King James Version

What Does Ruth 2:13 Mean?

Ruth 2:13 in the King James Version says “Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken ...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Let me: or, I find friendly: Heb. to the heart”

Ruth 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore .

12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

13

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. Let me: or, I find friendly: Heb. to the heart

14

And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

15

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: reproach: Heb. shame her not

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ruth responds with deeper humility: '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'. The phrase 'find favour' again uses chen (grace), showing Ruth's continued recognition that kindness shown is unmerited. Boaz's words have 'comforted' (nichamtani)—literally brought consolation and encouragement. The phrase 'spoken friendly' translates dibbar'ta al-lev, literally 'spoken to the heart'—the same idiom used for comforting words that reach the emotions (Genesis 34:3; 50:21; Hosea 2:14). Boaz's kindness has touched Ruth's heart profoundly. Her self-designation as 'thine handmaid' acknowledges the social gap, yet her final statement— 'though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens'—recognizes she doesn't even have the status of his actual servants. As foreign gleaner, she ranks below his employed workers, making his grace even more remarkable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean agricultural economies included complex servant hierarchies. Household servants enjoyed greater security and status than day laborers or gleaners. Ruth correctly identifies herself as below even Boaz's regular staff—she's a foreign gleaner without employment security or household belonging. Her recognition of this status demonstrates accurate self-assessment without false humility. The phrase 'spoken to the heart' appears in contexts of deep emotional connection and comfort, particularly when powerful people condescend to encourage the lowly. That Ruth finds Boaz's words so comforting indicates her vulnerability and isolation as foreign widow—kind words from a respected community leader provide profound emotional support beyond mere material provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's continued humility despite receiving favor model the proper response to God's grace?
  2. What does Boaz's speaking 'to the heart' teach about how Christian encouragement should touch emotions, not merely convey information?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַ֠תֹּאמֶר1 of 17

“Then she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶמְצָא2 of 17

“Let me find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

חֵ֨ן3 of 17

“favour”

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

בְּעֵינֶ֤יךָ4 of 17

“in thy sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֲדֹנִי֙5 of 17

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

כִּ֣י6 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִֽחַמְתָּ֔נִי7 of 17

“for that thou hast comforted”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

וְכִ֥י8 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

דִבַּ֖רְתָּ9 of 17

“me and for that thou hast spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עַל10 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֵ֣ב11 of 17

“friendly”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ׃12 of 17

“of thine handmaidens”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

וְאָֽנֹכִי֙13 of 17
H595

i

לֹ֣א14 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה15 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּאַחַ֖ת16 of 17

“though I be not like unto one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ׃17 of 17

“of thine handmaidens”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 1:18Genesis 33:8Genesis 34:3Genesis 33:102 Samuel 16:4Philippians 2:3

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