King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:9 Mean?

Ruth 3:9 in the King James Version says “And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; f...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ruth 3:9 · KJV

Context

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

10

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

11

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. city: Heb. gate

Read Ruth 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Revelation: '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'. Ruth identifies herself and makes explicit request. The phrase 'spread thy skirt' (paras kenaphekha, פְּרֹשׂ כְּנָפֶךָ) uses same Hebrew word (kanaph) Boaz used blessing Ruth to find refuge under God's 'wings' (2:12). Ruth essentially says 'you prayed I'd find refuge under God's wings—be the answer to that prayer by becoming my kinsman-redeemer.' She appeals to covenant law and his previous blessing. The request combined bold faith with appropriate legal grounds—Boaz was go'el, authorized and responsible to redeem.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'spreading skirt' idiom symbolized marriage and protection (Ezekiel 16:8). Ruth wasn't requesting improper relationship but formal marriage under kinsman-redeemer laws. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 established levirate marriage where near kinsman married deceased relative's widow to preserve family line and property. Ruth's appeal to this law demonstrated both knowledge of Israel's customs and appropriate channel for marriage request. Her identification as 'handmaid' maintained proper respect while asserting her claim on his covenant responsibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's bold request demonstrate proper initiative within appropriate biblical boundaries?
  2. What does her reference to Boaz's earlier blessing teach about holding others (and God) accountable to their stated commitments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 14

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִי2 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אָ֑תּ3 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר4 of 14

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽנֹכִי֙5 of 14
H595

i

ר֣וּת6 of 14

“I am Ruth”

H7327

ruth, a moabitess

אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔7 of 14

“over thine handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

וּפָֽרַשְׂתָּ֤8 of 14

“spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כְנָפֶ֙ךָ֙9 of 14

“therefore thy skirt”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

עַל10 of 14
H5921

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

אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔11 of 14

“over thine handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

כִּ֥י12 of 14
H3588

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

גֹאֵ֖ל13 of 14

“for thou art a near kinsman”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

אָֽתָּה׃14 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 16:8Ruth 2:20Ruth 3:12Ruth 2:10-13Luke 14:111 Samuel 25:41

Test Your Knowledge

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