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?
RUTH 2:10KJVWhat does Ruth 2:10 mean?
Ruth 2:10 shows Ruth reacting with deep humility and gratitude when Boaz treats her kindly, even though she is a foreigner. Ruth falls to the ground and asks Boaz why he has shown her such favor and noticed her, given that she is a stranger in his land.
In this verse, Ruth is speaking directly to Boaz in the fields outside Bethlehem. Ruth, a Moabite widow, has come to glean leftover grain to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Boaz, a respected landowner, has just spoken kindly to her and offered protection, prompting Ruth’s surprised and humble response.
The Hebrew behind Ruth 2:10
- "Grace" (חֵן, ḥēn): This word means favor, kindness, or acceptance. Ruth is amazed that Boaz would show her this kind of undeserved kindness, especially as an outsider.
- "Stranger" (נָכְרִי, nokhrī): This word refers to someone who is foreign or not part of the local community. Ruth’s use of this term highlights her awareness of her outsider status and deepens the sense of surprise at Boaz’s generosity.
- "Take knowledge" (נָכַר, nākar): This verb means to notice, recognize, or pay special attention to someone. Ruth is struck that Boaz has not just allowed her to glean, but has truly noticed and cared for her situation.
Why Ruth 2:10 matters
- Ruth’s question highlights her humility and sense of unworthiness, which sets the tone for her character throughout the book.
- The verse draws attention to the theme of kindness to outsiders, a key idea in the story of Ruth and in the broader biblical narrative.
- This moment marks a turning point in Ruth’s relationship with Boaz, showing the beginnings of trust and mutual respect that will shape the rest of the story.