And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
Boaz explains his kindness: 'It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband'. The Hebrew huggad huggad (told, it has been told) uses emphatic repetition—Ruth's actions are thoroughly known. Boaz specifically mentions her care for Naomi and radical choice: 'how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore'. This language echoes God's call to Abraham (Genesis 12:1) to leave country and kindred for a land unknown. Ruth's sacrifice mirrors Abraham's faithful obedience, establishing her as spiritual heir to patriarchal faith. Boaz recognizes Ruth's conversion as genuine—not circumstantial following of Naomi but costly commitment requiring abandonment of family, homeland, and former gods for Yahweh and Israel.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized clan loyalty and filial piety. Leaving one's family, particularly parents, represented extraordinary sacrifice. Ruth abandoned not merely geographical location but entire social support system, cultural identity, and religious heritage. For ancient peoples, gods were territorial—leaving one's land meant abandoning one's deities for foreign gods. Ruth's choice therefore involved religious conversion with serious eternal implications by ancient understanding. That her reputation for faithfulness had spread demonstrates how unusual her commitment was—covenant loyalty from a Moabite woman amazed Bethlehem's community. Boaz's awareness of Ruth's story shows how exceptional acts of faith become known, giving testimony to God's transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
How does Ruth's sacrifice of leaving family and homeland illustrate the cost of genuine conversion to Christ?
What does Boaz's recognition of Ruth's faithfulness teach about how authentic Christian discipleship becomes visible to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Boaz explains his kindness: 'It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband'. The Hebrew huggad huggad (told, it has been told) uses emphatic repetition—Ruth's actions are thoroughly known. Boaz specifically mentions her care for Naomi and radical choice: 'how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore'. This language echoes God's call to Abraham (Genesis 12:1) to leave country and kindred for a land unknown. Ruth's sacrifice mirrors Abraham's faithful obedience, establishing her as spiritual heir to patriarchal faith. Boaz recognizes Ruth's conversion as genuine—not circumstantial following of Naomi but costly commitment requiring abandonment of family, homeland, and former gods for Yahweh and Israel.