📖 Ruth — Chapter 3 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, Rshall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
Ruth 3:2 And now Ris not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
Ruth 3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and Ranoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
Ruth 3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and RTuncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
Ruth 3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, Rand did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
Ruth 3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and Rhis 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.
Ruth 3:8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and Tturned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am RRuth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art Ta near kinsman.
Ruth 3:10 And he said, RBlessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the RTcity of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit Rthere is a kinsman nearer than I.
Ruth 3:13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as Rthe LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
Ruth 3:14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, RLet it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
Ruth 3:15 Also he said, Bring the Tvail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, Rhe measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.
Ruth 3:16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
Ruth 3:17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
Ruth 3:18 Then said she, RSit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Ruth 3:1–7 — Naomi seeks rest for Ruth
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Naomi seeks a settled future for Ruth and tells her how to approach Boaz at the threshingfloor. Ruth follows her directions and lies at his feet. These actions belong to this particular family and cultural setting; the passage does not prescribe a courtship method for all readers.
Key Truth: Naomi's stated purpose is Ruth's well-being and rest.
Check What You Remember
1. What did Naomi say she sought for Ruth? (Ruth 3:1)
Find it in Ruth 3:1 (KJV).
2. What crop was Boaz winnowing? (Ruth 3:2)
Find it in Ruth 3:2 (KJV).
3. Where did Ruth lie down? (Ruth 3:7)
Find it in Ruth 3:7 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Ruth 3:8–13 — Ruth asks a kinsman to act
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
At midnight Ruth identifies herself and asks Boaz to spread his skirt over her because he is a near kinsman. Boaz praises her character and promises to act, but acknowledges a nearer relative whose right must first be addressed.
Key Truth: Boaz's willingness to help includes respecting the nearer kinsman's prior claim.
Check What You Remember
1. At what time did Boaz discover Ruth at his feet? (Ruth 3:8)
Find it in Ruth 3:8 (KJV).
2. How did Boaz describe Ruth's character? (Ruth 3:11)
Find it in Ruth 3:11 (KJV).
3. Who had a prior family claim ahead of Boaz? (Ruth 3:12)
Find it in Ruth 3:12 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Ruth 3:14–18 — Barley and waiting for resolution
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Ruth departs before daylight with six measures of barley and tells Naomi what happened. Naomi tells her to wait because Boaz will finish the matter that day. The gift brings tangible provision while the family's future is still being settled.
Key Truth: Waiting here follows action already taken and a specific commitment by Boaz.
Check What You Remember
1. How many measures of barley did Boaz send? (Ruth 3:15)
Find it in Ruth 3:15 (KJV).
2. To whom did Ruth report what happened? (Ruth 3:16)
Find it in Ruth 3:16 (KJV).
3. When did Naomi expect Boaz to finish the matter? (Ruth 3:18)
Find it in Ruth 3:18 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Ruth 2:12 — Ruth's request for covering echoes the earlier language of refuge under the LORD's wings.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
Where does Boaz combine willingness with respect for proper responsibilities? What does Naomi know when she advises Ruth to wait?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What aim does Naomi state before giving her instructions?
2. On what relationship does Ruth base the request to spread Boaz’s skirt over her?
3. How does Boaz qualify his willingness to act?
4. What public knowledge does Boaz cite in reassuring Ruth?
5. How does Naomi explain her instruction to wait after Ruth returns?
Notes
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