SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2024 – Page 10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:13

2:13a

My lord: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lord also means “master” or “sir.” It is a polite form of address that is often used of men as well as of God. Ruth used this form of address in order to express her respect for Boaz.

she said: The Berean Standard Bible has placed this phrase in the middle of what Ruth was saying. You should place this speech introduction wherever it would be natural in your language.

may I continue to find favor in your eyes: The expression find favor in your eyes is an idiom that means to receive approval or goodwill from a person. This favor would normally be expressed in kind acts. See how you translated this idiom in 2:2b and 2:10b.

It is possible to understand this verse part in two ways:

(1) Ruth was expressing a hope or a wish that Boaz would continue to be pleased with her and be kind to her. For example:

I hope you will always look on me with favour (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
I hope I can continue to please you, sir. (New Century Version)

(2) Ruth was thanking Boaz for acting kindly toward her. For example:

You are very kind to me, sir. (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Ruth was respectfully expressing her desire that Boaz would continue to be pleased with her (and so be kind to her).

2:13b

for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant: This verse part indicates Ruth’s appreciation for what Boaz was doing. She was thanking Boaz for speaking in an encouraging and reassuring way to her.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
You have said kind and encouraging words to me, your servant (New Century Version)
-or-
You have comforted me and reassured me (God’s Word)

and spoken kindly: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as spoken kindly is literally “spoken upon the heart.”

your maidservant: Here Ruth referred to herself in the third person. In many languages, you may need to make it explicit that Ruth was speaking about herself. For example:

me, your servant (NET Bible)

Ruth was not actually a servant in the same sense as the other servant girls. She was speaking in a humble and respectful way. It was common at that time to refer to oneself as someone’s “servant” in order to show respect for the other person.

2:13c

though I am not like one of your servant girls: Ruth said that she was not actually one of Boaz’s servants. She implied that she was less important than they were, and that he need not have noticed her. By speaking in this way, she was showing great humility.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

even though I am not one of your servants (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
and I’m not even one of your own servants (God’s Word)

© 2024 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:12

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.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:11

2:11a

Boaz replied: The Hebrew is more literally “and Boaz answered and said.” Introduce Boaz’s reply to Ruth in a way that is natural in your language.

I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as made fully aware is more literally “have been told, have been told.” This repetition emphasizes the fact that Boaz had been told about Ruth’s actions toward her mother-in-law. Perhaps several people had talked to him about her. In addition, the word fully is used. This indicates that Ruth’s actions had been explained to him in detail. Boaz had heard a lot about Ruth and what she had done for Naomi.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

People have told me about everything you have done for your mother-in-law (God’s Word)
-or-
I know about all the help you have given your mother-in-law (New Century Version)
-or-
I have been hearing all about your ⌊kind⌋ actions to your mother-in-law

I have been made fully aware: The verb phrase I have been made fully aware is passive in form. Boaz does not say who had told him about Ruth. There are at least two ways to translate this:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

I have been given a full report (NET Bible)

• Use an active verb. For example:

⌊ People⌋have told me
-or-
I have heard
-or-
I have had a complete account (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

all you have done for your mother-in-law: This refers to the various things that Ruth had done to help and support Naomi. In some languages, it may be natural to make it explicit that Ruth had behaved well toward her mother-in-law. For example:

how you’ve helped your mother-in-law (Contemporary English Version)
-or-

all the help you have given your mother-in-law (New Century Version)

since the death of your husband: The phrase since the death of your husband refers in general to the period of time that had passed since the death of Ruth’s husband Mahlon. Here are some other ways to translate this:

following the death of your husband (NET Bible)
-or-
ever since your husband died (Contemporary English Version)

2:11b

how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as how does not refer to the way Ruth left, but rather to the fact that she left. This verse part begins an explanation of what exactly Ruth had done for her mother-in-law. She had left her own parents and her own land.

In some languages, it may be more natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

You even left your own father and mother to come and live in a foreign land (New Century Version)
-or-
I have heard how you left your own father and mother and your own land (New Living Translation (2004))

the land of your birth: This refers to the land of Moab, where Ruth had been born and where her family still lived.

2:11c

and how you came to a people you did not know before: This verse part continues to make explicit what Ruth had done for Naomi. She had come to live in Israel among strangers. The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a people is a general word. It is contrasted with Ruth’s “land of…birth” of Moab in 2:11b, so here it refers to the people of Israel.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

and came to live among people you did not know previously (NET Bible)
-or-
to come to a nation where you did not know anyone (New Century Version)

a people you did not know before: This clause indicates that Ruth had not known the Israelites well or personally before this time. Ruth had never lived in Israel before. She knew about the Israelites but perhaps only knew the family of Elimelech personally.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

among complete strangers (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

⌊ us(excl.) ⌋foreigners

General Comment on 2:11a–c

This verse consists of a very long sentence. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz often speaks in long sentences. This seems to be part of the way that the author shows his character as a serious and dignified man. However, in some languages it may be better to translate this verse as two or three sentences. For example:

11a Boaz answered her, “People have told me about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband died. 11b They told me how you left your father and mother and the country where you were born. 11c They also told me how you came to people that you didn’t know before….” (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:1

Section 1:1–5

Elimelech and his family went to Moab, where he and his two sons died

A note on the spelling of Elimelech. Most versions, like the Berean Standard Bible spell the name as Elimelech. The New International Version (2011) spells the name with a final k (Elimelek). The Notes will follow the spelling used by any quoted versions.

This section contains the first main event of the story. An Israelite named Elimelech moved to the neighboring country of Moab with his wife, Naomi, and their two sons because there was famine in Israel. Elimelech died in Moab. His two sons later married women from Moab, Ruth and Orpah. Both of the sons then also died.

This section has two paragraphs:

Paragraph 1:1–2 gives an introduction. Verse 1 gives the setting of the story and introduces the main characters in this event.

Paragraph 1:3–5 describes the event in detail. Verse 1:5b summarizes the section that refers to Naomi but does not use her name.

Here are some other examples of section headings:

Naomi Loses Her Husband and Sons (New International Version)
-or-
Naomi Widowed (English Standard Version)
-or-
Elimelech and His Family Move to Moab (Good News Translation)
-or-
The Move to Moab and Tragedy (God’s Word)

It is important to translate this book in a way that indicates the story is true. Follow a natural way that storytellers in your language use to tell true events.

Paragraph 1:1–2

Verse 1:1 introduces the characters/participants in a general way that does not give their names. Verse 1:2 gives the name of each character. However, if this is not a natural way to introduce characters in your language, another option is to combine 1:1–2 and introduce the characters by name. For example:

1–2 Long ago, in the days before Israel had a king, there was a famine in the land. So a man named Elimelech, who belonged to the clan of Ephrath and who lived in Bethlehem in Judah, went with his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion to live for a while in the country of Moab. While they were living there… (Good News Translation)

See 1:1-2 (combined/reordered) in the Display for another example.

1:1a

In the days when the judges ruled: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as days when the judges ruled is literally “in the days of the judging of the judges.” It refers to a time period of about three hundred years when judges ruled the country of Israel. After that time period, kings ruled the country.

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

• Make explicit the role/function of the judges.

In the days when the Judges were governing (New Jerusalem Bible)

• Leave implicit the role/function of the judges. For example:

During the time of the judges (NET Bible)

• Make explicit the location where the judges ruled. For example:

Long ago when the judges ruled Israel (New Century Version)

the judges: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the judges refers to the leaders or chiefs who ruled in Israel at that time.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

In the days when the chieftains ruled (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
During the time that leaders ruled/governed

the: The definite article the implies that the audience of this story already knew who the judges were. If this is new information to your readers, it may be better to translate “judges” without the definite article. For example:

During the time when judges ruled

ruled: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as ruled is literally “judged.” They judged by deciding what was right and what was wrong when problems were brought to them, and then they gave their decisions to the people involved. However, their activities were more varied than the activities of a judge in most cultures today. They also led the people to fight against any oppressors.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

governed (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
led the people

1:1b

there was a famine: This clause means that there was not enough food for people to eat. In Hebrew, the word famine is also the word “hunger.” The verse does not give a cause of the famine. However, lack of rain was a common cause and is probably implied here. If your language requires you to give a reason for the famine, you can make explicit that this famine was the result of a lack of rain.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

there was a shortage of food (New Century Version)
-or-
many people were hungry

Be careful to translate famine in a way that does not imply that the famine lasted the entire time that the judges ruled. The famine lasted for a period of years, but the judges ruled for hundreds of years.

in the land: This phrase refers to the land of Israel. The famine was probably widespread throughout the country.

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

• Make the referent of the phrase explicit. For example:

there was a famine in the land of Israel

• Leave the referent of the phrase implied. For example:

there was a famine in the land (English Standard Version)

• Substitute a different word or phrase. For example:

a famine occurred in the country (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
many people were hungry there

1:1c–d

And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab: Here are some ways to indicate the connection of this clause to the previous clause. Any of these options is acceptable:

• Indicate that this clause is the result of the famine that is described in the previous clause. For example:

So a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live as a resident foreigner in the region of Moab, along with his wife and two sons. (NET Bible)

• Indicate that this clause is the next action in the story. For example:

and a man of Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the country of Moab. (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

• Leave the connection to the previous clause implied. For example:

A man from Bethlehem in Judah went with his wife and two sons to live for a while in the country of Moab. (God’s Word)

1:1c

a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “he went a man from Bethlehem Judah.” There are two main interpretations of this phrase:

(1) The home of the man was Bethlehem in Judah. For example:

a man from Bethlehem in Judah (NET Bible)

(2) The man departed from Bethlehem in Judah. For example:

So a man named Elimelech left the town of Bethlehem in Judah (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.

a certain man: This phrase introduces the first character in the story. In this verse, the author does not say the name of the man.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

a man (New International Version)

In some languages, it may be more natural to introduce the character by name instead of using the phrase a certain man. See the 1:1–2 paragraph description for an example.

Bethlehem in Judah: This phrase refers to the town of Bethlehem in the region of Judah.

Judah: Judah was the name of the region where the descendants of Judah, son of Jacob, lived. It was in the southern part of the land of Israel. See the map of Judah in the section description.

1:1d

with his wife and two sons: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “he his wife and his two sons.” This phrase introduces additional characters in the story. They are the family members of “a certain man from Bethlehem.”

In the Hebrew phrase, the man is the subject. The family members are described in relation to him, as “his wife” and “his two sons.”

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

• Translate more literally. For example:

he and his wife and his two sons (English Standard Version)

• Translate in a way that refers to both parents. For example:

with his wife…and their two sons (Good News Translation)

• Leave the pronoun “his” implied in the second part of the phrase. For example:

with his wife and two sons (Revised English Bible)

Translate this introduction of the family members in a way that is natural in your language.

went to reside: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to reside means “dwell as a stranger.” In this verse, the Hebrew word referred to a temporary stay.

in the land of Moab: Moab is a region that is located to the east of Judah. See the map in the section description.

In this phrase, the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as land means “field,” “country” or “land.” The majority of versions translate this word as “country.” However, in this verse, the word could have any of these meanings.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

on the plateau
-or-
in the country of Moab (New International Version)
-or-
In the region of Moab (NET Bible)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:9

2:9a

Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting: The fields for the residents of Bethlehem were outside the village and one man’s field would be adjacent to that of another person. So Boaz instructed Ruth to watch carefully where his harvest crew was working and to stay with them. That is where she would be able to gather the most grain, and where she would be safest (2:9b).

they are harvesting: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as they are harvesting is literally “they (masculine) are harvesting.” Masculine gender in Hebrew can be used for a mixed group of men and women, so scholars have interpreted this in two ways:

(1) It refers to all the harvest workers including both men and women. In versions that translate with they, the referent will be understood as “the women who work for me” (2:8c.) For example:

Keep your eyes on the field they are reaping (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
Watch to see into which fields they go to cut grain and follow them. (New Century Version)

(2) It refers only to the male workers. For example:

Take note of the field where the men are harvesting (NET Bible)
-or-
and follow along behind them, as they gather up what the men have cut (Contemporary English Version)

The Notes will follow interpretation (1) and use a word that can refer to all the harvest workers. However, both interpretations have good commentary support. It is clear that the men did the actual harvesting/reaping, whereas the women gathered and tied the stalks into bundles. You may follow whatever interpretation people will understand best in your culture.

and follow along after these girls: Boaz here granted Ruth the privilege of gleaning close to the women workers, not just after them. For example:

Stay right behind the young women working in my field. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
continue following closely behind my women workers (New Century Version)

2:9b

Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you: In Hebrew, this statement is a rhetorical question. Boaz used it to emphasize the certainty of his instructions to the men. There are two ways to translate this question:

As a rhetorical question. For example:

Have I not commanded the young men to do you no harm ? (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

As a statement. For example:

I will tell the men to leave you alone. (NET Bible)

not to touch: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew verb in this context that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to touch :

(1) It means “to bother, harm, or treat roughly.” For example:

I have ordered the young men not to bother you. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I have ordered the young men not to treat you roughly. (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It mean to come against a person violently or to abuse sexually. For example:

I have forbidden my men to molest you. (New Jerusalem Bible)

Phrases such as “lay a hand on” (New International Version) and touch (Berean Standard Bible) are ambiguous.

The Notes will follow interpretation (1). Boaz had given special permission to Ruth to glean close to his female workers. Without this command his male workers may have treated her roughly and told her that she could only glean after those workers were finished with their work.

However, you should also fee free to follow interpretation (2). It is followed by a majority of versions and a number of scholars. Ruth 2:9 is mentioned specifically as one of the OT references where “touch a woman” is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. It is unlikely that a man would molest Ruth in broad daylight, but someone might well attempt it in the evening as she walked home.

2:9c

And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled: Boaz was again granting Ruth a special favor. Normally, a gleaner would have to get her own water. She would not be allowed to drink from the water jars that the workers had filled for themselves.

the jars: These are not specified as water containers in the Hebrew text, but are just called “containers” or “vessels.” However, from the context it is clear that they were containers for water.

the young men have filled: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as have filled refers specifically to drawing (pulling up) water from a well. In your translation, use the words that people in your culture normally use to describe filling their water containers.

the young men: The masculine plural noun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the young men can refer to a mixed group of servants. So if it would seem strange to your readers that men would fill water jars, you may use a general term such as “servants” or “workers.”

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:8

Paragraph 2:8–13

In this paragraph, Boaz told Ruth that she should stay and glean in his field along with his other women workers. He told her that he had instructed the young men not to bother her. He also said that she should feel free to drink from the water jars that the young men had filled. Ruth asked Boaz why he was being so kind to her. He replied that he had heard about everything she had done for her mother-in-law. He had also heard about her decision to leave her homeland and come to live with people she did not previously know.

2:8a

Then Boaz said to Ruth: After hearing from his foreman who Ruth was and understanding her situation, he responded in 2:8–9 with kind instructions to Ruth.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

So Boaz said to Ruth (New International Version)
-or-
Boaz went over and said to Ruth (New Living Translation (2004))

Listen: Boaz spoke to Ruth gently but forcefully. He wanted her to be sure to follow his instructions in 2:8–9, which were for her own good.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

Listen carefully, my dear! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Let me give you some advice. (Good News Translation)

my daughter: Boaz was older than Ruth and had greater social status than her, but he spoke to her in a gentle way and addressed her as a father to a daughter. You should use a term that shows respect and kindness from a man, older and more important, to a younger woman.

One way to use the word daughter and avoid the literal meaning is to use a simile. For example:

You are like a daughter to me

Although daughter may be appropriate in some languages, a different term such as “little sister” may be better in others.

In some languages, it may not be appropriate to use a kinship term at all because Boaz was only related to her by marriage. If it is not appropriate for you to use a kinship term, here are some other ways to translate this:

You are a woman whom I respect.
-or-
Dear young lady,

2:8b

Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place: Boaz told Ruth to stay in his fields. He did not want her to glean in any fields that belonged to other people. Notice that these two clauses have essentially the same meaning. This is good Hebrew style. The repetition adds emphasis to Boaz’s instruction that Ruth should glean only in his fields.

The verb form used in the second clause strengthens the meaning of the first. It may imply that Ruth should be sure not to cross boundary markers to go into someone else’s field.

Here are some other ways to translate these clauses:

Do not leave to gather grain in another field. You need not go beyond the limits of this field. (NET Bible)
-or-
Don’t gather grain anywhere except in this field. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Don’t go in any other field to gather grain, and don’t even leave this one. (God’s Word)

2:8c

but stay here close to my servant girls: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stay here close to could also be translated as “keep close.” Boaz wanted Ruth to stay near his other female workers. This had two advantages for her. First, being close to the women who work for him would be a safe place for her. Second, it was probably an advantage and special privilege for Ruth to glean so close to the harvest workers. Gathering grain among those who were bundling and tying the stalks meant that she would gather more than a usual gleaner.

my servant girls: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as my servant girls is literally “my young women.” These were probably hired workers, mostly young adults. Normally, the men would cut the grain and place it in piles on the ground. Women workers would then gather it into bundles, tie them, and take them to the threshing floor.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

stay close to my servant-girls (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Stay right behind the young women working in my field. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
continue following closely behind my women workers (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:7

2:7a

She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’: The foreman was reporting Ruth’s words. So Ruth’s words were reported as direct speech embedded in the speech of the foreman. Translate this in whatever way is natural in your language, using either direct or indirect speech.

Here are some ways to do this using indirect speech:

She asked if she might glean…. (Revised English Bible)
-or-
She asked me to let her follow the workers and gather grain. (Good News Translation)

Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters: There is a textual issue in this verse part:

(1) The Masoretic Text includes the words which the Berean Standard Bible translates as among the sheaves. Ruth either asked to gather among the sheaves or “into sheaves.” (See the note just below addressing the interpretation issue.) For example:

She asked, ‘May I follow the harvesters and gather grain among the bundles?’ (NET Bible)

(2) The words among the sheaves are omitted. Ruth only asked to follow after or behind the harvesters and gather grain. For example:

‘Please let me follow the workers cutting grain and gather what they leave behind.’ (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. This interpretation also has strong textual support.

Normally in Jewish practice, gleaners were not permitted to begin to glean in a field until the harvesters had finished their work and removed their bundles of grain from the field. As a result, the Hebrew words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as among the sheaves have different emphases. Ruth may have wanted to gather grain into “sheaves/bundles” after the harvesters had finished their work. She may also have wanted to gather grain at the same time as the other women harvesters.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

‘I would like to gather the gleanings into sheaves after the harvesters.’ (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
She said, ‘Please let me gather grain. I will only gather among the bundles behind the reapers.’ (God’s Word)

Translate in a way that shows that Ruth was being polite and humble. She was also determined to provide for the needs of Naomi and herself.

You may want to include a footnote to explain that Ruth asked for a special privilege in gleaning that went beyond what was customary. Here is a suggested footnote:

While it is not stated specifically in the Old Testament, scholars believe that the custom was that gleaners could only glean in a field after the harvesters had completed their work and removed their bundles of grain. Ruth requested the special privilege to glean close to his woman workers at the same time as they were bundling the harvest.

sheaves: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sheaves means stalks of grain that have been gathered into a “bundle.” A bundle was often the amount formed by filling the arms with stalks of grain. A sheaf is a bundle that has been tied or bound. Sheaves were left in the fields until they were gathered up and taken to the threshing floor.

2:7b

So she came out and has continued: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has continued has a range of meaning including “stand, continue, remain.” In this context, it probably means that she “remained.” Many versions are ambiguous about where Ruth remained. The context seems to indicate that Ruth continued to work in the field after the foreman had given her permission to do so.

Some versions make explicit what Ruth did in the field. For example:

She asked if she could pick up grain left by the harvest workers (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
She asked me to let her follow the workers and gather grain. (Good News Translation)

from morning until now: This is literally “from then, the morning, and until now.” “From then” probably refers to the time when the foreman had talked to Ruth. He was saying that Ruth had stayed in their field and worked steadily at gleaning. For example:

She has been hard at work ever since (New Living Translation (2004))

now: The workers had probably come early in the morning. It was later when Boaz came to see how they were doing. It may have been mid-morning, since the mealtime at midday mentioned in 2:14a seems to have been a little later.

2:7c

There are two textual issues in this part of the verse.

except that she rested a short time: One textual issue has to do with the Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as except that she rested a short time :

(1) The Hebrew Masoretic text says that Ruth rested in the shelter for a short time (literally “a little”). That is, she worked for most of the morning but took a brief rest. For example:

except for a few minutes’ rest (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
She has stopped only a few moments to rest (New Century Version)

(2) The LXX (Septuagint) indicates that Ruth did not rest at all. For example:

without resting even for a moment (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1).

in the shelter: The other textual issue has to do with the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the shelter :

(1) The Masoretic text includes the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the shelter. For example:

except for a short rest in the shelter (New International Version)

(2) The Septuagint (LXX) does not include a word meaning “house” or shelter. For example:

with hardly a rest (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1).

shelter: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shelter (literally “house”) was probably a temporary building that provided shade for the harvest workers when they rested. Perhaps it was built with poles and had a roof made from leafy branches or straw. People in many cultures build some similar type of temporary shelter when their garden or field is not near their homes. If your language has a name for such a shelter, use it here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:6

2:6a–b

The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab: In the Hebrew text, the foreman, or overseer, first explained that Ruth was a young Moabite woman. Then he added that she was the one who returned with Naomi from Moab. He implied that Boaz already knew that one of Naomi’s daughters-in-law had returned with her.

The foreman’s response may reflect a negative, neutral, or positive attitude. There is no consensus among the scholars. For this reason, it is recommended that you translate (and express in oral or video translation) the attitude of the foreman in a neutral way. He simply responded in a truthful way to Boaz’s question.

Here are some other ways to translate these verse parts:

And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. (New Revised Standard Version)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2024

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:13

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:9

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2:6

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