Ruth 3:4
New International Version
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.”

New Living Translation
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.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall take notice of the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you should do.”

NASB 1995
“It shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.”

NASB 1977
“And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Let it be that when he lies down, you shall know the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.”

Amplified Bible
When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying, and go and uncover his feet and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do.”

Christian Standard Bible
When he lies down, notice the place where he’s lying, go in and uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will explain to you what you should do.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he lies down, notice the place where he’s lying, go in and uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will explain to you what you should do.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Watch where he goes to spend the night, then when he is asleep, lift the cover and lie down at his feet. He will tell you what to do.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying. Then uncover his feet, and lie down there. He will make it clear what you must do."

Good News Translation
Be sure to notice where he lies down, and after he falls asleep, go and lift the covers and lie down at his feet. He will tell you what to do."

International Standard Version
When he lies down, be sure to notice where he is resting. Then go over, uncover his feet, and lie down. He'll tell you what to do."

Majority Standard Bible
When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.”

NET Bible
When he gets ready to go to sleep, take careful notice of the place where he lies down. Then go, uncover his legs, and lie down beside him. He will tell you what you should do."

New Heart English Bible
It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go in, and uncover his feet, and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall note the place where he is lying. Then you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, when he lies down, that you have known the place where he lies down, and have gone in, and uncovered his feet, and lain down—and he declares to you that which you do.”

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass when he lieth down, that thou hast known the place where he lieth down, and hast gone in, and uncovered his feet, and lain down, -- and he doth declare to thee that which thou dost do.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in his lying down, and know thou the place where he shall lie down there, and go in and uncover from his feet, and lie down; and he will announce to thee what thou shalt do.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he shall go to sleep, mark the place wherein he sleepeth: and thou shalt go in, and lift up the clothes wherewith he is covered towards his feet, and shalt lay thyself down there: and he will tell thee what thou must do.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But when he goes sleep, observe the place where he sleeps. And you will approach and lift up the covering, the part which covers near his feet, and lay yourself down, and sleep there; but he will tell you what you are obliged to do.”

New American Bible
But when he lies down, take note of the place where he lies; then go uncover a place at his feet and you lie down. He will then tell you what to do.”

New Revised Standard Version
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.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall remember the place where he lies, and you shall draw near and lie down near his feet; and he will tell you what you shall do.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it will be, whenever he lies down, you shall put your heart in the place where he lies down, and you shall approach and you shall lie down at his feet, and he will tell you whatever you shall do”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall come to pass when he lies down, that thou shalt mark the place where he lies down, and shalt come and lift up the covering of his feet, and shalt lie down; and he shall tell thee what thou shalt do.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Naomi Instructs Ruth
3Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.” 5“I will do everything you say,” Ruth answered.…

Cross References
Genesis 24:12-14
“O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. / Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. / Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

Genesis 38:13-19
When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” / she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. / When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. ...

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. / But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” ...

Ezekiel 16:8
Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.

1 Samuel 25:23-31
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. ...

2 Samuel 12:20
Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.

1 Kings 1:1-4
Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. / So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” / Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. ...

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...

Song of Solomon 3:1-4
On my bed at night I sought the one I love; I sought him, but did not find him. / I will arise now and go about the city, through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him. / I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city: “Have you seen the one I love?” ...

Isaiah 54:5
For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.

Matthew 1:5
Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

Matthew 22:23-30
That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. / “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. ...

Luke 20:34-36
Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. / But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. / In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.

John 4:16-18
Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” / “I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. / In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.”

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.


Treasury of Scripture

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

uncover his feet.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

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Ruth 3
1. By Naomi's instruction
5. Ruth lies at Boaz's feet
8. Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman
14. He sends her away with six measures of barley














Then go
The phrase "Then go" indicates a directive, a call to action. In the Hebrew context, this is a moment of obedience and trust. Ruth is being instructed by Naomi, her mother-in-law, to take a bold step. This action is not just physical but also spiritual, as it signifies Ruth's willingness to follow Naomi's guidance and trust in God's providence. The Hebrew word for "go" often implies movement with purpose, suggesting Ruth's journey is both literal and metaphorical, moving towards her destiny.

and uncover his feet
The act of uncovering Boaz's feet is rich in cultural and symbolic meaning. In ancient Near Eastern customs, this gesture was a non-verbal request for protection and provision. The Hebrew word for "uncover" can also mean to reveal or make known. By uncovering Boaz's feet, Ruth is symbolically asking him to take her under his wing, to act as her kinsman-redeemer. This act of vulnerability and humility is a profound expression of faith and hope in God's plan.

and lie down
"Lie down" suggests a posture of rest and submission. In the Hebrew tradition, lying down at someone's feet was a sign of humility and servitude. Ruth's action here is not one of seduction but of supplication. She is placing herself at Boaz's mercy, trusting in his righteousness and integrity. This phrase also echoes the biblical theme of rest found in God's promises, where true rest is found in submission to His will.

and he will explain to you
The phrase "he will explain to you" indicates that Boaz will provide guidance and clarity. In the Hebrew context, this reflects the role of a wise and just leader who offers counsel and direction. Boaz, as a type of Christ, foreshadows the ultimate guidance and revelation that Jesus provides to His followers. This assurance of explanation underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from those who are righteous and God-fearing.

what you should do
This final phrase emphasizes obedience and action based on divine guidance. In the Hebrew tradition, knowing "what you should do" is often linked to following God's commandments and living according to His will. Ruth's willingness to act upon Boaz's instructions reflects her faith and commitment to God's plan for her life. This phrase serves as a reminder that true wisdom is not just in knowing but in doing, aligning one's actions with God's purposes.

(4) Uncover his feet.--More literally, as the margin, lift up the clothes that are on his feet; so LXX. and the Vulgate. We are told that the custom still prevails in Palestine of owners of crops sleeping on their threshing-floors, lying with their clothes on, but with their feet covered with a mantle.

Verse 4. - And let it be, when he lies down, that thou take note of the place where he lies; and go, and uncover the parts about his feet, and lay thee down; and he shall declare to thee what thou shalt do. The denominative word מַרְגְּלֺלתָיו - freely rendered in King James's version "his feet" - we have rendered "the parts about his feet." It is the exact opposite of מְרַאֲשֹׁתָיו, which never means "his head," but is always translated correctly either "his pillows" or "his bolster." It denotes "the supports on which the head was laid in lying;" and מַרְגְּלות, having reference to members of the body which do not need such supports as the head, simply means "the places occupied by the feet." Naomi ventured, on a bold expedient to bring speedy rest to her daughter-in-law. But we assume that, with unmistaking feminine intuition, she saw, on the one hand, that Boaz was already deeply attached to Ruth, and, on the other, that Ruth reciprocated his attachment with pure intensity. Most probably we should also assume that she detected in Boaz a peculiar diffidence that caused him to shrink from making decisive advances in the way of declaring his affection. He had, however, unconsciously revealed himself, and made it clear to Naomi that he wished to divulge in words the depth of his honorable feelings. But again and again, as we may suppose, his sensitiveness overcame his resolutions. Hence Naomi's scheme to bring him to the point of declaration. It would have been reprehensible in the extreme had she not been absolutely certain of his wishes, on the one hand, and of his perfect honor and un-contaminable purity on the other. And even with that qualification, the scheme would have been imprudent and improper, and utterly unfeminine, had it not been the case that, in virtue of an ancient and much-prized Hebrew law, Ruth was entitled to call upon her nearest of kin to fulfill the various duties of a responsible kinsman. Still, notwithstanding the existence of this law, we may rest assured that the sensitive gleaner would never have summoned up courage to ask Boaz to discharge to her the duties of kinship, unless she had been sure that the thrills that vibrated within her own heart were responsive to subtle touches, on his part, of spirit with spirit.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When he lies down,
בְשָׁכְב֗וֹ (ḇə·šā·ḵə·ḇōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

note
וְיָדַ֙עַתְּ֙ (wə·yā·ḏa·‘at)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

the place
הַמָּקוֹם֙ (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

where
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he lies.
יִשְׁכַּב־ (yiš·kaḇ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

Then go in
וּבָ֛את (ū·ḇāṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and uncover
וְגִלִּ֥ית (wə·ḡil·lîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal

his feet,
מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו (mar·gə·lō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4772: A footpiece, at the foot, the foot

and lie down,
וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ (wə·šā·ḵā·ḇət)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

and he
וְהוּא֙ (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will explain
יַגִּ֣יד (yag·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to you what
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you should do.”
תַּעַשִֽׂין׃‪‬‪‬ (ta·‘ă·śîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular | Paragogic nun
Strong's 6213: To do, make


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OT History: Ruth 3:4 It shall be when he lies down (Ru Rut.)
Ruth 3:3
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