Ruth 2:13
New International Version
“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”

New Living Translation
“I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

English Standard Version
Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

Berean Standard Bible
“My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.”

King James Bible
Then 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.

New King James Version
Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

New American Standard Bible
Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not like one of your female servants.”

NASB 1995
Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

NASB 1977
Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then she said, “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken to the heart of your servant-woman, though I am not like one of your servant-women.”

Amplified Bible
Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not as one of your maidservants.”

Christian Standard Bible
“My lord,” she said, “I have found favor with you, for you have comforted and encouraged your servant, although I am not like one of your female servants.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My lord,” she said, “you have been so kind to me, for you have comforted and encouraged your slave, although I am not like one of your female servants.”

American Standard Version
Then 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.

Contemporary English Version
Ruth replied, "Sir, it's good of you to speak kindly to me and make me feel so welcome. I'm not even one of your servants."

English Revised Version
Then she said, Let me find grace in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken kindly unto thine handmaid, though I be not as one of thine handmaidens.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Ruth replied, "Sir, may your kindness to me continue. You have comforted me and reassured me, and I'm not even one of your own servants."

Good News Translation
Ruth answered, "You are very kind to me, sir. You have made me feel better by speaking gently to me, even though I am not the equal of one of your servants."

International Standard Version
She responded, "May I continue to find favor in your sight, sir, since you've been comforting me and you have spoken graciously to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants."

Majority Standard Bible
?My lord,? she said, ?may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.?

NET Bible
She said, "You really are being kind to me, sir, for you have reassured and encouraged me, your servant, even though I am not one of your servants!"

New Heart English Bible
Then she said, "Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your handmaid, though I am not as one of your handmaidens."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then she said, Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken kindly to thy handmaid, though I am not like to one of thy handmaidens.

World English Bible
Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not as one of your servants.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And she says, “Let me find grace in your eyes, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken to the heart of your maidservant, and I am not as one of your maidservants.”

Young's Literal Translation
And 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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will say, Shall I find favor in thine eyes, my lord? For thou didst comfort me, and that thou spakest to the heart of thy servant, and shall I not be as one of thy servants?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
She said, “I have found favor before your eyes, my lord, who has consoled me, and you have spoken to the heart of your handmaid, who is unlike one of your young women.”

New American Bible
She said, “May I prove worthy of your favor, my lord. You have comforted me. You have spoken to the heart of your servant —and I am not even one of your servants!”

New Revised Standard Version
Then she said, “May I continue to find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then she said to him, Because I have found favor in your sight, my lord, and you have comforted me and have spoken kindly to your handmaid, let me become like one of your maidservants.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And she said to him: “Because I have found favors in your eyes, my Lord, and you have comforted me, and you have filled up the heart of your Maid Servant, also I shall be as one of your Maid Servants!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then she said: 'Let me find favour in thy sight, my LORD; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken to the heart of thy handmaid, though I be not as one of thy handmaidens.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she said, Let me find grace in thy sight, my lord, because thou hast comforted me, and because thou hast spoken kindly to thy handmaid, and behold, I shall be as one of thy servants.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Boaz Meets Ruth
12May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.” 13“My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.” 14At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over.…

Cross References
Ruth 1:8-9
Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. / May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud

Ruth 3:9-11
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” / Then 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. / 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.

1 Samuel 1:18
“May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began to eat, and her face was no longer downcast.

1 Samuel 25:23-31
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. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. ...

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 Kings 4:13
and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / 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. ...

Isaiah 54:4-5
Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated. For you will forget the shame of your youth and will remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. / For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.

Isaiah 62:4-5
No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. / For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.

Matthew 5:3-12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. / Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ...

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 15:22-28
And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” / He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ...

Luke 1:46-55
Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, / and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! / For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. ...

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 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then she said, Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for that you have comforted me, and for that you have spoken friendly to your handmaid, though I be not like to one of your handmaidens.

Let me find.

Genesis 33:8,10,15
And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord…

Genesis 43:14
And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

1 Samuel 1:18
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

friendly [heb] to the heart

Genesis 34:3
And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

Judges 19:3
And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

not like

1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

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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














May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord
The phrase "May I continue to find favor" reflects Ruth's humble request for ongoing grace and acceptance. The Hebrew word for "favor" is "chen," which denotes grace, kindness, and acceptance. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the unmerited favor that God shows to His people. Ruth's plea is not just for temporary relief but for a sustained relationship of grace. The term "my lord" is a respectful address, acknowledging Boaz's authority and kindness. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where social hierarchies were respected, and it also shows Ruth's humility and gratitude.

she said
This simple phrase indicates Ruth's direct communication and personal engagement with Boaz. In the narrative, Ruth's voice is significant as it represents her agency and courage in a foreign land. Her willingness to speak up is a testament to her character and the trust she places in Boaz's integrity.

For you have comforted me
The word "comforted" in Hebrew is "nacham," which means to console or to bring relief. Ruth acknowledges the emotional and psychological support Boaz has provided. In the context of her vulnerable position as a foreign widow, Boaz's actions go beyond mere charity; they offer her a sense of security and belonging. This comfort is a reflection of God's providence and care, often mediated through human kindness.

and spoken kindly to your servant
The phrase "spoken kindly" translates from the Hebrew "dabar al lev," which literally means "to speak to the heart." This expression implies a deep, empathetic communication that goes beyond superficial politeness. Boaz's words have touched Ruth's heart, affirming her dignity and worth. The term "your servant" is "amah" in Hebrew, indicating Ruth's humble position and her willingness to serve. It also highlights the social dynamics of the time, where servitude was a common status, yet Ruth finds dignity in it through Boaz's kindness.

though I am not like one of your servant girls
Ruth acknowledges her outsider status with the phrase "though I am not like one of your servant girls." The Hebrew word for "servant girls" is "shiphchah," referring to female servants or maidservants. Ruth is aware of her Moabite identity, which sets her apart from the Israelite women. Her statement underscores the barriers she faces, yet it also highlights the extraordinary nature of Boaz's acceptance. This part of the verse speaks to the theme of inclusivity and God's love transcending ethnic and social boundaries, a recurring theme in the Bible that foreshadows the New Testament message of unity in Christ.

(13) Friendly.--Literally, unto the heart. The same phrase is rendered comfortably (Isaiah 40:2).

Verse 13. - May I continue to find favor, sir, in thine eyes, for indeed thou hast comforted me, and cheered the heart of thine handmaid, and yet I have not the position of one of thy maidens. To be one of his maidens was, in her estimation, to be in a most desirable condition. She could not aspire to that. But as he had spoken so graciously to her heart, and soothed its sorrows, she trusted he would still befriend her. אֶמְצָא should not be rendered, with the Vulgate, "I have found" (inveni); nor, with Tremellius and Junius, "I find" (in, ohio); but, with Piscator, optatively, "may I find" (inveniam), that is, "may I still find, may I continue to find. So Luther, Coverdale, and Michaelis. The courtesy-expression, rendered in King James's version "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי Mein-Herr or Men-sieur), is used, as Carpzov remarks, in "humility and civility."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“My lord,”
אֲדֹנִי֙ (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

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

“may I continue to find
אֶמְצָא־ (’em·ṣā-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

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

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

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you have comforted
נִֽחַמְתָּ֔נִי (ni·ḥam·tā·nî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

and spoken
דִבַּ֖רְתָּ (ḏib·bar·tā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

kindly
לֵ֣ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

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

your maidservant,
שִׁפְחָתֶ֑ךָ (šip̄·ḥā·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant

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

am
אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה (’eh·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

like one
כְּאַחַ֖ת (kə·’a·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-k | Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of your servant girls.”
שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ׃ (šip̄·ḥō·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant


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OT History: Ruth 2:13 Then she said Let me find favor (Ru Rut.)
Ruth 2:12
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