Ruth 3 8

Ruth 3:8 kjv

And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

Ruth 3:8 nkjv

Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet.

Ruth 3:8 niv

In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned?and there was a woman lying at his feet!

Ruth 3:8 esv

At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet!

Ruth 3:8 nlt

Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet!

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 8 Meaning

Ruth 3:8 describes the unexpected moment when Boaz awoke at midnight, startled to discover a woman lying at his feet. This verse marks the climactic turning point of the carefully planned encounter between Ruth and Boaz at the threshing floor. It signifies Boaz's initial shock and surprise upon realizing Ruth's presence, leading directly to her formal petition in the subsequent verses and setting in motion the resolution of the narrative.

Ruth 3 8 Context

Ruth 3:8 is embedded in the third chapter of Ruth, which outlines Naomi's plan for Ruth to find "rest" (marriage and security). Following Naomi's detailed instructions (Ruth 3:1-4), Ruth goes to the threshing floor where Boaz is winnowing barley. The threshing floor was typically a raised, open area where harvested grain was processed, and sometimes where laborers might sleep overnight to guard the valuable produce. It was a place of work, abundance, and also potential vulnerability. Ruth had carefully followed Naomi's command to uncover Boaz's feet and lie down (Ruth 3:7). The previous verse had emphasized Boaz going to sleep, highlighting the unexpected nature of Ruth's presence once he awoke. This particular verse, then, sets up Boaz's response and Ruth's subsequent revelation of her identity and request for him to act as kinsman-redeemer (goel). The wider historical context is the period of the Judges, a time of moral decline and instability in Israel, yet the book of Ruth stands out as a story of covenant faithfulness and loyalty amidst a backdrop of lawlessness and self-interest (Judg 17:6).

Ruth 3 8 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - va-yĕ-hî):

  • Literally "and it was." This is a very common Hebrew narrative connective, signaling a progression in the story. It indicates that the following events unfolded after something preceding, creating a flow in the narrative.
  • Significance: Connects Ruth's obedient action in the previous verse to Boaz's sudden awakening.

• about midnight (בַּחֲצִי הַלָּיְלָה - ba-ḥaṣî hal-lā-yĕ-lāh):

  • ḥaṣî (half) + lā-yĕ-lāh (night). It means literally "in the half of the night."
  • Significance: The timing of "midnight" is crucial. It is the darkest, most private part of the night, when people are usually deepest in sleep, or, in biblical narratives, a time when significant, often divine, or unexpected events occur (Exod 12:29; Acts 16:25). It heightens the sense of surprise and the vulnerable nature of the encounter. It implies a moment of transition and revelation.

• that the man was startled (וַיֶּחֱרַד הָאִישׁ - vay-yeḥĕraḏ hā-'îš):

  • ḥāraḏ (חָרַד): To tremble, quake, be afraid, startle, move agitatedly. It denotes a sudden physical and emotional reaction, indicating surprise or even fear/agitation due to something unexpected.
  • hā-'îš: The man, referring specifically to Boaz.
  • Significance: Boaz was not just aware, but shocked into waking. This immediate, physical reaction highlights the unexpectedness of discovering someone, especially a woman, in his private space in the dark. It suggests a righteous man's appropriate response to an unknown situation, without implying guilt or immediate lust.

• and turned himself (וַיִּלָּפֵת - vay-yilāphēṯ):

  • lāphaṯ (לָפַת): To turn, grasp, seize, entwined. In this context, it implies a physical turning of his body or head to investigate. It is often used to describe grasping or laying hold of something.
  • Significance: Boaz didn't just feel something and react; he actively turned to ascertain what was there. This denotes an investigative action, a seeking to understand the cause of his disturbance. It demonstrates his conscious awareness rather than a purely reflexive reaction.

• and behold, a woman (וְהִנֵּה אִשָּׁה - vĕhinneh 'iššâ):

  • hinneh (הִנֵּה): "Behold!", "Lo!", "Look!" An interjection used to draw attention to something striking, sudden, or significant. It often indicates surprise or discovery.
  • 'iššâ: Woman. Clearly identifies the person as female.
  • Significance: The use of hinneh emphasizes Boaz's surprise and the dramatic reveal for the reader. It clarifies what Boaz discovered – not a creature, or a man, but a "woman," adding to the intrigue and potential implications of the scene.

• lay at his feet (שֹׁכֶבֶת מַרְגְּלֹתָיו - šōḵeḇeṯ marglōṯāw):

  • šōkheḇeṯ: Present participle of shāḵaḇ (שָׁכַב), "to lie down," indicating an ongoing action.
  • marglōṯāw: From margelah (מַרְגֵּלָה), a dual form of "foot" (regel). This literally means "at the place of his feet," or "by his feet/footrest." This exact phrase appeared in Ruth 3:4 and 3:7, indicating Ruth followed the instructions perfectly.
  • Significance: This detail directly confirms Ruth's obedience to Naomi's instruction (Ruth 3:4, 7) and sets up her petition. Lying at someone's feet was a humble gesture, signifying submission, supplication, or seeking protection/favor (cf. Gen 49:10). It highlights Ruth's vulnerable position, completely trusting in Boaz's character and his commitment to the Law. The position at the feet is respectful, not overtly seductive, making the act a petition rather than a seduction.

• Word Groups / Phrases:

  • "about midnight that the man was startled": This phrase highlights the element of surprise and disruption of rest. It establishes a tense and unexpected moment. Boaz's being startled shows he wasn't expecting her, validating the purity of his character and situation later.
  • "and turned himself and behold, a woman lay at his feet": This emphasizes the discovery and immediate realization. Boaz actively investigates what startled him, leading to the dramatic reveal of Ruth's humble, yet significant, presence. This entire description emphasizes that the discovery of Ruth's presence was unsettling to Boaz, rather than welcomed or expected. His subsequent response must be seen in light of this initial reaction of surprise and disorientation.

Ruth 3 8 Bonus section

The threshing floor, where this scene unfolds, was more than just a place of work. It was a place of harvest, blessing, and often celebration. However, it was also a place where transactions and agreements might be sealed, even acting as a makeshift court in ancient times due to its open and communal nature, and as such a very public location for what unfolds privately (albeit under the cloak of night). Boaz, as a righteous landholder, would have slept near his valuable grain for security. His sleep would have been deep due to hard work, making his sudden awakening by Ruth even more striking. The purity of their actions, despite the intimate setting and unusual circumstances, speaks volumes about the characters' integrity and their faith, presenting a contrast to pagan fertility rituals often associated with harvest festivals where illicit behavior might be common (Hos 9:1). This story highlights faithfulness to the Law of Moses and loyal love (hesed) in a dark time, rather than seeking illicit gain.

Ruth 3 8 Commentary

Ruth 3:8 marks a pivotal moment, shifting from Naomi's strategic plan to Boaz's awareness and subsequent reaction. The choice of "midnight" is a literary device to enhance the sense of discovery and unexpectedness; it's a moment when inhibitions are lowest, and reactions are often raw. Boaz's initial response, described as "startled" and "turned himself," indicates surprise and a desire to identify the cause of his disturbance, rather than any immediately unholy thought or accusation. This initial reaction sets the stage for Boaz's later noble and honorable actions.

Ruth's positioning "at his feet," in line with Naomi's instruction, is symbolic. It signifies her humility, vulnerability, and the specific request for him to "spread his skirt" over her – a euphemism for protection, covenant, and marriage. This act was not an attempt at seduction in a carnal sense, but a culturally understood appeal for marriage and security within the framework of levirate marriage or kinsman-redeemer customs. Boaz's startled yet honorable reaction contrasts sharply with the depravity seen in the book of Judges (e.g., Judg 19:22-25), portraying him as a man of integrity and righteous discernment even in a potentially compromising situation. The verse underscores God's providential working behind the scenes, orchestrating seemingly coincidental events to bring about His plan for Ruth, Naomi, and ultimately, the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.