King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:7 Mean?

Ruth 3:7 in the King James Version says “And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she ...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.”

Ruth 3:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

8

And it came to pass at midnight , that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. turned: or, took hold on

9

And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. a near: or, one that hath right to redeem

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The encounter begins: 'And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn'. Boaz's contentment ('heart was merry') after successful harvest day shows blessing and satisfaction in God's provision. His lying at 'end of the heap' guarded the grain. 'And she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down'. Ruth approached quietly, performed the symbolic act (uncovering feet), and positioned herself humbly at his feet, awaiting his response. Her quiet approach and vulnerable positioning demonstrated proper submission and trust in Boaz's integrity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient harvest celebrations involved joy at successful gathering, with meals and wine shared among workers. Boaz's merry heart reflected legitimate gratitude for provision, not drunkenness as suggested by some interpreters—the narrative portrays him responding with complete moral clarity. Ruth's 'soft' or quiet approach prevented startling Boaz or alerting others, allowing private conversation about redemption. Her positioning at his feet was suppliant posture, not seductive, trusting Boaz would respond with honor befitting his reputation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the balance between bold faith action and humble submission to God's sovereign outcome?
  2. What does Boaz's contentment after labor teach about finding joy in God's daily provisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֨אכַל1 of 14

“had eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בֹּ֤עַז2 of 14

“And when Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

וַיֵּשְׁתְּ֙3 of 14

“and drunk”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּיטַ֣ב4 of 14

“was merry”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לִבּ֔וֹ5 of 14

“and his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וַתָּבֹ֣א6 of 14

“and she came”

H935

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

וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב׃7 of 14

“and laid her down”

H7901

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

בִּקְצֵ֣ה8 of 14

“at the end”

H7097

an extremity

הָֽעֲרֵמָ֑ה9 of 14

“of the heap of corn”

H6194

a heap; specifically, a sheaf

וַתָּבֹ֣א10 of 14

“and she came”

H935

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

בַלָּ֔ט11 of 14

“softly”

H3909

properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly

וַתְּגַ֥ל12 of 14

“and uncovered”

H1540

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

מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו13 of 14

“his feet”

H4772

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

וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב׃14 of 14

“and laid her down”

H7901

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

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 19:6Esther 1:10Judges 19:92 Samuel 13:28Ecclesiastes 9:7Psalms 104:15

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