Ruth 3 4

Ruth 3:4 kjv

And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

Ruth 3:4 nkjv

Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do."

Ruth 3:4 niv

When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do."

Ruth 3:4 esv

But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do."

Ruth 3:4 nlt

Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do."

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 4 Meaning

Ruth 3:4 presents Naomi's specific, strategic instruction to Ruth concerning how to approach Boaz at the threshing floor. The verse outlines a sequence of actions: observing Boaz's resting place, approaching him secretly after he lies down, uncovering his feet, and then lying down herself near them. The intent is for Boaz, upon discovering her presence, to discern her honorable request and initiate the kinsman-redeemer process. This act, though appearing bold, was a culturally nuanced plea for protection and marriage, relying on Boaz's integrity and the established custom of redemption within Israel. It signifies Ruth's obedience to Naomi and their joint hope for the perpetuation of the family line and the provision of an heir.

Ruth 3 4 Context

Ruth 3:4 is nestled at a crucial turning point in the Book of Ruth. Chapters 1 and 2 established Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her diligent gleaning, which brought her under Boaz's protective care. The scene transitions to the harvest season, specifically the threshing floor, a place of hard work, celebration, and sometimes, danger or illicit activity, but also where business arrangements could be discussed discreetly. Naomi, a wise and provident elder, conceives a bold, yet risky, plan to secure Ruth's future, as a widowed, childless woman had no standing in ancient Israelite society without a male provider or heir. Her instruction in this verse is a calculated risk, rooted in cultural norms concerning the kinsman-redeemer (Go’el) and the honour code of the time, designed to prompt Boaz to fulfill his obligations as the nearest relative. This is not about illicit encounter, but a deeply traditional, albeit highly symbolic, petition for marriage and an heir within a legal and cultural framework.

Ruth 3 4 Word analysis

• And it shall be: Signifies a definite consequence or outcome based on the preceding instructions. It signals the beginning of the crucial actions Naomi outlines.

• when he lies down: Hebrew shakhav (שָׁכַב), meaning to lie down for rest, sleep, or sexual relations. In this context, it implies resting after work, indicating a time of vulnerability but also privacy for the intended approach. It’s important in biblical narratives for actions undertaken when a person is sleeping or at rest.

• that thou shalt mark: Hebrew yada` (יָדַע), to know, discern, observe carefully. This is more than merely seeing; it means to understand the exact spot and situation, implying precise knowledge and timing are crucial for the delicate action to follow.

• the place where he shall lie: Emphasizes precision in Ruth's approach. Her success depends on her exact knowledge of Boaz's resting spot, signifying prudence and careful planning.

• and thou shalt go in: Implies entering his immediate space or presence discreetly and intentionally.

• and uncover his feet: Hebrew gala (גָלָה) "uncover" and margloth (מַרְגְּלֹת) "feet." While "feet" can sometimes be a euphemism for genitals in the Bible, in this context, coupled with Boaz's virtuous character and Ruth's honorable intentions, it most likely means literal feet. Uncovering his feet, usually implying his legs to some extent, would expose him to the cold and rouse him, acting as a humble, intimate, and urgent signal of her presence and need for his attention without directly speaking or being sexually aggressive. It symbolized a position of vulnerability and supplication, relying entirely on his honor.

• and lay thee down: Hebrew shakhav (שָׁכַב). Ruth places herself in a position of humble dependence at Boaz's feet. This act signifies deep submission and vulnerability, characteristic of a plea from an unprotected person to a powerful benefactor for mercy and provision. It's not explicitly sexual but expresses availability for the legal union of marriage within the framework of kinsman-redemption.

• and he will tell thee what thou shalt do: This phrase underscores Boaz’s authority and wisdom, as well as Naomi’s trust in his righteous judgment. It signifies that Ruth is putting herself under his direction, anticipating his response regarding the redemption process, rather than attempting to coerce him.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "when he lies down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie": This precise instruction highlights Naomi's calculated strategy and emphasis on discretion and proper timing for Ruth's approach to Boaz, stressing the careful observation required before taking action.
  • "go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down": This sequence of actions illustrates a specific, culturally understood petition. It’s an act of profound humility, vulnerability, and legal claim (symbolically invoking protection and marriage) rather than seduction. Ruth is placing herself under his protection and at his mercy, awaiting his response as the potential redeemer.
  • "he will tell thee what thou shalt do": This demonstrates Naomi's faith in Boaz's integrity and leadership. It shifts responsibility to Boaz to decide the righteous course of action concerning his kinsman-redeemer obligations, placing the ball squarely in his court while asserting Ruth’s humble submission to his decision.

Ruth 3 4 Bonus section

The "threshing floor" (Hebrew: goren) was typically a raised, open area where harvested grain was threshed and winnowed. It was a communal workspace during the day but could be a private, even vulnerable, place at night for those guarding the produce. While the setting might suggest risk, Boaz’s character elevates the encounter, proving him to be a man of integrity rather than one who would exploit such a situation. The action described in Ruth 3:4 should be understood as a formal, though intimate, request for redemption (go'el) within the societal laws, symbolizing a widow's right to re-marriage within her late husband's family line, and an opportunity for a kinsman to raise an heir. Naomi's strategy leans heavily on Boaz's moral character, indicating a community where a man's reputation for righteousness was valued and trustworthy. This sequence highlights that Boaz saw Ruth's act not as impropriety but as a virtue and a plea rooted in the law, solidifying his intention to act responsibly.

Ruth 3 4 Commentary

Ruth 3:4 is the pivotal moment where Naomi sets her daring plan into motion, illustrating a complex interplay of wisdom, faith, and adherence to ancient customs. Naomi instructs Ruth to take a bold step—approaching Boaz at the threshing floor after dark, in a very private, yet deeply significant manner. The act of uncovering his feet and lying down at them was not an invitation for illicit activity, but a carefully choreographed act of supplicant petition. It symbolized Ruth's desperate need for protection and her humble plea for Boaz to act as her kinsman-redeemer and husband, an action within the societal framework but one requiring immense faith in Boaz’s honorable character. This command underscores Naomi’s understanding of Boaz’s righteousness and her conviction that he would respond justly, initiating a process that was vital for the continuation of their family line and their socioeconomic survival. The story provides an example of divine providence working through human obedience and cultural customs for ultimate good.