Ruth 3:7
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
When 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 secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

NASB 1995
When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

NASB 1977
When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Boaz ate and drank and his heart was merry, and he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly and uncovered his feet and lay down.

Amplified Bible
When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was happy, he went to lie down at the end of the stack of grain. Then Ruth came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

Christian Standard Bible
After Boaz ate, drank, and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of barley, and she came secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After Boaz ate, drank, and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of barley. Then she went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

American Standard Version
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: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

Contemporary English Version
After Boaz finished eating and drinking and was feeling happy, he went over and fell asleep near the pile of grain. Ruth slipped over quietly. She lifted the cover and lay down near his feet.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Boaz had eaten and drunk to his heart's content, so he went and lay at the edge of a pile of grain. Then she went over to him secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Good News Translation
When Boaz had finished eating and drinking, he was in a good mood. He went to the pile of barley and lay down to sleep. Ruth slipped over quietly, lifted the covers and lay down at his feet.

International Standard Version
After Boaz had finished eating and drinking to his heart's content, he went over and lay down next to the pile of threshed grain. Ruth came in quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Majority Standard Bible
After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

NET Bible
When Boaz had finished his meal and was feeling satisfied, he lay down to sleep at the far end of the grain heap. Then Ruth crept up quietly, uncovered his legs, and lay down beside him.

New Heart English Bible
When Boaz had eaten and drank, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Boaz had eaten and drank, 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 herself down.

World English Bible
When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Boaz eats and drinks, and his heart is glad; and he goes in to lie down at the end of the heap; and she comes in gently, and uncovers his feet, and lies down.

Young's Literal Translation
And Boaz eateth and drinketh, and his heart is glad; and he goeth in to lie down at the end of the heap; and she cometh in gently, and uncovereth his feet, and lieth down.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Boaz will eat and drink, and his heart will be done good to; and he will go to lie down upon the end of the heap: and she will come secretly and she will uncover from his feet, and lie down.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Booz had eaten, and drunk, and was merry, he went to sleep by the heap of sheaves, and she came softly and uncovering his feet, laid herself down.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Boaz had finished eating and drinking, and he was merry, and he had gone to sleep by the pile of sheaves, she approached secretly, and, lifting the covering near his feet, she laid herself down.

New American Bible
Boaz ate and drank to his heart’s content, and went to lie down at the edge of the pile of grain. She crept up, uncovered a place at his feet, and lay down.

New Revised Standard Version
When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and he was in a contented mood, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came stealthily and uncovered his feet, and lay down.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went and lay at the side of the threshing floor; and while he was in deep sleep in the threshing floor, she came secretly and lifted the end of his robe and lay down near his feet.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Baaz had eaten and had drunk and his heart was cheerful, he came and he lay down at the side of the granary, and when he was lying in the snoring of sleep on the threshing floor, she came into a secret place and she exposed the side of his cloak and she fell at his feet
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Booz ate and drank, and his heart was glad, and he came to lie down by the side of the heap of corn; and she came secretly, and lifted up the covering of his feet.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Naomi Instructs Ruth
6So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do. 7After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

Cross References
Genesis 19:32-35
Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.” / So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. / The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Look, I slept with my father last night. Let us get him drunk with wine again tonight so you can go in and sleep with him and we can preserve our father’s line.” ...

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.” ...

1 Samuel 25:36-38
When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. / In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him, and he became like a stone. / About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead.

Proverbs 23:31-33
Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. / In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. / Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.

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?” ...

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.

Hosea 3:3
Then I said to her, “You must live with me for many days; you must not be promiscuous or belong to another, and I will do the same for you.”

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

Matthew 22:24-25
“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 20:28
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him.

John 2:10
and said, “Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!”

Romans 13:13
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

his heart

Genesis 43:34
And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.

Judges 16:25
And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.

Judges 19:6,9,22
And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry…

Jump to Previous
Boaz Bo'az Corn Drank Drink Drinketh Drinking Drunk Eaten Eateth Eating End Heap Heart Herself Lie Lieth Mass Meat Merry Pile Rest Ruth Secretly Softly Spirits Uncovered Uncovereth Uncovering
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Boaz Bo'az Corn Drank Drink Drinketh Drinking Drunk Eaten Eateth Eating End Heap Heart Herself Lie Lieth Mass Meat Merry Pile Rest Ruth Secretly Softly Spirits Uncovered Uncovereth Uncovering
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














After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits
This phrase indicates a time of celebration and contentment, likely following the successful harvest. In ancient Israel, the harvest was a time of joy and thanksgiving to God for His provision. The mention of Boaz being in "good spirits" suggests a relaxed and positive mood, which sets the stage for the events that follow. This context is important as it shows Boaz's readiness to receive Ruth's request with kindness. The cultural practice of sharing meals and drinks after a hard day's work was common, fostering community and gratitude.

he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain
Boaz lying down at the end of the heap of grain indicates his role as the owner and protector of the harvest. It was customary for landowners to sleep near their grain to guard against theft. This setting also highlights the abundance of the harvest, a sign of God's blessing. The location at the threshing floor is significant, as it was a place of separation and preparation, symbolizing the potential for new beginnings and transformation.

Then Ruth went in secretly
Ruth's secretive approach underscores the delicacy and risk of her actions. In the cultural context, a woman approaching a man at night could be misinterpreted, yet Ruth's intentions are pure and guided by Naomi's instructions. Her discreet manner reflects her humility and respect for Boaz, as well as her understanding of the social norms of the time. This act of courage and faith is pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for her and Boaz.

uncovered his feet, and lay down
Uncovering Boaz's feet was a symbolic gesture of submission and a request for protection. In the cultural and historical context, this act was a non-verbal proposal for marriage, invoking the role of the kinsman-redeemer. By lying down at his feet, Ruth was expressing her willingness to be under Boaz's care and protection, aligning with the Levirate marriage customs found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This act foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who covers and redeems those who come to Him in faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Boaz
A wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. He is a man of standing and integrity, playing a key role as a kinsman-redeemer.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow and daughter-in-law of Naomi. She is known for her loyalty, faithfulness, and courage, as she follows Naomi back to Bethlehem and seeks protection under Boaz's care.

3. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She guides Ruth in seeking Boaz's protection.

4. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, a town in Judah, which is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.

5. Threshing Floor
A place where grain is separated from chaff, symbolizing a place of provision and potential transformation in the account.
Teaching Points
God's Providence and Timing
God's hand is evident in the timing and circumstances of Ruth's actions. Trust in God's perfect timing in your own life.

Courage and Initiative
Ruth's boldness in approaching Boaz demonstrates the importance of taking initiative when guided by wisdom and counsel.

Integrity and Honor
Boaz's response to Ruth's actions reflects his integrity. Uphold honor and righteousness in all relationships.

Redemption and Restoration
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Reflect on how Christ redeems and restores us.

Cultural Sensitivity and Obedience
Ruth's actions show her respect for cultural customs and her obedience to Naomi's guidance. Value wise counsel and cultural understanding.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
After Boaz
בֹּ֤עַז (bō·‘az)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1162: Boaz -- 'quickness', an ancestor of David, also a pillar before the temple

had finished eating
וַיֹּ֨אכַל (way·yō·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

and drinking
וַיֵּשְׁתְּ֙ (way·yê·šət)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

and was in good spirits,
וַיִּיטַ֣ב (way·yî·ṭaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

he went
וַיָּבֹ֕א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to lie down
לִשְׁכַּ֖ב (liš·kaḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7901: To lie down

at the end
בִּקְצֵ֣ה (biq·ṣêh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the heap of grain.
הָעֲרֵמָ֑ה (hā·‘ă·rê·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6194: A heap, a sheaf

Then [Ruth] went in secretly,
וַתָּבֹ֣א (wat·tā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

uncovered
וַתְּגַ֥ל (wat·tə·ḡal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third 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 lay down.
וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב׃ (wat·tiš·kāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down


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OT History: Ruth 3:7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk (Ru Rut.)
Ruth 3:6
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