King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:18 Mean?

Ruth 3:18 in the King James Version says “Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until ...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 3:18 · King James Version

Context

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.

18

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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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient legal processes required public witnesses and proper procedures before city elders. Naomi knew Boaz would go immediately to the city gate (where legal business occurred) to settle redemption rights. Her confidence in his character—that he wouldn't rest until completing the matter—showed she recognized his integrity and determination. Her counsel to Ruth to wait patiently demonstrated wisdom about balancing bold faith action with patient trust in God's timing once proper steps are taken. The phrase 'this day' showed urgency—Boaz would resolve matters immediately, not delay.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Naomi's counsel to 'sit still' teach the balance between faith-based action and patient waiting?
  2. What does Boaz's determination to finish quickly teach about resolving important matters with urgency rather than procrastination?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 18

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁבִ֣י2 of 18

“she Sit still”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִתִּ֔י3 of 18

“my daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עַ֚ד4 of 18
H5704

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 18
H834

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

תֵּֽדְעִ֔ין6 of 18

“until thou know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֖יךְ7 of 18
H349

how? or how!; also where

יִפֹּ֣ל8 of 18

“will fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַדָּבָ֖ר9 of 18

“how the matter”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

כִּ֣י10 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א11 of 18
H3808

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

יִשְׁקֹט֙12 of 18

“will not be in rest”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

הָאִ֔ישׁ13 of 18

“for the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי14 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם15 of 18

“until”

H518

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

כִּלָּ֥ה16 of 18

“he have finished”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

הַדָּבָ֖ר17 of 18

“how the matter”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַיּֽוֹם׃18 of 18

“this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 3:18 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 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:3-5Isaiah 28:16Isaiah 30:7

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