Ruth 3:1 kjv
Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
Ruth 3:1 nkjv
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?
Ruth 3:1 niv
One day Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi said to her, "My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.
Ruth 3:1 esv
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
Ruth 3:1 nlt
One day Naomi said to Ruth, "My daughter, it's time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for.
Ruth 3 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ruth 1:9 | “The Lord grant that you may find rest (menuchah), each of you in the house of her husband.” | Naomi’s earlier prayer for similar rest for her daughters-in-law. |
| Ruth 2:20 | Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead." | Naomi’s acknowledgment of God's continuing kindness and providence. |
| Gen 24:7 | The Lord, the God of heaven… will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. | Divine guidance in finding a suitable spouse and home. |
| Deut 12:9-10 | For you have not yet come to the rest (menuchah) and the inheritance… you will live in safety. | The concept of 'rest' tied to securing a dwelling place and security. |
| Prov 18:22 | He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. | Finding a spouse as a source of good and favor, aligns with 'well-being.' |
| Ps 95:11 | Therefore I swore in My wrath, “They shall not enter My rest!” | God's ultimate rest, though distinct, relates to securing a dwelling. |
| Heb 4:9 | So then, there remains a Sabbath rest (sabbatismos) for the people of God. | The ultimate spiritual 'rest' promised to believers. |
| Matt 11:28 | “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” | Jesus offers spiritual rest, echoing the need for ultimate peace and security. |
| Isa 32:18 | My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in undisturbed resting places (menuchot). | The prophetic vision of security and rest for God's people. |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith… | The principle of familial responsibility to provide security and care. |
| Titus 2:3-5 | Older women likewise are to be reverent… and so train the young women to love their husbands and children… | Older women mentoring younger women in matters of family and household. |
| Ps 37:23-24 | The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way… | God’s guidance in the path towards a good and secure life. |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | God’s divine provision for all needs, paralleling Naomi's concern for Ruth's welfare. |
| Deut 25:5-10 | If brothers dwell together… the firstborn's widow shall not marry outside the family… to preserve his name. | The legal framework of levirate marriage and the kinsman-redeemer that provides security for widows. |
| Lev 25:25 | If your brother becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest redeemer (go'el) is to come… | The broader concept of a kinsman's duty to redeem family land or persons, applied to Boaz. |
| Heb 13:4 | Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled… | The high regard for the institution of marriage as a foundation for security. |
| Prov 31:10 | An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. | Highlights the value of a virtuous woman, inspiring a good home for her. |
| Deut 10:18 | He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner… | God's concern for widows and sojourners, aligning with Naomi's mission. |
| Exod 22:22-24 | You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them… I will surely hear their cry. | Divine protection and care for the vulnerable, underlying the societal need for a widow’s provision. |
| 1 Cor 7:2 | But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. | Marriage provides a rightful and honorable context for relations and stability. |
Ruth 3 verses
Ruth 3 1 Meaning
This verse opens the pivotal third act of the Book of Ruth, with Naomi initiating a strategic plan for Ruth's future. It reveals Naomi's deep love and commitment to Ruth, as she determines to secure a permanent, stable, and well-provided home for her. This "security" or "rest" (Hebrew: manoaḥ) signifies not just physical shelter but the complete well-being, comfort, and marital stability a woman would find in a good home, particularly in ancient Israelite society. Naomi's actions are driven by her desire for Ruth's flourishing.
Ruth 3 1 Context
Ruth chapter 3 transitions from Ruth’s dedicated gleaning to Naomi’s proactive efforts for Ruth’s future. The previous chapter ended with Ruth’s successful harvest, and her decision to remain with Naomi, who then acknowledges Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth 3:1 initiates Naomi's shrewd plan to secure "rest" (manoaḥ) for Ruth. This pivotal verse bridges Ruth's devotion in chapter 2 with her daring initiative in chapter 3, culminating in the threshing floor encounter with Boaz. Historically, women in ancient Israel were economically dependent, and widowhood presented significant challenges, often leading to destitution. A woman’s “rest” or “security” was intrinsically linked to her marriage and household. Naomi's concern for Ruth's manoaḥ reflects the deep cultural value placed on securing a husband and a home as fundamental to a woman’s well-being and social standing, aligning with Israelite legal and social structures for widow care (e.g., levirate marriage, kinsman-redeemer laws).
Ruth 3 1 Word analysis
- Then (וַתֹּאמֶר - va-to'mer): This conjunctive 'waw' (וַ - 'and' or 'then') combined with the imperfect verb ('she said') establishes a chronological progression, linking this event directly to the preceding actions in chapter 2. It indicates a continuity and the immediate consequence of the previous interactions and Ruth's diligent labor.
- Naomi (נָעֳמִי - Naomi): From a root meaning "pleasant" or "my delight." Ironically, Naomi initially claimed her name should be Mara (bitter) in Ruth 1:20. Her actions here demonstrate a return to her "pleasant" nature, actively seeking good for Ruth.
- her mother-in-law (חֲמוֹתָהּ - ḥămôthāh): Emphasizes the relationship of authority, care, and family responsibility Naomi feels towards Ruth, transcending cultural norms where widowed daughters-in-law might return to their own families.
- said to her (לָהּ - lah): Direct and intimate address, underscoring the personal and tender nature of the conversation and plan.
- "My daughter (בִּתִּי - bittī): A term of deep affection and endearment, often used by an elder addressing a younger, beloved woman. It expresses motherly love, responsibility, and intimate concern, showing Ruth’s adoption into Naomi’s care beyond legal or biological ties.
- Should I not (הֲלֹא - halô'): This is a rhetorical question in Hebrew that expects an affirmative answer, meaning "Certainly I must!" or "Indeed I should!" It strongly conveys Naomi's conviction, firm resolve, and sense of duty towards Ruth's welfare.
- seek (אֲבַקֵּשׁ - ’avaqqēš): First person imperfect verb, meaning "I will diligently seek/look for." From the root בָּקַשׁ (baqash), it implies active, earnest searching and strategic effort, not passive waiting.
- for you (לָךְ - lākh): The dative preposition "for you" emphasizes that Naomi's actions are entirely for Ruth’s benefit and well-being.
- security / rest (מָנוֹחַ - mānôaḥ): This key term translates as "resting place," "security," "home," or "quiet abode." It denotes not merely physical rest but comprehensive well-being, stability, comfort, and most significantly in this context, the security of a permanent marital home, offering protection and provision. It implies economic, social, and emotional stability found through marriage.
- that it may be well with you (אֲשֶׁר יִיטַב לָךְ - ʾasher yîṭav-lākh): Literally "that it may be good for you" or "that it may profit you." This phrase explains the purpose of seeking manoaḥ – it's for Ruth's ultimate flourishing and welfare. It highlights Naomi's desire for Ruth to have a fulfilling, comfortable, and stable life.
- "My daughter, should I not seek security for you?": This phrase demonstrates Naomi's proactive love. It’s a powerful declaration of her maternal duty and devotion to Ruth’s well-being. She is taking the initiative, not merely advising, but planning and acting.
- "security for you, that it may be well with you?": This pairing of manoaḥ (security/rest) and yitav-lakh (that it may be well with you) reveals the holistic nature of Naomi’s concern. She understands that true "well-being" for a woman in her society requires the stable foundation of a secure home, provided through a proper marriage.
Ruth 3 1 Bonus section
The concept of manoaḥ (security/rest/home) is central not just in this verse, but echoes through the wider biblical narrative, signifying God's ultimate desire to provide a "resting place" for His people—whether in the promised land (Deut 12:9-10) or through the ultimate spiritual rest offered by Christ (Matt 11:28, Heb 4). In Ruth 3:1, it's a profound cultural expectation, recognizing that true well-being (yatav) for a woman lay in a stable, recognized marital household. Naomi’s initiative also implicitly champions the vulnerable, aligning with the Deuteronomic emphasis on care for widows and sojourners, positioning her actions within the broader framework of divine justice and compassion.
Ruth 3 1 Commentary
Ruth 3:1 marks a crucial turning point, initiated by Naomi's resolute love for Ruth. No longer solely dependent on chance or gleaning, Naomi steps into a proactive role, driven by maternal concern to secure a future for her loyal daughter-in-law. The verse encapsulates Naomi's wisdom and devotion, her plan for Ruth’s manoaḥ (secure, settled home and status) directly addressing the precariousness of widowhood in ancient Israel. This "rest" isn't idleness, but the stable provision and comfort found in marriage and a permanent home. Naomi's rhetorical question, "Should I not seek security for you?", is a firm statement of intent, showcasing her commitment to ensure Ruth’s ultimate flourishing. This carefully conceived plan leads directly to the pivotal encounter at the threshing floor, illustrating God's providential work through human wisdom and kindness.
- Example for practical usage: Just as Naomi took concrete steps for Ruth's future, believers are called to wisely plan and act, relying on God's guidance, for their own or others' well-being and stability. It encourages proactive love and stewardship rather than passive resignation.