What does Ruth 2:10 mean?
"Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?" - Ruth 2:10
Ruth 2:10 in the King James Version reads: "Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?"
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful story of faith, loyalty, and redemption. This particular verse comes from the moment when Ruth, a Moabite woman, encounters Boaz, a wealthy landowner and kinsman of her deceased husband. Ruth, widowed and without a male protector, seeks the kindness of Boaz as she gleans in his fields to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
The verse showcases Ruth's humility and gratitude as she acknowledges the favor she has found in the eyes of Boaz. It highlights the respect and reverence she has for him as a wealthy and powerful man. There are several significant themes and contextual elements at play in this verse, as well as layers of symbolism.
One of the main themes in this verse is the theme of grace. Ruth recognizes that she has found grace or favor in the eyes of Boaz. In biblical terms, grace refers to the unmerited favor and kindness shown by God to humanity. Ruth's acknowledgment of the grace she has found in Boaz's eyes can also be seen as a reflection of her gratitude for the provisions and protection he has provided for her. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the grace and favor we receive from others, as well as from God.
Another important theme in this verse is the theme of hospitality and kindness to strangers. Ruth identifies herself as a stranger, an outsider in the land of Israel. However, despite her foreign status, she has been shown kindness and generosity by Boaz. This verse emphasizes the value of treating strangers and foreigners with empathy and compassion, reflecting the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself.
The context of this verse is also significant. Ruth's encounter with Boaz takes place during the time of the barley harvest, a time of abundance and provision. Ruth's decision to glean in the fields of Boaz is a demonstration of her faith and determination to provide for herself and Naomi, despite their vulnerable status as widows. This verse captures Ruth's humility and perseverance in the face of adversity, as well as the unexpected blessings that can come from humble and diligent work.
Symbolism abounds in this verse as well. Ruth's act of falling on her face and bowing herself to the ground is a sign of deep respect and submission. It symbolizes her recognition of Boaz's authority and her humility in his presence. Additionally, Ruth's status as a stranger carries symbolic weight, representing the marginalized and vulnerable in society. Through Ruth's story, the biblical narrative highlights the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those who are often overlooked or marginalized.
In conclusion, Ruth 2:10 is a poignant and thought-provoking verse that encapsulates the themes of grace, humility, gratitude, and kindness to strangers. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of recognizing and appreciating the favor and kindness we receive from others, as well as the importance of showing empathy and compassion to those who are marginalized. The verse also offers a timeless example of faith, perseverance, and unexpected blessings in the face of adversity.
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Ruth 2:10 - "Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?"
"Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?" - Ruth 2:10
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
Ruth 2:22 - "And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field."
Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Ruth 2:21 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest."
Ruth 4:10 - "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 2:15 - "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:"
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
"And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field." - Ruth 2:22
"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:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
"And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people." - Ruth 1:10
Ruth 2:16 - "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."
Ruth 3:10 - "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."
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 2:23 - "So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law."
Ruth 2:12 - "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."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest." - Ruth 2:21
"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:" - Ruth 2:8
"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
"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." - Ruth 2:12
"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter." - Ruth 2:2