King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:10 Mean?

Ruth 3:10 in the King James Version says “And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the ...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.”

Ruth 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

And it came to pass at midnight , that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. turned: or, took hold on

9

And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. a near: or, one that hath right to redeem

10

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

11

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. city: Heb. gate

12

And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Boaz's response: 'Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning'. Boaz blesses Ruth, recognizing her actions as chesed (covenant loyalty). The phrase 'more kindness...than at the beginning' compares her commitment to Naomi (chapter 1) with this new demonstration of chesed—she could have sought a younger, wealthier husband but chose the kinsman-redeemer, prioritizing family line and Naomi's welfare over personal advantage. 'Inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich' acknowledges age difference and Ruth's preference for covenant fidelity over romantic attraction or financial benefit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient marriage customs typically involved young women marrying men of their fathers' generation, making age differences common. However, Ruth as widow had more freedom to choose. Boaz's recognition that Ruth 'followed not young men' suggests he was significantly older—perhaps Elimelech's generation. Ruth's choice of covenant-appropriate marriage over potentially more attractive options demonstrated that her conversion to Israel's God included embracing Israel's values and covenant structures. Her chesed extended to preserving Elimelech's line and securing Naomi's future, not merely her own happiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ruth's covenant-based choice over personal preference teach about Christian decision-making?
  2. How does this illustrate prioritizing kingdom purposes over personal advantage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 18

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּרוּכָ֨ה2 of 18

“Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אַ֤תְּ3 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לַֽיהוָה֙4 of 18

“be thou of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּתִּ֔י5 of 18

“my daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ6 of 18

“for thou hast shewed”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ7 of 18

“more kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

הָאַֽחֲר֖וֹן8 of 18

“in the latter end”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

מִן9 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽרִאשׁ֑וֹן10 of 18

“than at the beginning”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לְבִלְתִּי11 of 18

“not”

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

לֶ֗כֶת12 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵי֙13 of 18
H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַבַּ֣חוּרִ֔ים14 of 18

“young men”

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

אִם15 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

דַּ֖ל16 of 18

“whether poor”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וְאִם17 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עָשִֽׁיר׃18 of 18

“or rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 2:201 Corinthians 13:4-5Ruth 2:4Ruth 1:8

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