Ruth Chapter 3

Commentary

Naomi Instructs Ruth

1Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? 2And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. 3Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. 5And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

6And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her. 7And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman

8And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. 9And he 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. 10And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. 11And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. 12And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

14And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor. 15Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. 16And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. 17And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. 18Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Ruth’s Redemption Assured

1 Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he winnows barley tonight in the threshing floor. 3 Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor, but don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall mark the place where he shall lie, and you shall go in, and uncover his feet, and lay down; then he will tell you what you shall do.” 5 She said to her, “All that you say I will do.”

6 She went down to the threshing floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law told her. 7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came softly, uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

8 It happened at midnight, that the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet. 9 He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your handmaid. Therefore spread your skirt over your handmaid; for you are a near kinsman.” 10 He said, “Blessed are you by Yahweh, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich. 11 Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid; I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people does know that you are a worthy woman. 12 Now it is true that I am a near kinsman; however there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Stay this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part. But if he will not do the part of a kinsman for you, then will I do the part of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives. Lie down until the morning.”

14 She lay at his feet until the morning. She rose up before one could discern another. For he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 He said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; and he went into the city. 16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” She told her all that the man had done to her. 17 She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’” 18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day.”

Ruth’s Redemption Assured

1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.”

5 “I will do everything you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do.

7 After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

8 At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman!

9 “Who are you?” he asked.

“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment a over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer. b”

10 Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I. c 13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Now lie here until morning.”

14 So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her.

Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he shoveled six measures of barley d into her shawl. Then he went e into the city.

16 When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked her, “How did it go, my daughter?”

Then Ruth told her all that Boaz had done for her. 17 And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ ”

18 “Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today.”

 

Footnotes:

9 a Or Spread your wing ; the word for wing  can also mean corner of a garment ; see Ruth 2:12.
9 b The Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer  or guardian-redeemer  is a legal term for the kinsman who redeems or vindicates a relative; similarly in verses 12 and 13; see Leviticus 25:25–55.
12 c That is, more closely related
15 d Possibly six seahs (two ephahs), or approximately 39.6 dry quarts or 43.8 liters (about 58 pounds or 26.3 kilograms of barley)
15 e Most Hebrew manuscripts; many Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, and Syriac she went

Naomi Instructs Ruth

1And Naomi her mother-in-law saith to her, 'My daughter, do not I seek for thee rest, that it may be well with thee? 2and now, is not Boaz of our acquaintance, with whose young women thou hast been? lo, he is winnowing the threshing-floor of barley to-night, 3and thou hast bathed, and anointed thyself, and put thy garments upon thee, and gone down to the threshing-floor; let not thyself be known to the man till he complete to eat and to drink; 4and it cometh to pass when he lieth down, that thou hast known the place where he lieth down, and hast gone in, and uncovered his feet, and lain down, -- and he doth declare to thee that which thou dost do.' 5And she saith unto her, 'All that thou sayest -- I do.'

6And she goeth down to the threshing-floor, and doth according to all that her mother-in-law commanded her 7And Boaz eateth and drinketh, and his heart is glad; and he goeth in to lie down at the end of the heap; and she cometh in gently, and uncovereth his feet, and lieth down.

Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman

8And it cometh to pass, at the middle of the night, that the man trembleth, and turneth himself, and lo, a woman is lying at his feet. 9And he saith, 'Who art thou?' and she saith, 'I am Ruth thy handmaid, and thou hast spread thy skirt over thy handmaid, for thou art a redeemer.' 10And he saith, 'Blessed art thou of Jehovah, my daughter; thou hast dealt more kindly at the latter end than at the beginning -- not to go after the young men, either poor or rich. 11And now, my daughter, fear not, all that thou sayest I do to thee, for all the gate of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. 12And now, surely, true, that I am a redeemer, but also there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13Lodge to night, and it hath been in the morning, if he doth redeem thee, well: he redeemeth; and if he delight not to redeem thee, then I have redeemed thee -- I; Jehovah liveth! lie down till the morning.'

14And she lieth down at his feet till the morning, and riseth before one doth discern another; and he saith, 'Let it not be known that the woman hath come into the floor.' 15And he saith, 'Give the covering which is on thee, and keep hold on it;' and she keepeth hold on it, and he measureth six measures of barley, and layeth it on her; and he goeth into the city. 16And she cometh in unto her mother-in-law, and she saith, 'Who art thou, my daughter?' and she declareth to her all that the man hath done to her. 17And she saith, 'These six measures of barley he hath given to me, for he said, Thou dost not go in empty unto thy mother-in-law.' 18And she saith, 'Sit still, my daughter, till thou dost know how the matter falleth, for the man doth not rest except he hath completed the matter to-day.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Ruth 3?
2Introduction to Ruth 3
3Context of Ruth 3
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Ruth 3 Unique Insights
7Ruth 3 Connections to Yeshua
8Ruth 3 Scriptural Echoes
9Ruth 3 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Ruth 3?

Introduction to Ruth 3

Ruth 3 presents one of Scripture’s most intriguing and culturally nuanced narratives, where ancient customs intersect with bold faith to advance God’s redemptive purposes. This pivotal chapter depicts Ruth’s midnight encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor—a moment fraught with cultural significance and redemptive symbolism. Through Naomi’s strategic guidance and Ruth’s courageous obedience, we witness how seemingly risky human actions become vehicles for divine providence when conducted with pure intentions and covenant faithfulness.

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Context of Ruth 3

This chapter forms the dramatic climax of the Ruth narrative, positioned strategically after the establishment of Ruth and Boaz’s initial relationship in the harvest fields. Chapter 2 demonstrated God’s providential care through gleaning provisions; now chapter 3 moves beyond daily sustenance to address Ruth and Naomi’s long-term security through the institution of levirate marriage and redemption.

Within the broader biblical narrative, Ruth 3 exemplifies how יהוה (Yahweh) works through human initiative and cultural institutions to accomplish His sovereign purposes. The chapter’s events unfold during the period of the Judges—a time characterized by moral relativity and spiritual compromise. Yet amid this darkness, the integrity of Boaz and the faith of Ruth shine brilliantly, demonstrating that even in corrupt times, God preserves a faithful remnant through whom He advances His covenant purposes. This chapter creates essential tension that drives forward the Messianic genealogy that will ultimately lead to David and, centuries later, to Yeshua Himself.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • גָּאַל (ga’al) – The term for “redeem” appears seven times in this chapter, underscoring its central theme. This rich Hebrew concept encompasses the responsibilities of preserving family lineage, recovering lost property, and providing for widows—ultimately pointing to the Messiah’s comprehensive redemption of His people.
  • כָּנָף (kanaf) – Translated as “corner of your garment” in verse 9, this word carries profound covenantal significance. The same term appeared in Ruth 2:12 referring to God’s “wings” of protection, creating a beautiful parallel between divine and human chesed (loving-kindness).
  • חַיִל (chayil) – Used to describe Ruth as a “woman of excellence” in verse 11, this Hebrew term connotes moral worth, strength of character, and capability. The same word describes Boaz in Ruth 2:1, highlighting their spiritual compatibility.
  • גֹּרֶן (goren) – The “threshing floor” mentioned repeatedly in this chapter was not merely an agricultural setting but carried rich spiritual symbolism in ancient Israel as a place of separation, judgment, and covenant encounters with God.
  • יָדַע (yada) – When the text states that Boaz “did not know” Ruth was present until midnight, the Hebrew term suggests more than mere recognition but intimate knowledge, creating narrative tension with perfect moral restraint.
  • שָׁכַב (shakab) – Translated simply as “lie down,” this potentially ambiguous term is handled with narrative delicacy, emphasizing proper conduct despite circumstances that could be misinterpreted.
  • חֵיק (cheq) – The term for “lap” or “bosom” in verse 15, where Boaz pours out six measures of barley, symbolizes abundance and provision, with numerical significance pointing to covenant completion.

Compare & Contrast

  • In verse 1, Naomi’s question “Shall I not seek rest for you?” uses the Hebrew מָנוֹחַ (manoach) rather than the more common מְנוּחָה (menucha). This specific term emphasizes a permanent resting place rather than temporary relief, pointing toward the covenant security of marriage.
  • The instruction to “wash, anoint yourself, and put on your best garment” in verse 3 employs terminology reminiscent of ritual purification, suggesting that this encounter has sacred rather than merely practical dimensions. The language parallels preparation for covenant ceremonies throughout Scripture.
  • Ruth’s declaration “I am Ruth, your servant” in verse 9 uses אָמָה (amah) rather than שִׁפְחָה (shifchah), indicating a higher status maidservant who could potentially become a wife, deliberately positioning herself for redemption.
  • The phrase “spread your wings” in verse 9 deliberately echoes Boaz’s blessing in 2:12, transforming divine blessing into human responsibility. Ruth essentially challenges Boaz to become the human instrument of the divine protection he previously invoked for her.
  • Boaz’s reference to Ruth as “my daughter” in verse 10 employs a term of endearment that emphasizes protection rather than romantic attraction, ensuring proper boundaries while acknowledging the significant age difference between them.
  • The “six measures of barley” in verse 15 uses deliberately ambiguous measurement terminology, possibly suggesting symbolic significance rather than mere provision. Six represents incompleteness, indicating that this gift anticipates the complete redemption to come.
  • The instruction to “remain tonight” in verse 13 employs language suggesting security and protection rather than impropriety, emphasizing Boaz’s honorable intentions despite the potentially compromising circumstances.

Ruth 3 Unique Insights

The threshing floor setting carries profound theological significance often overlooked by modern readers. Ancient rabbinical tradition saw threshing floors as places of divine encounter, noting that the Temple itself was built on the threshing floor purchased by David (2 Samuel 24:24). The Midrash Ruth Rabbah suggests that Boaz’s midnight awakening parallels Abraham’s vigilance on Mount Moriah, both men encountering divine purposes at night.

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The timing during the barley harvest places these events near Shavuot (Pentecost), the feast commemorating the giving of Torah at Sinai—often understood in rabbinical tradition as a marriage covenant between God and Israel. This creates a striking parallel between Ruth’s covenant proposal and Israel’s covenant with יהוה (Yahweh).

The midnight setting carries mystical significance in Jewish thought. The Talmud identifies midnight as a time when God particularly moves in human affairs, noting that the Exodus began at midnight (Exodus 12:29) and David arose at midnight to praise God (Psalm 119:62). In this light, Ruth’s midnight encounter with Boaz takes on deeper redemptive significance.

The bold actions of Ruth at the threshing floor have been misinterpreted by some commentators. However, the text carefully emphasizes the propriety of both Ruth and Boaz, noted particularly in verse 14 where Boaz ensures Ruth’s reputation is protected by having her leave before dawn. The early church father Origen saw in this encounter a type of the Messiah’s protection of His bride, the Church, preserving her from shame.

Ruth 3 Connections to Yeshua

The redemptive actions of Boaz profoundly foreshadow the Messiah’s work. As Ruth approaches Boaz at night seeking redemption, so humanity in spiritual darkness seeks the redemption only the Messiah can provide. The covering Ruth requests from Boaz parallels the covering of righteousness Yeshua extends to those who come to Him in faith (Isaiah 61:10).

Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth despite potential social complications reflects Yeshua’s redemption of His people regardless of social standing or background. Just as Boaz accepts the responsibilities of a kinsman-redeemer at personal cost, so the Messiah took upon Himself the ultimate cost of redemption on the execution stake. The midnight timing of this redemptive encounter anticipates Yeshua’s declaration of Himself as the bridegroom who arrives at midnight (Matthew 25:6).

Ruth 3 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical themes and passages. The concept of levirate marriage established in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 undergirds the entire narrative, demonstrating how Torah provisions ensure family continuity and protection for widows.

The threshing floor setting connects to significant biblical theophanies, including Gideon’s encounter with the angel of יהוה (Yahweh) (Judges 6:11-12) and David’s vision at Araunah’s threshing floor (2 Samuel 24:16-25), where the Temple would later be built. This creates a powerful link between Ruth’s redemptive encounter and Israel’s spiritual heritage.

The covering Ruth requests from Boaz echoes יהוה (Yahweh)’s covenant with Israel, described metaphorically as spreading His garment over His people (Ezekiel 16:8). This imagery of protective covering appears throughout Scripture as a symbol of divine care and covenant relationship.

Ruth 3 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to recognize the need for both divine guidance and human initiative in pursuing God’s purposes. Ruth and Naomi didn’t passively wait for redemption but took bold steps of faith while maintaining integrity. Similarly, we’re called to actively pursue God’s purposes while trusting His sovereign guidance.

The characters’ commitment to honor and purity despite potentially compromising circumstances reminds us that godly ends never justify ungodly means. Boaz and Ruth’s example challenges us to maintain moral integrity even when cultural norms or difficult circumstances might suggest easier but less honorable paths.

The theme of kinsman-redemption invites personal application: Have we fully embraced the redemption offered by our Kinsman-Redeemer, Yeshua? Are we living in the security and identity that comes from being redeemed? Furthermore, this narrative challenges us to consider how we might serve as instruments of redemption for others, extending the same chesed (loving-kindness) that Boaz demonstrated toward Ruth.

Did You Know

  • The threshing floor was typically located on elevated ground to catch the wind necessary for separating grain from chaff, making it visible from the town and thus making Boaz’s concern for Ruth’s reputation particularly significant.
  • The act of uncovering feet and lying down was not seductive but rather a culturally recognized way of requesting protection and redemption, similar to certain ancient Near Eastern customs indicating a petition for aid.
  • The midnight timing coincides with significant biblical events, including the Exodus from Egypt and the anticipated arrival of the bridegroom in Yeshua’s parable of the ten virgins.
  • Boaz’s age is never specified, but Jewish tradition suggests he was significantly older than Ruth, possibly explaining his surprise that she didn’t “go after young men” (verse 10).
  • The six measures of barley given to Ruth likely weighed between 60-80 pounds, an extraordinary amount that would have been physically challenging to carry, emphasizing Boaz’s exceptional generosity.
  • The Hebrew phrase “spread your wings” in Ruth 3:9 uses the same terminology as the tzitzit (prayer shawl corners) commanded in Deuteronomy 22:12, creating a connection to covenant faithfulness.
  • According to the Targum Ruth (an ancient Aramaic paraphrase), Boaz spent the night in prayer seeking divine guidance about how to proceed with Ruth’s redemption.
  • The Hebrew text contains a wordplay on Ruth’s name (רוּת) and the word “saturated” (רָוָה) in verse 15 when Boaz fills her cloak with grain, suggesting that her emptiness (a major theme) is being divinely filled.
  • The phrase “do not let it be known” in verse 14 uses language reminiscent of the Torah’s wisdom literature, suggesting not merely secrecy but discretion aligned with God’s wisdom.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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