Ruth 3 3

Ruth 3:3 kjv

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

Ruth 3:3 nkjv

Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.

Ruth 3:3 niv

Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.

Ruth 3:3 esv

Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.

Ruth 3:3 nlt

Now do as I tell you ? take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don't let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking.

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 3 Meaning

Ruth 3:3 relays specific instructions from Naomi to Ruth for her encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor. These commands emphasize personal preparation, purification, and careful presentation: wash herself, anoint herself, and put on her finest garments. The verse then directs Ruth to go down to the threshing floor, but cautions her not to reveal her presence to Boaz until he has completed his meal and drink, highlighting the importance of precise timing and discretion in their plan.

Ruth 3 3 Context

Ruth 3:3 is pivotal in the narrative, following Naomi's decision to seek a "resting place" (a secure home, typically through marriage) for Ruth (Ruth 3:1). Recognizing Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer (go'el) with the potential to secure their future, Naomi devises a plan. The immediate context of the verse is Naomi's strategic instruction, initiating Ruth's bold action. It occurs during the barley harvest when Boaz sleeps at the threshing floor to guard his valuable produce. Historically and culturally, threshing floors were active community centers during the day but isolated and vulnerable places at night, making Ruth's discreet approach crucial for reputation and safety. Naomi's plan navigates Israelite customs regarding levirate marriage and the kinsman-redeemer, which required a public claim of kin-right, yet the initial approach is to be discreetly made at night.

Ruth 3 3 Word analysis

• Wash yourself (rachatzt - רָחַצְתְּ): Root verb rachatz (רָחַץ), meaning "to wash, bathe, cleanse." In a spiritual and cultural context, washing symbolized purification and readiness for an important occasion or encounter (Ex 19:10, Lev 14:8). It signifies leaving behind the dust of daily labor or even the widow's garb of mourning to present herself as a woman seeking marriage.
• And anoint yourself (vasacht - וָסַכְתְּ): Root verb suk (סוּךְ), meaning "to anoint (with oil)." Anointing with oil was common for cleanliness, fragrance, and skin health in arid climates. It was also an act of preparation for a celebration or special event (Ps 23:5, Lk 7:46). Here, it suggests moving beyond a state of mourning to one of anticipation and presentation, contrasting with those in grief who would avoid anointing (2 Sam 14:2).
• And put your best clothes on (v'sampt simlotayich alayich - וְשַׂמְתְּ שִׂמְלֹתַיִךְ עָלַיִךְ): Literally, "and you shall put your garments upon you." The word simlah (שִׂמְלָה) refers to an outer garment, cloak, or robe, often of good quality. While not explicitly "best," the implication, especially combined with washing and anointing, is to put on clean, festive, or special attire, abandoning simpler work clothes or the garments of a humble widow. This signifies a public presentation, much like a bride adorns herself (Isa 61:10).
• And go down to the threshing floor (v'yaradt hagoren - וְיָרַדְתְּ הַגֹּרֶן): Yarad (יָרַד) means "to go down, descend," indicating movement from Bethlehem to the lower ground where the threshing floor, a flat, open area, was located. The goren (גֹּרֶן), or threshing floor, was crucial for harvesting grains, often bustling during the day but secluded and suitable for resting/guarding at night (Ruth 3:4). It symbolizes a place of gathering the harvest, often connected metaphorically to divine judgment and the gathering of God's people (Mt 3:12).
• Do not make yourself known to the man (al tivva'd'i la'ish - אַל־תִּוָּדְעִי לָאִישׁ): This command uses the Niphal imperfect of yada' (יָדַע), meaning "to know," in a negative command: "do not be known," or "do not reveal yourself." This instruction highlights discretion and the need for proper timing. Ruth is not to announce her presence but to act quietly and strategically. It protects both Ruth and Boaz from potential scandal or misunderstanding in the cultural context of that era (Ecc 3:7).
• Until he has finished eating and drinking (ad kalloto le'echol v'lishtot - עַד כַּלֹּתוֹ לֶאֱכֹל וְלִשְׁתּוֹת): This sets the precise timing for Ruth's emergence. Kalah (כָּלָה) means "to finish, complete." The implication is that Boaz will be relaxed, satisfied, and perhaps less guarded or less inclined to be irritable after a meal and drink (likely wine after a long day of harvest work). This demonstrates Naomi's shrewd understanding of human nature and strategic timing (Prov 25:15, Ecc 3:1).

Ruth 3 3 Bonus section

The instructions in Ruth 3:3 can be seen as a metaphorical "making oneself beautiful" for the encounter with the potential kinsman-redeemer, prefiguring the Church (the bride) preparing herself to meet Christ (the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer). The transformation from a state of being unrecognized or humble to being presented honorably reflects the process of sanctification. The choice of the threshing floor as the setting adds rich symbolic depth; it is a place of diligent labor and the winnowing of grain, ultimately leading to provision, a motif that subtly points to the gathering and refinement of God's people. This bold yet calculated act, initiated by Naomi and carried out by Ruth in trust and humility, becomes a significant step in the lineage of King David and ultimately the Messiah, showing how God works through human plans and ordinary individuals.

Ruth 3 3 Commentary

Ruth 3:3 serves as Naomi’s tactical directive, instructing Ruth on a carefully orchestrated approach to Boaz at the threshing floor. The commands to "wash," "anoint," and "dress" represent a transition from the status of a humble, perhaps even mourning, widow to a woman ready to enter a new phase of life, potentially marriage. This physical preparation mirrors a deeper spiritual readiness to step into God's providence, similar to how individuals might cleanse themselves for worship or a significant encounter with the divine. The strategic advice to remain "unknown" until Boaz is sated is critical; it demonstrates wisdom in timing and discretion, preserving their reputations and creating an opportune moment for Ruth's plea without interruption or rash judgment. It reveals Naomi's wisdom and a faith that while proactive, is still reliant on God's perfect timing and Boaz's righteous character for the outcome.