3:5

This verse gives Ruth’s reply to Naomi. In Hebrew, verse 5 begins with a common conjunction that introduces the next event. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction here.

Here are some ways to begin this sentence:

And (English Standard Version)
-or-
Then (New Century Version)

“I will do everything you say,” Ruth answered: In many languages, it is more natural to put the quote introducer at the beginning of the sentence. For example:

Ruth answered, “I will do everything you say.” (Good News Translation)

I will do everything you say: There is a minor textual issue here. Many Hebrew manuscripts include a word that means “to me” at the end of this clause. Here are the two options:

(1) The words “to me” should not be included.

(2) The words “to me” should be included. For example:

I shall do everything you tell me. (New Jerusalem Bible)

The Notes will follow option (1), but there is little practical difference in meaning. In some languages, it may be more natural to follow a wording like the New Jerusalem Bible.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

I will do everything you say. (New Century Version)
-or-
All that you say I will do (English Standard Version)
-or-
I will do what/as you say.

Ruth: The Hebrew text does not use Ruth’s name here but refers to her by the pronoun “she.” You should follow whatever approach is natural in your language.

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