King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:11 Mean?

Ruth 3:11 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ruth 3:11 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

13

Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Assurance: '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'. Boaz commits to fulfill her request, addressing her fears and promising action. His reference to her reputation—'all the city...doth know thou art a virtuous woman' (eshet chayil, אֵשֶׁת חַיִל, 'woman of valor/worth')—shows Ruth's character was publicly recognized. The same phrase describes the Proverbs 31 woman, establishing Ruth as biblical ideal of godly womanhood. Her consistent faithfulness, diligent work, and covenant loyalty earned community-wide respect, removing any scandal from this nighttime encounter.

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Historical & Cultural Context

That 'all the city' knew Ruth's character demonstrates how authentic Christian testimony becomes visible through consistent life witness. Ruth's several months of faithful gleaning, care for Naomi, and proper conduct had established reputation protecting her from malicious interpretation of this encounter. Ancient communities where everyone knew everyone's business made such reputation crucial. Boaz's public reference to her virtue shows he had no concern about scandal—her known character protected against misunderstanding. The phrase eshet chayil honored Ruth with highest commendation available for women in ancient Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's established reputation demonstrate the importance of consistent Christian witness over time?
  2. What does the phrase 'woman of valor' teach about biblical womanhood transcending cultural stereotypes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 18
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

בִּתִּי֙2 of 18

“And now my daughter”

H1323

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

אַל3 of 18
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י4 of 18

“fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כֹּ֥ל5 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּֽאמְרִ֖י7 of 18

“to thee all that thou requirest”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה8 of 18

“not I will do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֑ךְ9 of 18
H0
כִּ֤י10 of 18
H3588

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

יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙11 of 18

“doth know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל12 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שַׁ֣עַר13 of 18

“for all the city”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

עַמִּ֔י14 of 18

“of my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּ֛י15 of 18
H3588

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

אֵ֥שֶׁת16 of 18

“woman”

H802

a woman

חַ֖יִל17 of 18

“that thou art a virtuous”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אָֽתְּ׃18 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 31:29-31Proverbs 31:10Proverbs 12:4

Test Your Knowledge

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