How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #4
[Ruth] said, "May I continue to find favor in your sight, my Lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants." (NRSV 2:13)
[Ruth] said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my Lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. (KJV 2:13)
Ruth is all humility here. Boaz is super nice even though he has no obligation to her. After all, she's not one of his servants, but he's treating her like she is. It's kind of sad when being someone's servant is a social step up.
Quote #5
[Boaz] said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next-of-kin." (NRSV 3:9)
[Boaz] said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. (KJV 3:9)
And now Ruth starts to climb the social ladder. Before, she wasn't even one of Boaz's servants. Now, she's lying at his feet demanding that he marry her and calling herself his servant. Nice move, girl. But is it all an act? If so, she's one clever, scheming lady.
Quote #6
[Boaz] then said to the next-of-kin, "Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our kinsman Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it, and say: Buy it in the presence of those sitting here, and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not, tell me, so that I may know; for there is no one prior to you to redeem it, and I come after you." (NRSV 4:3-4)
[Boaz] said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. (KJV 4:3-4)
Now it's Boaz's turn. Except he seems just to be playing a casual humble role here. Though he really wants to marry Ruth, Boaz has to play it cool with the other kinsman so he won't tip his hat. His whole proposal has a faux shrug of the shoulders to it. Inside, his heart must be beating like crazy. What a hopeless romantic. What a clever property-acquirer.