Ruth 3 15

Ruth 3:15 kjv

Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

Ruth 3:15 nkjv

Also he said, "Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it." And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she went into the city.

Ruth 3:15 niv

He also said, "Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out." When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.

Ruth 3:15 esv

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 3:15 nlt

Then Boaz said to her, "Bring your cloak and spread it out." He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town.

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 15 Meaning

Ruth 3:15 describes Boaz's decisive action to provide for Ruth and assure her future, following her appeal on the threshing floor. He bestows upon her a significant gift of six measures of barley, which serves as a tangible pledge of his intent to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer. This act ensures Ruth's provision, safeguards her reputation, and signals his honorable commitment, ultimately allowing her to return to Naomi with physical evidence of her night's encounter.

Ruth 3 15 Context

Ruth 3:15 is pivotal within the broader narrative of Ruth chapter 3. Prior to this, Ruth, at Naomi's instruction, had discreetly approached Boaz on the threshing floor, uncovered his feet, and asked him to "spread your cloak over your servant, for you are a redeemer" (Ruth 3:9). This request was an appeal for marriage under the levirate law tradition. Boaz, acknowledging Ruth's virtue and desire to honor Naomi's family lineage, expresses his willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer. However, he informs her of a closer relative who has the primary right to redeem. The immediate verses before Ruth 3:15 show Boaz's commitment to resolve the matter and ensure Ruth's reputation is not compromised, stating no one should know she was there. This verse is his concrete, private demonstration of provision and intent, assuring Ruth of his serious pursuit of the redemption process before she returns to Naomi and awaits the outcome.

Ruth 3 15 Word analysis

• Also he said,: Boaz initiating communication again after their previous exchange, emphasizing his ongoing concern and direct action.
• 'Bring: The imperative "קְחִי" (qechi), a direct command, implying urgency and purpose.
• the cloak: "מִטְפַּחַת" (mitpachat). A large outer garment, shawl, or mantle. It's often associated with identity, protection, and also used for carrying goods. Its use here for carrying a significant load signifies both its practicality and Ruth's willingness to accept Boaz's provision and the metaphorical weight of his intentions. In ancient Israel, such a garment was versatile, serving as a covering during the day and even bedding at night.
• that is on you: Specifies it as her garment, showing Boaz’s careful instruction and the immediate availability of the item.
• and hold it': "וְאִחֲזִי־בָהּ" (v'ikhazi-bah). "Take hold of it," "grasp it firmly." This requires active participation from Ruth, indicating her acceptance and cooperation with Boaz’s plan. It’s not just given to her, but she must actively secure it, underscoring the volitional nature of this transaction.
• and when she held it: Confirming Ruth's immediate and obedient response, pivotal for the next action.
• he measured: "וַיִּמְדֹּד" (vayyimdod). This implies precision and a deliberate act. It's a calculated gift, not haphazard, reinforcing Boaz’s thoughtfulness and commitment.
• six measures: "שֵׁשׁ שְׂאֹרִים" (shesh se'orim). A measure, se'ah, was a significant dry unit, roughly equivalent to 2.5-3 gallons or 10-12 liters. Six measures therefore represents a substantial quantity, certainly more than what a gleaner might acquire in a day, suggesting ample provision for both Ruth and Naomi. The number "six" itself can be symbolic of human endeavor, labor, or completion prior to a definitive act (like the seventh day of rest/perfection). It might also signify preparation, as the sixth day prepares for the Sabbath.
• of barley: "שְׂעֹרִים" (se'orim). Barley was a staple grain, readily available and often associated with the poor (Ruth's previous occupation was gleaning barley). However, given by a wealthy man as a gift, it takes on new significance – transforming a humble grain into a sign of generous, immediate, and full sustenance. It's an affirmation of life and prosperity.
• and laid it on her.: "וַיָּשֶׁת עָלֶיהָ" (vayyashet aleiha). Emphasizes Boaz's direct involvement in burdening her with the gift. The weight of the grain underscores the substantial nature of his provision and commitment. It’s a physical manifestation of his care and responsibility.
• And she went into the city.: "וַתָּבֹא הָעִיר" (vatta'vo ha'ir). Her immediate return to Bethlehem indicates her desire to inform Naomi and the importance of discrete action before dawn. It also suggests that this matter, initiated at the threshing floor, is soon to move to the city gate, the public place of legal and community affairs.

Ruth 3 15 Bonus section

• The phrase "six measures of barley" likely conveyed to Naomi a definite promise and urgency from Boaz, prompting her statement in Ruth 3:18, "The man will not rest until he has settled the matter today." This highlights the communicative power of the gift itself beyond mere sustenance.
• In contrast to the deceit and private arrangements often found in surrounding cultures or even within Israel's less righteous periods, Boaz acts with full integrity. His action is a blend of discretion (to protect Ruth's reputation) and concrete, visible commitment (the heavy barley load).
• Some scholars note the contrast between the generous barley and the meager grain used in the "oath of jealousy" in Num 5:15. While there, barley flour symbolized suspicion and potential impurity, here it represents wholesome, abundant provision, dispelling any notion of impropriety and signaling an honorable resolution.
• The 'mitpachat' or cloak, later in Ruth 4:7-8, has a direct parallel with the removal of a sandal in ancient Israelite custom for confirming a transfer or transaction, underscoring the legal or customary significance implied in these seemingly simple acts.

Ruth 3 15 Commentary

Ruth 3:15 serves as a bridge, concluding the private encounter on the threshing floor and setting the stage for the public redemption at the city gate. Boaz's gift of six measures of barley is multifaceted: it’s a tangible pledge, ensuring Ruth and Naomi's immediate needs are met, thereby preventing Ruth from having to glean again, and safeguarding her reputation by allowing her to return with visible provision. It also represents Boaz’s integrity and his commitment to honorable action. The choice of barley, while common, symbolizes humble beginnings leading to divine abundance and serves as an earnest of his generous provision. This act ensures that Naomi understands Boaz's firm intent, moving the narrative towards its redemptive conclusion. This mirrors divine care and provision for those who place their trust in the Lord and wait patiently.