King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:15 Mean?

Ruth 3:15 in the King James Version says “Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of ba...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ruth 3:15 · KJV

Context

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

16

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.

17

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Six measures of barley (likely six seahs, about 60 liters total—nearly 100 pounds) was enormous load for a woman to carry but demonstrated Boaz's extraordinary generosity. The gift served multiple purposes: providing food, showing Naomi the encounter went well, and demonstrating Boaz's serious intent and ability to provide abundantly. Ancient betrothal customs often involved gifts from prospective groom to bride's family. Boaz's generous gift foreshadowed the abundant provision marriage to him would bring—not mere subsistence but overflow.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Boaz's generous gift before legal obligation teach about grace giving beyond duty?
  2. How does his provision for both Ruth and Naomi model Christian concern for extended covenant family?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 16

“Also he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָ֠בִי2 of 16

“Bring”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת3 of 16

“the vail”

H4304

a wide cloak (for a woman)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלַ֛יִךְ5 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַתֹּ֣אחֶז6 of 16

“it And when she held”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בָ֖הּ7 of 16
H0
וַתֹּ֣אחֶז8 of 16

“it And when she held”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בָּ֑הּ9 of 16
H0
וַיָּ֤מָד10 of 16

“it he measured”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

שֵׁשׁ11 of 16

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שְׂעֹרִים֙12 of 16

“measures of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

וַיָּ֣שֶׁת13 of 16

“and laid”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

עָלֶ֔יהָ14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַיָּבֹ֖א15 of 16

“it on her and she went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָעִֽיר׃16 of 16

“into the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 32:8Galatians 6:10

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