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.

◄ Ruth 3:11 ►

New International Version
And now, my daughter, don’t 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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
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.

NASB 1995
“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.

NASB 1977
“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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Don't worry, I'll do what you have asked. You are respected by everyone in town.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
Now don't worry, Ruth. I will do everything you ask; as everyone in town knows, you are a fine woman.

International Standard Version
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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
Now rest assured, my daughter, I will do for you whatever you say; all my townspeople know you to be a worthy woman.

New Revised Standard Version
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.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman
…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. 11And 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. 12Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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

Proverbs 31:29-31
“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.

1 Peter 3:4
but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 31:25
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:28
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

1 Timothy 2:9-10
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.

Proverbs 31:11-12
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.

Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

1 Peter 3:1-2
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.

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

1 Timothy 5:10
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.

Proverbs 31:27
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

1 Timothy 5:25
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

Treasury of Scripture

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

Proverbs 12:4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 31:10,29-31
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…

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Ruth 3

1. By Naomi's instruction
5. Ruth lies at Boaz's feet
8. Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman
14. He sends her away with six measures of barley

Berean Study Bible

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 Proverbs 31 description of a virtuous woman, highlighting the timeless value of godly character.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) City.--Literally, gate: the constant meeting-place of persons going in and out. (See Genesis 19:1; Genesis 34:20; Genesis 34:24; Deuteronomy 16:18; Deuteronomy 21:19, &c.)

Pulpit Commentary

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 Proverbs 12:4, where, in King James's version, it is, as here and in Proverbs 31:10, 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 Exodus 18:21, 25, 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 Proverbs 31:10 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And now
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid,
תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י (tî·rə·’î)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

my daughter.
בִּתִּי֙ (bit·tî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

I will do
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for you
לָּ֑ךְ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

whatever
כֹּ֥ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you request,
תֹּאמְרִ֖י (tō·mə·rî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

since
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

my fellow townspeople
עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

know
יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you
אָֽתְּ׃ (’āt)
Pronoun - second person feminine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are a woman
אֵ֥שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of noble character.
חַ֖יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

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OT History: Ruth 3:11 Now my daughter don't be afraid (Ru Rut.)