2:12a
May the LORD repay your work: This is a blessing. Boaz was saying that he hoped and prayed that God would do good to Ruth. Here are some other ways to translate this:
May the Lord reward you for your deeds! (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
⌊ I ask⌋the LORD to reward you for what you have done.
repay: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as repay refers here to doing good to someone as a reward for a good action that that person has done.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
reward you
-or-
do good to you
your work: Boaz was referring to the work, or actions, he had spoken of in 2:11b-c. These were good things, kind actions. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this explicit. For example:
for being ⌊good to your mother-in-law⌋
-or-
for your ⌊kind⌋ deeds/actions
2:12b
may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel: The Hebrew is more literally “May your wages be complete from Yahweh, the God of Israel.” This repeats the meaning of 2:12a but with greater emphasis.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
May you receive a rich reward from the Lord God of Israel (God’s Word)
the LORD, the God of Israel: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the LORD is Yahweh, and the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God is ʾelohim, the normal term for God. This sort of double expression is common in the Old Testament. How you translate it will depend on the term that you have chosen for Yahweh. For example:
the Lord God of Israel (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Yahweh, the God whom ⌊the people of⌋ Israel ⌊serve/worship⌋
2:12c
under whose wings you have taken refuge: This is a metaphor. The picture is of a young bird seeking protection under the wings of its mother. Boaz meant that Ruth was relying on the LORD to protect her and care for her, just as a mother bird protects and cares for her young ones.
There are several ways to translate this figure of speech:
• Keep the metaphor. For example:
under whose wings you have come for refuge!” (New Revised Standard Version)
• Use a simile. For example:
to whom you have come for protection ⌊like a baby bird hiding⌋ under ⌊its mother’s⌋ wings.”
• Explain the meaning of the metaphor. For example:
to whom you have come to find protection/safety.”
-or-
from whom you have sought protection!” (NET Bible)
• Use another simile or metaphor from your language that means the same thing. Avoid referring to anything that Boaz could not have known or talked about.
taken refuge: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as taken refuge means “to go for protection” or “to seek a safe place.” This implies that Ruth was trusting the God of Israel to protect her.
The Notes have used closed quote marks above to indicate that Boaz’ words to Ruth end with this verse part. Verse 2:13a continues this paragraph with Ruth’s response. In some languages, it may be easier for readers to identify a new speaker if there is a new paragraph.
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