Ruth 3 17

Ruth 3:17 kjv

And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

Ruth 3:17 nkjv

And she said, "These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, 'Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.' "

Ruth 3:17 niv

and added, "He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, 'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'?"

Ruth 3:17 esv

saying, "These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, 'You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.'"

Ruth 3:17 nlt

and she added, "He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, 'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'"

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 17 Meaning

Ruth 3:17 reveals Ruth's account to Naomi of Boaz's decisive actions and a tangible promise of future provision. The "six measures of barley" signify a substantial, immediate gift and a pledge of commitment, assuring Naomi that Boaz would fully act as their kinsman-redeemer. Boaz's instruction, "Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law," directly addresses and promises to reverse Naomi's previously lamented state of emptiness, signifying a coming season of abundance and security through his redemptive role.

Ruth 3 17 Context

Ruth 3:17 is a pivotal point in the book of Ruth, serving as the confirmation of Boaz's commitment and a tangible sign for Naomi. This verse immediately follows Ruth's account to Naomi of her nighttime encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, where Ruth made her plea for him to act as her kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:9). Boaz, after commending Ruth's character, promises to fulfill this role. This verse records Ruth conveying not only Boaz's words but also his immediate, generous gift.

Historically, in ancient Israelite society, the concept of a "kinsman-redeemer" (goel) was vital. This individual was responsible for protecting the family's integrity, ensuring property remained within the family, and raising an heir for a deceased family member. Naomi and Ruth, as vulnerable widows and foreign sojourners, desperately needed such protection and provision. Boaz's actions, culminating in the provision of the barley and the promise not to send Ruth away empty-handed, directly addressed their precarious economic and social standing. The transaction at the threshing floor and the ensuing gift were the necessary first steps toward securing their future within the societal norms and the protective provisions of the Mosaic Law for the disadvantaged.

Ruth 3 17 Word analysis

• And she said: This immediately connects back to the conversation between Ruth and Naomi, establishing the relay of information.

• "These six measures (šēš śe'ārîm)":

  • Six: A literal count, but often interpreted symbolically. Some see it as referring to the six working days of the week, signifying that Boaz would bring resolution swiftly before the next Sabbath rest. It denotes completion and sufficiency.
  • Measures: The Hebrew word śe'ārîm (barley) is used without a specific unit (like 'ephah' or 'seah'). Scholars interpret "six (of) barley" to imply six seahs or ephahs. Given it was carried by a woman, six seahs (roughly 22-26 lbs/10-12 kg) is a more plausible and significant quantity, demonstrating Boaz's substantial generosity, enough to sustain Ruth and Naomi for a good period. It's a pledge and practical help.
  • Barley: A common, fundamental grain, representing basic sustenance and security. Less valuable than wheat, yet plentiful.

• he gave to me: Ruth explicitly states the giver and recipient, underscoring Boaz's initiative and personal act of giving, which holds significant weight as a pledge of his intentions.

• and he said to me: Confirms the direct communication from Boaz to Ruth, not merely a speculative gift.

• 'Do not go empty-handed (rêqām) to your mother-in-law':

  • Do not go: A clear directive, a command rooted in Boaz's resolve.
  • empty-handed: The Hebrew word rêqām implies destitution, barrenness, lack of anything to show for one's efforts. It starkly contrasts Naomi's lament in Ruth 1:21 ("I went out full, but the LORD has brought me back empty") and signifies Boaz's deliberate intention to reverse her perceived emptiness with fullness. It assures the women that their season of poverty and vulnerability is ending.
  • to your mother-in-law: Directly names Naomi, showing Boaz's concern extends beyond Ruth to include the elder matriarch, a critical aspect of his redemptive responsibility for the whole household. It reinforces their bond.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "These six measures of barley he gave to me": This phrase communicates immediate, tangible proof of Boaz's care and a direct fulfillment of his earlier general generosity. It functions as a down payment and a clear symbol of his serious commitment.
  • "and he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’": This declarative statement solidifies Boaz's verbal promise with a concrete purpose. It directly addresses the socio-economic reality of Naomi and Ruth, making a solemn pledge that their status of destitution is about to be utterly transformed into one of provision and security, signifying the fulfillment of the kinsman-redeemer's duty.

Ruth 3 17 Bonus section

The generosity of Boaz, quantified by the "six measures," goes beyond merely feeding two hungry women. It carries the weight of a solemn pledge. In the cultural context, the giving of such a large, yet manageable, quantity of grain could signify a betrothal gift or a strong assurance of future marriage and provision, sealing the implied covenant made at the threshing floor. The act demonstrates Boaz's proactive care and quick resolution, characteristic of a faithful covenant keeper who would not delay in setting things right. It subtly prefigures God's complete provision and satisfaction for His people, ensuring they are never truly "empty-handed" when walking in His path and trusting His deliverers. The provision of barley, a staple, underscores fundamental sustenance and the practical outworking of redemptive love.

Ruth 3 17 Commentary

Ruth 3:17 is more than a simple recounting of an event; it's a testament to Boaz's immediate and significant pledge as kinsman-redeemer. The "six measures of barley" are not just a gift for the morning meal but a substantial provision indicating serious intent and sustained care. This tangible offering assures both Ruth and Naomi of Boaz's sincerity and ability to fulfill his promise. His explicit command, "Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law," resonates deeply with Naomi's earlier declaration of returning "empty" from Moab (Ruth 1:21). This directly counters her past despair with a future promise of abundance and security through Boaz's redemptive actions. It signifies that the seasons of hardship for Ruth and Naomi are coming to a close, replaced by the expectation of full restoration and provision under God's gracious providence, channelled through Boaz's kindness and legal responsibility. This act effectively secures Naomi's perception of their future and reinforces the unfolding plan of God's redemptive love and care.