2:10a
At this: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as At this indicates that Ruth’s actions and words are the results of what Boaz said in 2:8–9. Some languages may not need a conjunction to connect these verses because the relationship between them will seem obvious. In other languages, it may be natural to use a conjunction such as “So” or “Then.”
she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground: Ruth probably knelt down, then bowed forward until her forehead touched the ground. She was doing this to show respect and gratefulness. If Ruth’s purpose for bowing like this is not clear, you may need to supply some information.
Here are some ways to make the purpose clear:
she ⌊humbly⌋ bowed down to the ground
2:10b
and said to him: Ruth asked a question in response to what Boaz had said to her. Use a word that is natural for this in your language.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
She asked him
-or-
She replied
Why have I found such favor in your eyes: The Hebrew phrase that means “to find favor in [someone’s] eyes” is an idiom that means “to receive approval, favor, or goodwill from a person.” This favor would normally be expressed in kind acts toward the person receiving approval. See how you translated the similar phrase in 2:2b.
Ruth was asking Boaz to tell her the reason why he would be so kind to her. This was a real, and not a rhetorical, question. That is shown by the fact that Boaz answered it.
Here are some other ways to translate this question:
Why are you so kind as to take notice of me (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Why are you so kind and attentive to me (NET Bible)
-or-
What have I done to deserve such kindness (New Living Translation (2004))
that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as take notice of means “give attention to” or “to regard with care/concern.” Ruth was amazed that Boaz was treating her so kindly, even though she was foreigner from Moab.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
when I am just a foreigner (Revised English Bible)
-or-
since I am a foreigner (English Standard Version)
-or-
I am not an Israelite. (New Century Version)
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