Ruth 3:17

17 And she said: Behold he hath given me six measures of barley: for he said: I will not have thee return empty to thy 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 And again he said: Spread thy mantle, wherewith thou art covered, and hold it with both hands. And when she spread it and held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it upon her. And she carried it, and went into the city,

16 And came to her mother in law; who said to her: What hast thou done, daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

17 And she said: Behold he hath given me six measures of barley: for he said: I will not have thee return empty to thy mother in law.

18 And Noemi said: Wait, my daughter, till we see what end the thing will have. For the man will not rest until he have accomplished what he hath said.