King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:3 Mean?

Ruth 3:3 in the King James Version says “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thy...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 3:3 · King James Version

Context

1

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?

2

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

3

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.

4

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

5

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

Read Ruth 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient bathing and anointing customs involved cleansing and beautification, particularly before significant events. Olive oil perfumed and preserved skin in dry climate. Best garments demonstrated respect for the person approached and the situation's significance. Naomi's instructions ensured Ruth presented herself honorably—seeking marriage through proper channels rather than inappropriate seduction. The timing after eating demonstrated cultural wisdom—approaching someone with serious proposal after they've finished labor and enjoyed meal showed respect and increased likelihood of favorable hearing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ruth's careful preparation teach about honoring significant relationships and moments with appropriate effort?
  2. How does Naomi's instruction about timing demonstrate wisdom in communication?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְרָחַ֣צְתְּ׀1 of 14

“Wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

וָסַ֗כְתְּ2 of 14

“thyself therefore and anoint”

H5480

properly, to smear over (with oil), i.e., anoint

וְשַׂ֧מְתְּ3 of 14

“thee and put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

שִׂמְלֹתַ֛יִךְ4 of 14

“thy raiment”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

עָלַ֖יִךְ5 of 14
H5921

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

וְיָרַ֣דְתְּי6 of 14

“upon thee and get thee down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַגֹּ֑רֶן7 of 14

“to the floor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

אַל8 of 14
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּוָּֽדְעִ֣י9 of 14

“but make not thyself known”

H3045

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

לָאִ֔ישׁ10 of 14

“unto 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)

עַ֥ד11 of 14
H5704

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

כַּלֹּת֖וֹ12 of 14

“until he shall have done”

H3615

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

לֶֽאֱכֹ֥ל13 of 14

“eating”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְלִשְׁתּֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“and drinking”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

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 3:3 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 3:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:21 Timothy 2:9-10Esther 5:1Psalms 104:15Matthew 6:17Ecclesiastes 9:8

Test Your Knowledge

Ruth 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ruth 3 with CommentaryAll Ruth ChaptersComplete Ruth QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes