What is the meaning of Ruth 3:17?

And she said

Ruth immediately shares the news with Naomi.

- Speaking out loud affirms God’s kindness; silence would have left Naomi in the dark. Psalm 107:2 urges, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.”

- Testimony multiplies faith. Luke 8:39 records Jesus telling a healed man, “Return home and describe what God has done for you.” Ruth follows the same pattern, letting Naomi see the Redeemer’s hand at work.

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He gave me these six measures of barley

Boaz’s gift is concrete, plentiful, and personal.

- Provision shows character. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous soul will prosper.”

- Earlier, Boaz ordered extra bundles for Ruth (Ruth 2:15-16), proving generosity is his habit, not a one-time gesture.

- Gifts often accompany covenant moments. Genesis 24:53 notes the servant showering Rebekah with gifts before a marriage agreement. Boaz’s barley hints at a coming covenant while meeting present needs.

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for he said

The grain is linked to Boaz’s spoken word.

- Boaz ties his actions to explicit instruction, underlining his authority and intentional care. Ruth 2:8-9 shows him giving protective commands in the fields; he has been consistent.

- Obedience to a redeemer’s words brings blessing. John 2:5: “Do whatever He tells you.” Boaz speaks; Ruth obeys; everyone is blessed.

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Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed

Boaz remembers Naomi as well as Ruth.

- Naomi once mourned, “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21). Boaz’s words purposely reverse that emptiness.

- God often insists His people not send others away lacking. Exodus 3:21: Israel would not leave Egypt empty-handed. Deuteronomy 15:13-14 commands generous supply when releasing a servant.

- True faith meets tangible needs. James 2:15-16 warns against sending the needy away “without giving them anything.” Boaz behaves as the righteous man Scripture commends.

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summary

Ruth’s report turns a midnight encounter into shared worship. Her speech testifies, Boaz’s barley provides, his words guide, and Naomi’s emptiness begins to be reversed. The verse showcases a redeemer who acts generously, speaks purposefully, and ensures that no one under his care is left empty—foreshadowing the ultimate Redeemer who does the same on a grander scale.