Ruth 3 13

Ruth 3:13 kjv

Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

Ruth 3:13 nkjv

Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you?good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the LORD lives! Lie down until morning."

Ruth 3:13 niv

Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning."

Ruth 3:13 esv

Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning."

Ruth 3:13 nlt

Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the LORD lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning."

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 13 Meaning

Boaz solemnly promises Ruth that he will act as her kinsman-redeemer. He first acknowledges and respects the legal right of a closer kinsman. However, if that kinsman declines the duty, Boaz emphatically swears by the Lord's life that he will personally undertake to redeem Ruth, ensuring her security, provision, and good name. He instructs her to remain safely with him until morning, ensuring the proper and immediate resolution of her situation.

Ruth 3 13 Context

Ruth 3:13 occurs at a pivotal moment in the narrative. Ruth, acting on Naomi's strategic advice, has come secretly to the threshing floor where Boaz sleeps, taking the posture of a petitioner seeking his kinsman-redeemer duty by uncovering his feet. Boaz, surprised yet pleased by her righteous intentions, praises her exceptional character and "greater kindness" (Ruth 3:10) for not pursuing younger men but rather seeking stability and security within the family lineage. This verse is Boaz's firm response, a sworn promise to fulfill his role. It sets the stage for the public resolution in the city gate in Chapter 4. The setting during the period of the Judges, often characterized by moral decline, highlights Boaz's exceptional integrity and adherence to God's laws, contrasting sharply with the societal norms of the time. The concept of go'el, the kinsman-redeemer, was a cornerstone of Israelite social and economic law, ensuring family continuity, property inheritance, and protection for vulnerable members, especially widows like Ruth.

Ruth 3 13 Word analysis

• Remain / Lodge (לוּנִי - luní): An imperative verb, meaning "to stay overnight" or "lodge." In this context, it is a command for Ruth's safety and to avoid any hint of impropriety, demonstrating Boaz’s concern for her reputation. It ensures her immediate security while a plan is put into action.
• this night: Refers to the current duration, emphasizing the need for Ruth's immediate protection until daybreak, preventing her from leaving in vulnerability or under a cloud of suspicion.
• and in the morning: (וְהָיָה בַבֹּקֶר - vĕháyâ vabbóqer) Specifies the exact timing for the promised action. Boaz is committing to swift and public resolution, not delay. This immediate timeframe reinforces his integrity and determination to set things right.
• if he will redeem thee: (אִם־יִגְאָלֵךְ - im-yigʾāleḵ)
  • if: A conditional conjunction, introducing the primary legal option for Ruth's redemption.
  • he: Refers to the unnamed, closer kinsman, who has the first right of refusal for redemption as per the law. Boaz, a man of integrity, respects the established legal order and priority, despite his own clear desire to redeem Ruth.
  • redeem: (גָּאַל - ga'al) This verb signifies the core duty of the kinsman-redeemer (go'el). It means "to act as a kinsman, to reclaim, to restore, to purchase back, to protect, to avenge." It encompassed legal, social, and economic responsibilities to ensure the well-being and continuation of a distressed family line.
• well / good: (טוֹב - ṭōḇ) A simple affirmative. It signifies "that is agreeable," "that is the proper course," or "it is fine for him to fulfill his duty." It conveys Boaz's acceptance of the law's preference.
• let him redeem thee: (יִגְאָל - yigʾal) This expression acknowledges and permits the closer kinsman's right to act, reaffirming Boaz's adherence to legal and communal order. It is an acceptance of God's appointed way.
• but if he will not redeem thee: (וְאִם־לֹא יַחְפֹּץ לְגָאֳלֵךְ - vĕʾim-lōʾ yaḥpōṣ lĕḡāʾŏlēḵ)
  • will not: Expresses an unwillingness or disinclination on the part of the closer kinsman. The Hebrew word yaḥpōṣ denotes "to desire" or "to be pleased." So, "if he does not desire to redeem you." This implies the choice is entirely his.
• then, as the LORD liveth: (חַי יְהוָה - ḥay YHVH) This is a solemn and weighty oath, invoked frequently in the Old Testament. Boaz swears by the very existence of God, elevating his promise to an inviolable vow. It showcases his absolute trustworthiness and deep reverence for God. This oath makes his commitment unwavering and legally binding in a spiritual sense.
• I will redeem thee: (אָנֹכִי אֶגְאָלֵךְ - ʾānōḵī ʾeḡʾālēḵ)
  • I: The Hebrew word ʾānōḵī is an emphatic pronoun, placing strong emphasis on "I." It underlines Boaz's personal and determined commitment, ensuring Ruth that he will act definitively.
  • will redeem: Reiteration of the ga'al duty, now confirmed as Boaz’s intention.
• Lie down until the morning: (שִׁכְבִי עַד־הַבֹּקֶר - šiḵḇī ʿad-habboqer) A repetition of the initial instruction, serving as a compassionate reassurance to Ruth. It reiterates his protective intentions and further emphasizes the importance of preserving her dignity and reputation. It also highlights the urgent need for action in daylight hours to prevent misunderstanding or gossip.

Ruth 3 13 Bonus section

• Boaz as a Type of Christ: While not explicitly stated in the Bible, Boaz's actions are often seen typologically prefiguring Christ. Boaz, a wealthy and honorable kinsman, willingly undertakes a burdensome task, marrying a Gentile widow (Ruth, who had Moabite lineage) to preserve the family line of another, enduring personal cost and potential "impairment of inheritance" (Ruth 4:6-7) by marrying Ruth and incurring obligations to Elimelech's name. Similarly, Christ, our heavenly Kinsman, though pure and undefiled, humbled Himself (Phil 2:6-8) to become like us, took on the burden of our sin, and through His redemption, restores a spiritual inheritance for those who believe (Eph 1:11-14). He redeemed us from a curse we could not escape (Gal 3:13).
• Upholding Righteousness in Corrupt Times: The book of Ruth stands in stark contrast to the Book of Judges, a period marked by moral decline where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 21:25). Boaz, however, consistently demonstrates faithfulness to God's law and compassion, serving as a shining example of righteousness during a dark age. His actions were not based on personal gain but on obedience and generous care.
• The Weight of an Oath: Boaz's phrase "as the LORD liveth" was a profoundly binding declaration. In ancient Israelite society, an oath sworn by God's name was taken with the utmost seriousness. To violate such an oath would be to invite divine judgment, emphasizing the absolute certainty of Boaz's commitment to Ruth's redemption. This gives the reader complete confidence in his promise.

Ruth 3 13 Commentary

Ruth 3:13 is a testament to Boaz's righteous character, deep faith, and commitment to the covenant community. Confronted with a vulnerable young woman seeking the ultimate expression of hesed (loyal love), Boaz responds with wisdom, integrity, and swift resolve. He navigates the intricate legal and social obligations of the kinsman-redeemer with precision: first, acknowledging the nearer kinsman's right, thereby upholding the law. Second, ensuring a definitive resolution by swearing a solemn oath by the living God, which underscores the profound seriousness and certainty of his promise. His repeated instruction for Ruth to remain until morning not only safeguards her from gossip but also affirms his respect for her personhood. Boaz exemplifies the kind of just and compassionate leader necessary for the health of a society. This act by Boaz also anticipates a greater, spiritual redemption found in the work of Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, who stepped in when humanity could not redeem itself from sin.