Ruth 3 7

Ruth 3:7 kjv

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

Ruth 3:7 nkjv

And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Ruth 3:7 niv

When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down.

Ruth 3:7 esv

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down.

Ruth 3:7 nlt

After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 7 Meaning

Ruth 3:7 describes the setting of a pivotal encounter between Ruth and Boaz at the threshing floor. After Boaz has finished celebrating the harvest with food and drink and is in a pleasant mood, he settles down to sleep at the end of the grain heap. Following Naomi's careful instruction, Ruth then approaches him quietly, uncovers his feet, and lies down there, signifying her humble appeal for his kinsman-redeemer ship and protection. This action, while unusual, was executed with modesty and a plea for Boaz's covering, reflecting her faith and adherence to Naomi's counsel, all within the customs of that era.

Ruth 3 7 Context

Ruth 3:7 is nestled in the crucial third chapter of Ruth, where Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to secure her future by appealing to Boaz, the wealthy and kind kinsman-redeemer. The previous chapter established Boaz's benevolence and Ruth's diligent labor in his fields, alongside a budding mutual respect. This verse is the climax of Naomi's careful instruction in Ruth 3:1-4, where Ruth is told to prepare herself, go to the threshing floor where Boaz would be, wait until he slept, uncover his feet, and lie down. The threshing floor, though a common workplace and often used for sleeping during harvest season due to heat and need for security, was also a place where a private, nocturnal encounter could be misconstrued. This specific context highlights the boldness of Ruth's obedient action, yet its modesty, and sets the stage for Boaz's virtuous response, maintaining the purity and integrity of both individuals amidst a vulnerable situation. Historically, threshing floors were outdoor areas where harvested grain was trampled to separate kernels from husks, often situated on high ground to catch wind for winnowing.

Ruth 3 7 Word analysis

• Boaz: (בֹּעַז, Boaz) A prominent, wealthy landowner from Bethlehem, of the clan of Elimelech (Naomi's late husband), thus a potential kinsman-redeemer (goel). His character consistently demonstrates integrity, generosity, and reverence for God.
• eaten and drunk: Reflects a scene of celebratory feasting common at harvest time, signifying prosperity and gratitude. This prepares the setting for Boaz's rest and relaxed state.
• his heart was merry: (וַיִּיטַב לִבּוֹ, va-yi'tav libbo - literally, "his heart was good" or "at ease") Implies he was content, perhaps mildly elated from the festivities, not drunk to the point of incapacitation. This state is important for his positive and self-controlled reaction to Ruth's presence. It indicates a disposition open to kindness and discernment.
• to lie down: Signifies the transition to sleep and rest after labor and celebration.
• at the end of the heap of grain: (בְּקָצֵה הָעֲרֵמָה, b'ka'tseh ha-aremah) Specifically points to his sleeping arrangement near the harvested produce, possibly for security (to guard the grain) and practical comfort at the threshing floor. This emphasizes his exposed, yet vulnerable, sleeping position.
• she came softly: (בָּאתָה בַּלָּט, ba'atah ballat) The Hebrew 'ballat' denotes discreetly, secretly, or quietly. This highlights Ruth's obedience to Naomi's instruction for privacy and avoiding attention, crucial given the sensitive nature of her mission. It underlines the carefulness and wisdom required for this vulnerable encounter.
• uncovered his feet: (וַתְּגַל אֶת־מַרְגְּלֹתָיו, va-tegal et-marg'lotav) The verb 'gālâ' (גלה) means "to uncover" or "reveal." 'Margəlōṯāw' (מרגלותיו) refers to the area of one's feet. This action has been debated. Primarily, it is understood literally as uncovering his lower extremities (feet and perhaps lower legs) which he had likely covered for warmth. The act served as a subtle way to get his attention or awaken him without alarming others, potentially by causing a chill, and also signifies humility and a plea for his protective covering (Ruth 3:9, 'spread your cloak'). While 'feet' can be a euphemism for genitals in other parts of the Old Testament (e.g., Exod 4:25), in the context of Ruth and Boaz's clear virtuous character and the subsequent interaction, the literal interpretation combined with its symbolic meaning of seeking warmth/protection/intimacy-of-legal-connection is the most fitting. It signals vulnerability and readiness for his action.
• and lay down: This action completes Naomi's instruction, signifying Ruth's full trust in the plan and her humble posture of dependence. She places herself in a position of need and readiness for Boaz to act as kinsman-redeemer, mirroring the posture of seeking refuge or submission.

Ruth 3 7 Bonus section

The concept of "uncovering the feet" also subtly draws upon the custom of lying at someone's feet as a posture of submission, humble request, or appeal for patronage, reminiscent of subjects at a king's feet. For Ruth, it signifies her vulnerability and dependence on Boaz, a silent petition that he would provide the "covering" or protection (Ruth 3:9) that she, a widowed foreign woman, desperately needed. The "threshing floor" (גֹּרֶן, goren) is often symbolically linked in the Old Testament with judgment or divine action, as seen with Araunah's threshing floor becoming the site of Solomon's temple (2 Sam 24:16-25, 2 Chr 3:1), or John the Baptist's imagery of the winnowing fork (Matt 3:12). While not explicitly a judgment scene here, it serves as a place where decisive, divinely guided action takes place concerning the lineage of the Messiah. This seemingly audacious move by Ruth, prompted by Naomi, speaks volumes of the cultural nuances of their time and the unwavering faith of these women in seeking a lawful, honorable solution for their precarious situation.

Ruth 3 7 Commentary

Ruth 3:7 is a masterful piece of narrative that underscores themes of divine providence, human virtue, and cultural custom. The threshing floor setting, a place of hard work and celebration, becomes a site of critical decision and test of character. Boaz's relaxed state after the feast establishes an atmosphere of trust, essential for what is to follow. Ruth's actions, directed by Naomi, demonstrate a calculated risk. Her "coming softly" and "uncovering his feet" were deliberate, highly symbolic actions rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs. It was not a seduction but a humble, vulnerable plea for the gō’el (kinsman-redeemer) to act, highlighted by her choice to lie at his feet, a position of submission and supplication. The critical tension of this moment is whether Boaz, having his "heart merry," would maintain his renowned integrity or succumb to temptation. His virtuous response, later in the chapter, affirms his righteous character and Ruth’s own moral standing. This encounter is a testament to the integrity and faith of both individuals, reflecting God’s hidden hand guiding seemingly coincidental events toward His ultimate purpose of bringing forth the line of David.