Ruth 3:17

17 saying, "He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, "Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.' "

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 Then he said, "Bring the cloak you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley, and put it on her back; then he went into the city.

16 She came to her mother-in-law, who said, "How did things go with you, my daughter?" Then she told her all that the man had done for her,

17 saying, "He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, "Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.' "

18 She replied, "Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today."