King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:13 Mean?

Ruth 3:13 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

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

12

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

13

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.

14

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.

15

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

Read Ruth 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Traveling at night was dangerous for women. Boaz's instruction to stay protected Ruth from physical danger and reputational harm—being seen leaving the threshing floor at night could create scandal. His oath 'as the LORD liveth' was legally binding, invoking divine witness. Ancient Israelite oaths calling on God's name carried absolute obligation. Boaz's careful balance of giving the nearer kinsman his legal rights while committing absolutely to Ruth demonstrated both justice and mercy—he wouldn't circumvent proper process but would definitely redeem if permitted.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Boaz's oath demonstrate combining proper legal processes with passionate personal commitment?
  2. What does his protection of Ruth overnight teach about using authority to guard vulnerable people's physical safety and reputation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לִ֣ינִי׀1 of 19

“Tarry”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

הַלַּ֗יְלָה2 of 19

“this night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְהָיָ֤ה3 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַבֹּֽקֶר׃4 of 19

“and it shall be in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

אִם5 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ6 of 19

“let him do the kinsman's part”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

טוֹב֙7 of 19

“well”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ8 of 19

“let him do the kinsman's part”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

וְאִם9 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֨א10 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַחְפֹּ֧ץ11 of 19

“but if he will”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ12 of 19

“let him do the kinsman's part”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ13 of 19

“let him do the kinsman's part”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

אָנֹ֖כִי14 of 19
H595

i

חַי15 of 19

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֑ה16 of 19

“to thee as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׁכְבִ֖י17 of 19

“lie down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַד18 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַבֹּֽקֶר׃19 of 19

“and it shall be in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 4:5Jeremiah 4:2Ruth 2:20Deuteronomy 25:5-9Judges 8:19Hebrews 6:16

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