3:1 I not seek for you security In 1:9, Naomi wished that Yahweh would grant rest to Ruth and Orpah. Since Ruth stayed with her, Naomi seeks a way to provide her with the safety and security of marriage. As a married woman, Ruth would be protected from exploitation or oppression (see note on 1:5). She would also enjoy a sense of permanence as marriage would provide an opportunity to have an heir to perpetuate the line of Elimelech (see 4:6 and note).

3:2 is winnowing The process of separating grain from plant stalks. Grain was crushed and then tossed into the air for the wind to blow away the chaff. Boaz probably winnowed at night to take advantage of more wind.

the threshing floor An open area outside of town where the process of winnowing grain took place.

3:3 Wash, anoint yourself Bathing the entire body could be done in preparation for an important event (Exod 2:5; Exod 29:4). Ruth’s actions could be viewed as preparation for marriage or a sexual encounter (2 Sam 11:2; 1 Kgs 22:38; Ezek 16:9; 23:40). David prepares himself for worship after the death of his son by washing and anointing himself (2 Sam 12:20). Ruth may have been washing and anointing her body in connection with removing her widow’s garments to mark the potential end of her widowhood (Gen 38:14).

finishes eating and drinking Naomi wanted Ruth to approach Boaz when he was alone and in good spirits.

3:4 uncover his feet The nature and significance of this action is unclear. The Hebrew word galah (“uncover”) is used with reference to sexual contact but usually in the idiom galah erwah (“uncovering nakedness”; Lev 18:6; Deut 22:30). If uncovering Boaz’s feet was meant literally, the purpose may have been to wake him by making his feet cold. The Hebrew word regel (“foot”) is clearly used as a euphemism for the pubic area a few times in the ot (e.g., Exod 4:25; Isa 7:20). However, many cases are ambiguous, and a euphemistic reading is possible but uncertain. The meaning in this passage is further complicated by the form of regel used in this passage—margeloth—which likely means “place of the feet.” See note on Ruth 3:7.

lie down The Hebrew word used here, shakav (“to lie down”), is used eight times in vv. 4–14; this term is often used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse (Gen 30:15–16; 2 Sam 11:4; 13:14). The use of sexual innuendo generates a sense of nervous anticipation over what may transpire. However, since Boaz and Ruth are presented as virtuous and blessed by Yahweh (Ruth 2:11–12, 20; 3:10–11; 4:11–12), such sexual activity outside marriage would be out of character for them.

he shall tell you what to do Naomi trusts that Boaz will respond appropriately.

3:6 did all that her mother-in-law had instructed her Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions word for word and without question.

3:7 And Boaz ate and drank Harvest times were typically times of feasting and celebration (Isa 9:3).

until his heart was merry The Hebrew phrase used here, wayyitab libbo, does not necessarily indicate drunkenness (Judg 18:20). When it does indicate drunkenness, that fact is made more explicit (1 Sam 25:36; 2 Sam 13:28). While Boaz’s feasting likely included alcoholic drinks, it should not be assumed that he was drunk.

uncovered his feet The interpretation of Ruth’s action is uncertain (compare note on Ruth 3:4). The Hebrew term used for “feet” throughout this chapter is margeloth, not the usual regel (“foot”) or raglaim (“feet”).

3:8 was startled The Hebrew word used here, charad, literally means “to tremble.” Boaz may have been startled awake, or he could have been awakened by the cold.

3:9 servant. Spread your garment over The Hebrew term used here, kanaph (“wing”), refers to both a literal wing and the corner of a garment. There is a play on words here; this term is also found in 2:12, where Boaz notes that Ruth has taken refuge under the wings of Yahweh and prays that Yahweh would bless her (see note on 2:12). Here, Boaz is able to fulfill that appeal as Ruth looks for shelter under his “wings.”

you are a redeemer See note on Ruth 2:20.

3:10 You are blessed by Yahweh Boaz responds favorably to Ruth’s request. His instructions to her in vv. 10–13 indicate his willingness to help her. There is no indication that anything sexual occurred between them. See note on vv. 1–18.

You did better in this last kindness than the first Earlier Boaz was impressed by Ruth’s willingness to leave her home out of loyalty to Naomi (2:11). Now he admires her decision to seek a redeemer to provide an heir for Naomi.

by not going after young men Ruth could have pursued remarriage with other, younger men. Instead, she looked for a marriage that would benefit Naomi and the family of her late husband (see note on 4:5; note on 4:6).

3:11 a worthy woman The Hebrew phrase used here, esheth chayil, is also used in Prov 31:10 to introduce the section on the ideal wife (Prov 31:10–31). Ruth is known throughout the town as a hardworking and capable woman.

3:12 a redeemer of a closer relationship than me Up to this point, everything has gone as Naomi and Ruth hoped. However, Boaz introduces a new problem: There is another relative with a closer relationship to Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech, than him (see note on Ruth 2:20). The closer relative would have the first right to act as the redeemer according to levirate law. See note on 1:11.

3:13 Stay tonight The Hebrew term used here means “to spend the night” (Gen 28:11; 2 Sam 12:16). This term does not imply sexual relations (see note on Ruth 3:4). He likely has her remain because it was safer than sending her home in the middle of the night.

if he is not willing to redeem This closer relative would have the first right of redemption. The responsibility of redemption would go first to the deceased person’s brother, then uncle, then cousin, then another “close relative” (Lev 25:48–49). The exact relationship between Boaz, the other relative, and Elimelech is unclear.

then as Yahweh lives Signifies a binding oath (1 Kgs 1:29–30; 22:14; Jer 5:2; 12:16). Making an oath on God’s name was the strongest form of swearing. Failing to fulfill the oath would make the swearer a blasphemer.

3:14 she lay Ruth may lay at Boaz’s feet rather than next to him to be above reproach, both in appearance and in action. See note on Ruth 3:4.

It must not be known It is unclear who Boaz is addressing with this instruction. In vv. 10–13 and 3:15 he is clearly talking to Ruth. Here he could be telling Ruth to depart before anyone (even his workers) knows that a woman visited him at the threshing floor that night. However, he refers to Ruth as “the woman” (ha-ishah) and uses passive voice in the command, saying that no one can know the woman was there. This wording suggests he could be addressing his workers, commanding them to keep Ruth’s presence a secret.

you came to the threshing floor Ruth stayed at the threshing floor with Boaz for the entire night. Boaz does not want Ruth to be viewed as a prostitute visiting a man at the threshing floor (Hos 9:1). He knows her presence could be easily misconstrued and wants to avoid gossip and speculation. However, Boaz’s statement could also be taken as a wish to keep her presence secret to cover up for their sexual relationship. The virtue ascribed to Ruth and Boaz, as well as Naomi’s intentions (see note on Ruth 3:4), make the latter interpretation unlikely.

3:15 cloak that is on you Ruth was probably wearing two garments. Boaz is likely referring to her cloak or outer garment.

six measures of barley Boaz’s generosity is again evident (see note on 2:8–13). Boaz may have meant the gift to be evidence for Naomi of his intention to redeem her and Ruth (v. 17). If Ruth and Boaz are already engaged in a sexual relationship, then he is offering a kind of bride price to Naomi; if not, then he is simply being generous.

3:18 the man will not rest Boaz is possibly in a rush because he loves Ruth and wants to act quickly to marry her. However, he made an oath to Yahweh in v. 13 and probably does not want to waste time fulfilling his oath. If the threshing floor encounter is interpreted as sexual in nature, then he may be trying to make things legally right between them because they are already engaged in a sexual relationship.

will settle the matter today Boaz had sworn an oath to redeem Ruth if the closer redeemer would not. Naomi trusts that Boaz—a man of integrity—will act quickly to fulfill this oath. See note on v. 13.