3:11a
And now: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And now introduces a new idea or subject. Here Boaz will make a promise to Ruth. The Berean Standard Bible is not using the English word now as a time word. Some translations leave this Hebrew word implicit. Introduce the next idea in a way that is natural in your language.
do not be afraid: This clause indicates that Boaz did not want Ruth to fear or worry. The next clause suggests that she might be afraid of what Boaz would do after her request.
my daughter: Boaz again addressed Ruth in a kind and polite way. See how you translated this phrase in 2:8a and 3:10a.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
do not fear (English Standard Version)
-or-
don’t worry (NET Bible)
3:11b
I will do for you whatever you request: This sentence gives the reason why Ruth did not need to be afraid. It showed that Boaz agreed to do what Ruth asked. By saying whatever you request, Boaz showed that he realized that he had to do more than marry Ruth. He showed that he was willing to perform all the duties of a kinsman-redeemer.
Here are some other ways to translate this sentence:
Everything you propose, I will do for you (TLV)
-or-
I will do whatever you say. (God’s Word)
-or-
I intend to do for you everything you propose (NET Bible)
3:11c
since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character: This statement gives the reason that Boaz was willing to do all that Ruth asked. Boaz was glad to marry Ruth because everyone knew that she had excellent character.
Here are some other ways to translate this statement:
for everyone in the village knows that you are a worthy woman (NET Bible)
-or-
because all the people in our town know you are a good woman (New Century Version)
all my fellow townspeople: This phrase is a general statement. It may not be true that every single person in the town knew about Ruth. Boaz meant that many people in the town of Bethlehem knew Ruth’s excellent character and faithfulness to Naomi, and they respected her.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
everyone in town (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the whole town (Revised English Bible)
a woman of noble character: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as noble character indicates here that Ruth was a woman who had a good, moral character and perhaps also had good abilities. It suggests that everyone in town respected her. Think about how your language would describe a woman like that. You might want to use a figure of speech.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
a very good woman (English Easy-to-Read Version)
-or-
what a fine woman you are (Revised English Bible)
-or-
a worthy woman (NET Bible)
-or-
You are respected by everyone in town. (Contemporary English Version)
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