country. Why are you so good to me?"

English Revised Version
Then 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® Translation
Ruth 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 Translation
Ruth 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 Version
At 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?"

Majority Standard Bible
At 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?”

NET Bible
Ruth 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 Bible
Then 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 Translation
Then 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?

World English Bible
Then 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 Version
And 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 Translation
And 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 Bible
She 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 Version
She, 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 Bible
Casting herself prostrate upon the ground, she said to him, “Why should I, a foreigner, be favored with your attention?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Translated
And 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 1917
Then 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 Translation
And 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 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?” 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 19:19
Your 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 33:13
Now 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 25:23-24
When 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 9:8
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”

2 Samuel 14:22
Joab 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 3:6
Solomon 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 8:4
what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?

Psalm 144:3
O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?

Isaiah 56:3
Let 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 25:37-40
Then 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 1:43
And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Luke 7:6-7
So 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 17:15-18
When 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 saw them, 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 after him 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, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

2 Samuel 19:28
For all of 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, I am 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:

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Ruth 2

1. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz
4. Boaz takes notice of her
8. and shows her great favor
18. That which she got, she carries to Naomi

Berean Study Bible

At this
This phrase indicates a reaction to the preceding events. Ruth has just received unexpected kindness from Boaz, a man of standing in Bethlehem. The context is crucial; Ruth, a Moabite widow, is gleaning in the fields to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. The phrase sets the stage for Ruth's humble response, highlighting the cultural and social dynamics at play. In ancient Israel, gleaning was a provision for the poor, but Ruth's status as a foreigner made her position even more precarious.

she fell on her face
This action is a profound gesture of humility and gratitude. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, falling on one's face was a sign of deep respect and submission. It reflects Ruth's acknowledgment of Boaz's authority and her appreciation for his kindness. This act of humility is consistent with Ruth's character throughout the book, demonstrating her respect for the customs and people of Israel.

bowing low to the ground
This phrase further emphasizes Ruth's humility and respect. Bowing low was a common practice in the ancient world to show honor and deference, especially to someone of higher social standing. Ruth's actions here are not just about cultural norms but also reflect her personal character and the sincerity of her gratitude.

and said to him
Ruth's verbal response is as significant as her physical actions. Her willingness to speak directly to Boaz, despite her status as a foreigner and a widow, shows her courage and the depth of her gratitude. It also sets the stage for the dialogue that follows, which is central to the development of the narrative.

Why have I found such favor in your eyes
The word "favor" here is key. In Hebrew, the word is "chen," which denotes grace, kindness, or favor. Ruth is astonished by the grace she has received, which she perceives as unmerited. This reflects a broader biblical theme of grace—unearned favor bestowed by God or others. Ruth's question underscores her awareness of her outsider status and her surprise at being treated with such kindness.

that you should take notice of me
Ruth is aware of her lowly position and the improbability of receiving attention from someone like Boaz. The phrase "take notice" implies a deliberate act of kindness and recognition. In the cultural context, Boaz's attention to Ruth is extraordinary, as she is not only a widow but also a Moabite, a member of a nation often at odds with Israel.

though I am a foreigner?
This phrase highlights Ruth's identity and the barriers she faces. As a Moabite, Ruth is an outsider in Israel, both culturally and religiously. Her acknowledgment of her foreign status is significant, as it underscores the theme of inclusion and God's providence that runs throughout the book of Ruth. Despite her foreignness, Ruth is integrated into the community and ultimately into the lineage of David and Jesus, illustrating the inclusive nature of God's plan.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

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 fell
וַתִּפֹּל֙ (wat·tip·pōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

her face,
פָּנֶ֔יהָ (pā·ne·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

bowing low
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ (wat·tiš·ta·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

to the ground,
אָ֑רְצָה (’ā·rə·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and said
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to him,
אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

“Why
מַדּוּעַ֩ (mad·dū·a‘)
Interrogative
Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason?

have I found
מָצָ֨אתִי (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 present

such favor
חֵ֤ן (ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective

in your eyes
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

that 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, recognize

even though I [am]
וְאָּנֹכִ֖י‪‬‪‬ (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

a 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.)