King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:4 Mean?

Ruth 3:4 in the King James Version says “And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncove...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ruth 3:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

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

Read Ruth 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern customs included symbolic acts conveying requests and commitments. Ruth's actions at Boaz's feet paralleled customs where vassals sought lord's protection by positioning themselves vulnerably, trusting lord's honor and mercy. The threshing floor setting, while private, was semi-public with servants nearby, preventing impropriety accusations. Naomi's plan balanced boldness (approaching at night) with propriety (Boaz's known character, servants' presence, symbolic rather than sexual actions). The uncovering of feet may have symbolized requesting marriage, as garment-covering signified protection and marriage (Ezekiel 16:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's vulnerable positioning demonstrate faith in Boaz's character and God's providence?
  2. What does this passage teach about balancing bold faith steps with wise safeguards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וִיהִ֣י1 of 18
H1961

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

וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּי2 of 18

“And it shall be when he lieth down”

H7901

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

וְיָדַ֙עַתְּ֙3 of 18

“that thou shalt mark”

H3045

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

אֶת4 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמָּקוֹם֙5 of 18

“the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 18
H834

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

וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּי7 of 18

“And it shall be when he lieth down”

H7901

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

שָׁ֔ם8 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וּבָ֛את9 of 18

“and thou shalt go in”

H935

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

וְגִלִּ֥ית10 of 18

“and uncover”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו11 of 18

“his feet”

H4772

(plural for collective) a footpiece, i.e., (adverbially) at the foot, or (direct.) the foot itself

וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּי12 of 18

“And it shall be when he lieth down”

H7901

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

וְהוּא֙13 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַגִּ֣יד14 of 18

“and he will tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָ֔ךְ15 of 18
H0
אֵ֖ת16 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

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

תַּֽעֲשִֽׂין׃18 of 18

“thee what thou shalt do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 3:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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