Ruth 3:6-15

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her.
7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and 1his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down.
8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet!
9 He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. 2Spread your wings[a] over your servant, for you are 3a redeemer."
10 And he said, 4"May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than 5the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are 6a worthy woman.
12 And now it is true that I am 7a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I.
13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will 8redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, 9as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning."
14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, "Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor."
15 And he said, "Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went 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.

Cross References 9

  • 1. See Judges 19:6
  • 2. Ezekiel 16:8; [Deuteronomy 22:30]
  • 3. Ruth 2:20
  • 4. See Ruth 2:20
  • 5. Ruth 1:8
  • 6. Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 31:10
  • 7. Ruth 4:1
  • 8. Ruth 4:5; [Deuteronomy 25:5]
  • 9. Judges 8:19; 1 Samuel 14:39; 2 Samuel 4:9; 2 Samuel 12:5; 2 Kings 2:2, 6

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Compare 2:12; the word for wings can also mean corners of a garment
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.