Ruth 3:6-15

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do.

7 After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

8 At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman!

9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment ^[a] over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer. ^[b]”

10 Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

11 And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.

12 Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I. ^[c]

13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Now lie here until morning.”

14 So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”

15 And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured in six measures of barley ^[d] and placed it on her. Then he went ^[e] into the city.

Ruth 3:6-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO RUTH 3

In this chapter we have a proposal of Naomi to Ruth, with advice and directions to get Boaz for her husband, Ru 2:1-4. Ruth's obedience to the instructions she gave her, Ru 2:5-7, the notice Boaz took of her, and the conversation that passed between them, Ru 2:8-13 the dismission of her in the morning to her mother-in-law with a gift, to whom she returned, and acquainted her with what had passed, Ru 2:14-18.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or Spread your wing; the word for wing can also mean corner of a garment; see Ruth 2:12.
• [b]. The Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer or guardian-redeemer is a legal term for the kinsman who redeems or vindicates a relative; similarly in verses 12 and 13; see Leviticus 25:25–55.
• [c]. That is, more closely related
• [d]. Possibly six seahs (two ephahs), or approximately 39.6 dry quarts or 43.8 liters (about 58 pounds or 26.3 kilograms of barley)
• [e]. Most Hebrew manuscripts; many Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, and Syriac she went