Ruth 3:17

17 She said, "He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said to me, ‘Don't go away empty-handed to your mother-in-law.'"

Ruth 3:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ruth 3:17

And she said, these six measures of barley gave he me
Which she laid down before her, which was a proof of his kindness to her, that she was acceptable to him, and had well sped; of these six measures, see ( Ruth 3:15 ) which by some are allegorically interpreted of six blessings that should be bestowed upon her, as the spirit of wisdom, understanding as ( Isaiah 11:2 ) so Jarchi; or of six persons that should spring from her, as David, Daniel, and his companions, and the King Messiah, as the Targum:

for he said unto me, go not empty unto thy mother in law;
which, as it expressed a regard to Naomi, and a compassionate concern for her support, so would give her assurance of the success Ruth met with, she would relate to her.

Ruth 3:17 In-Context

15 He said, "Bring the cloak that you have on and hold it out." She held it out, and he measured out six measures of barley and placed it upon her. Then she went into town.

16 She came to her mother-in-law, who said, "How are you, my daughter?" So Ruth told her everything the man had done for her.

17 She said, "He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said to me, ‘Don't go away empty-handed to your mother-in-law.'"

18 "Sit tight, my daughter," Naomi replied, "until you know how it turns out. The man won't rest until he resolves the matter today."