About Ruth

Ruth tells the beautiful story of loyalty and redemption, showing how a Moabite woman became part of the lineage of David and ultimately Christ.

Author: Samuel (traditionally)Written: c. 1050-1000 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 18
LoyaltyRedemptionProvidenceLoveKindnessFaith

King James Version

Ruth 3

18 verses with commentary

Ruth's Appeal to Boaz

Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

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Naomi initiates marriage plan: 'My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?' The word 'rest' (manoach, מָנוֹחַ) means security, settlement, or restful dwelling—specifically the security marriage provided for women in ancient society. Naomi seeks Ruth's welfare through proper marriage to a kinsman-redeemer. Her motherly care demonstrates covenant responsibility—she doesn't merely receive Ruth's provision but actively seeks Ruth's good. This shows biblical pattern: older believers should actively seek younger believers' spiritual and practical welfare, not merely receive from them.

And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

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Naomi identifies the kinsman: 'And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?' She confirms Boaz's kinsman status, making him potential go'el (redeemer). The phrase 'Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor' provides timing and location. Winnowing occurred after harvest, using evening breezes to separate grain from chaff. Naomi's knowledge of Boaz's schedule shows careful observation and planning—she times Ruth's approach for appropriate moment when Boaz would be present but circumstances allowed private conversation about redemption.

Wash 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.

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Naomi gives instructions: 'Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor'. These preparations involved ritual cleansing, anointing with oil, and wearing best garments—Ruth should present herself attractively but modestly. The instruction 'but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking' shows wisdom—approach after Boaz finished work and meal, when he would be receptive but not distracted. This demonstrates principle of wise timing in important conversations.

And 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. uncover: or, lift up the clothes that are on

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The crucial instruction: 'And 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'. This enigmatic instruction has generated scholarly debate. 'Uncovering feet' likely means literally removing the covering from his feet, a symbolic act requesting his protection as kinsman-redeemer. Lying at his feet demonstrated humble petition, submission, and request for covering under his authority. The assurance 'and he will tell thee what thou shalt do' shows Naomi trusted Boaz's integrity—he would respond honorably, not exploiting the vulnerable situation.

And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

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Ruth's obedience: 'And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do'. Ruth's complete submission to Naomi's plan demonstrates trust in her mother-in-law's wisdom and God's providence working through godly counsel. She doesn't question, modify, or hesitate but commits to full obedience despite the plan's unusual nature and potential for misunderstanding. This models biblical submission to wise counsel and willingness to step out in faith-based action when God's purposes require bold initiative.

And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

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Ruth's execution: 'And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her'. The narrative confirms Ruth's complete obedience—she followed instructions precisely. This repetition emphasizes her faithfulness and the plan's proper execution. Her actions set in motion events leading to redemption, demonstrating how God works through human obedience to accomplish His purposes. What appeared risky became the mechanism for divine provision and covenant fulfillment.

And 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.

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The encounter begins: 'And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn'. Boaz's contentment ('heart was merry') after successful harvest day shows blessing and satisfaction in God's provision. His lying at 'end of the heap' guarded the grain. 'And she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down'. Ruth approached quietly, performed the symbolic act (uncovering feet), and positioned herself humbly at his feet, awaiting his response. Her quiet approach and vulnerable positioning demonstrated proper submission and trust in Boaz's integrity.

And it came to pass at midnight , that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. turned: or, took hold on

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Discovery: 'And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet'. The midnight timing and Boaz's startlement ('was afraid', literally 'trembled' or 'was startled') show his surprise at discovering someone at his feet. The narrative's suspense emphasizes the vulnerability and risk Ruth undertook. Her presence could have been misinterpreted, yet the outcome validates Naomi's confidence in Boaz's character. God's providence orchestrated circumstances so Boaz would respond with honor rather than exploitation.

And 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. a near: or, one that hath right to redeem

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Revelation: 'And 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'. Ruth identifies herself and makes explicit request. The phrase 'spread thy skirt' (paras kenaphekha, פְּרֹשׂ כְּנָפֶךָ) uses same Hebrew word (kanaph) Boaz used blessing Ruth to find refuge under God's 'wings' (2:12). Ruth essentially says 'you prayed I'd find refuge under God's wings—be the answer to that prayer by becoming my kinsman-redeemer.' She appeals to covenant law and his previous blessing. The request combined bold faith with appropriate legal grounds—Boaz was go'el, authorized and responsible to redeem.

And 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.

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Boaz's response: 'Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning'. Boaz blesses Ruth, recognizing her actions as chesed (covenant loyalty). The phrase 'more kindness...than at the beginning' compares her commitment to Naomi (chapter 1) with this new demonstration of chesed—she could have sought a younger, wealthier husband but chose the kinsman-redeemer, prioritizing family line and Naomi's welfare over personal advantage. 'Inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich' acknowledges age difference and Ruth's preference for covenant fidelity over romantic attraction or financial benefit.

And 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. city: Heb. gate

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Assurance: 'And 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'. Boaz commits to fulfill her request, addressing her fears and promising action. His reference to her reputation—'all the city...doth know thou art a virtuous woman' (eshet chayil, אֵשֶׁת חַיִל, 'woman of valor/worth')—shows Ruth's character was publicly recognized. The same phrase describes the Proverbs 31 woman, establishing Ruth as biblical ideal of godly womanhood. Her consistent faithfulness, diligent work, and covenant loyalty earned community-wide respect, removing any scandal from this nighttime encounter.

And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

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Complication: 'And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I'. Boaz confirms his go'el status but reveals an obstacle—a closer relative with prior legal right to redeem. This complication demonstrates Boaz's integrity—he could have concealed this information and claimed Ruth immediately, but he insists on proper legal process. His honesty despite personal interest shows character and teaches that biblical ethics require transparency and following proper procedures even when inconvenient.

Tarry 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.

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Boaz's plan: 'Tarry 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, then will I do the part of a kinsman unto thee, as the LORD liveth'. Boaz instructs Ruth to stay until morning for safety and propriety. His promise invokes God's name in oath form—'as the LORD liveth'—showing serious covenant commitment. He'll give the nearer kinsman first opportunity but promises to redeem if that man refuses. The oath demonstrates integrity (proper legal process) and commitment (he WILL redeem her either way). 'Lie down until the morning' instructs Ruth to sleep safely under his protection until dawn.

And 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.

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Dawn departure: 'And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another'. Ruth's morning departure before dawn prevented anyone recognizing her, protecting both their reputations. 'And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor'. Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation shows protective care beyond legal obligation. While their encounter was proper, he knew appearances could be misinterpreted. His active protection of her honor demonstrates godly masculinity—using strength to shield rather than exploit the vulnerable.

Also 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. vail: or, sheet, or, apron

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Provision: 'Also 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'. Boaz sends Ruth home with generous gift of grain—approximately an ephah (22 liters), enough for extended provision. This wasn't wages but gift expressing covenant commitment and caring for both Ruth and Naomi. The generous amount demonstrated Boaz's wealth and generosity while providing tangible evidence to Naomi that negotiations had gone well. His provision before formal redemption demonstrates grace—giving before obligation is legally established.

And 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.

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Return home: 'And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter?' Naomi's question likely means 'How did it go?' or 'What happened?'—asking about the outcome and perhaps Ruth's new status. Ancient idiom used 'who are you?' to inquire about changed circumstances or status. 'And she told her all that the man had done to her'. Ruth reported fully on Boaz's promises and provision, demonstrating proper accountability to Naomi and sharing the good news of hope for redemption.

And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

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Evidence shown: 'And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said unto me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law'. Ruth reports Boaz's words showing his care extended to Naomi—he didn't want Ruth returning empty-handed. The large gift tangibly demonstrated Boaz's commitment and ability to provide abundantly. His concern for Naomi showed he understood that redeeming Ruth meant caring for her whole family, not just gaining a wife. This demonstrated covenant thinking—marriage joined families, creating comprehensive mutual responsibilities.

Then 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.

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Counsel to wait: 'Then 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'. Naomi counsels patient waiting while Boaz acts. Her confidence that he 'will not be in rest, until he have finished' shows she understood Boaz's character—his commitment meant immediate action to resolve the legal matters. Her counsel to 'sit still' meant don't interfere or worry, but trust the process. This demonstrates faith principle: after stepping out in obedience, often believers must wait while God works through human processes to accomplish His purposes.

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