Ruth 3:14

KJV

¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she lay {H7901} at his feet {H4772} until the morning {H1242}: and she rose up {H6965} before {H2958} one {H376} could know {H5234} another {H7453}. And he said {H559}, Let it not be known {H3045} that a woman {H802} came {H935} into the floor {H1637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She lay at his feet until morning; then, before [it was light enough that] people could recognize each other, she got up; because he said, "No one should know that the woman came to the threshing-floor."

Berean Standard Bible

So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”

American Standard Version

And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing-floor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:14 marks a critical juncture in the narrative, portraying Ruth's discreet departure from the threshing floor under Boaz's protective instruction. Following her bold plea for redemption, Ruth remained in a humble position of trust until the pre-dawn hours. Boaz's insistence that her presence remain unknown underscores his profound concern for both her reputation and his own integrity, setting the stage for the honorable and public fulfillment of his role as kinsman-redeemer. This verse highlights themes of discretion, honor, and Boaz's righteous character, all working providentially towards Ruth's secure future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ruth's audacious, yet culturally informed, request to Boaz to "spread your cloak over your servant, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" ([Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request to Boaz")). Boaz, recognizing her virtue and loyalty, had already promised to fulfill this duty if the nearer kinsman declined ([Ruth 3:13](/ruth/3-13 "Ruth 3:13 - Boaz's Promise to Ruth")). Verse 14 serves as the bridge between this private, nocturnal agreement and the public legal proceedings that will unfold in [Ruth chapter 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth"). It emphasizes the careful, strategic actions taken to ensure the honorable execution of the redemption, preventing any scandal that could jeopardize the entire process. The secrecy surrounding Ruth's departure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of all parties involved and ensuring the smooth transition to the public sphere.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The threshing floor (`goren`) was a vital agricultural site where grain was separated from chaff, often located outside the village and used for sleeping by men guarding the valuable harvest. For an unmarried woman like Ruth to be found there overnight with a man, even a relative, would have been highly scandalous in ancient Israelite society, which operated on a strict honor-shame code. A woman's reputation was paramount, directly impacting her marriageability and social standing. Boaz's immediate concern for Ruth's reputation and his own demonstrates his adherence to societal norms and his deep personal integrity. His actions reflect the cultural imperative to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals and matters of family honor and legal redemption.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 3:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. The most prominent is the **Protection of Reputation and Honor**, as Boaz's instruction directly safeguards Ruth's good name, a concept highly valued in Israelite society (cf. [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name")). This intertwines with the theme of **Discretion and Wisdom**, as both Ruth's timely departure and Boaz's command illustrate prudent action in a sensitive situation, avoiding scandal and ensuring the honorable progression of events. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Boaz's Integrity and Righteousness**, showcasing him not as one who would exploit a vulnerable woman, but as a man of principle committed to justice and care. Finally, while not explicitly stated, the careful orchestration of events undergirds the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's hidden hand guiding human actions towards the restoration of Naomi's family line and the ultimate lineage of David and Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lay (Hebrew, _shakav'_):** This verb (שָׁכַב) means "to lie down," often implying rest or sleep. In this context, it describes Ruth's position of waiting and submission at Boaz's feet, indicating her trust and obedience to Naomi's instructions, as well as her vulnerability in the situation.
* **know (Hebrew, _yakir'_):** From the root `yada` (יָדַע), meaning "to know" or "to recognize." The phrase "before one could know another" (בְּטֶרֶם יַכִּיר אִישׁ אֶת רֵעֵהוּ) specifically refers to the dim light of pre-dawn, where individuals could not yet clearly distinguish or identify one another, emphasizing the absolute secrecy required for Ruth's departure.
* **floor (Hebrew, _goren'_):** This noun (גֹּרֶן) refers to the threshing floor. It is significant because it was typically an outdoor, communal space for agricultural work, not a private dwelling. Its association with harvest, hard work, and male presence underscores the unusual and potentially compromising nature of Ruth's overnight stay, making Boaz's discretion all the more crucial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning:"** This clause depicts Ruth's humble and trusting posture. Having made her bold request and received Boaz's promise, she remains in a position of waiting and submission, demonstrating her faith in his word. Her presence until morning also signifies the completion of the night's events and the transition to a new day, which will bring about the public resolution of her situation.
* **"and she rose up before one could know another."** This phrase emphasizes the extreme discretion employed. Ruth departs under the cover of darkness, at the earliest possible moment before the sun fully rises and people can clearly see and recognize one another. This action is critical for protecting her reputation and preventing any gossip or scandal that could arise from her being seen leaving the threshing floor at dawn.
* **"And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."** This is Boaz's direct command, revealing his immediate and primary concern: the preservation of Ruth's honor and, by extension, his own and the integrity of the redemption process. His instruction is not born of shame but of wisdom and strategic foresight, ensuring that the necessary legal steps can proceed without the taint of impropriety. It highlights his honorable character and his commitment to protecting the vulnerable.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 3:14 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the private, discreet actions on the threshing floor anticipate and lay the groundwork for the public, honorable redemption that will unfold in [Ruth chapter 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth"). The secrecy of this encounter ensures the integrity of the subsequent legal process. **Symbolism** is also at play: the threshing floor, typically a place of labor and harvest, here becomes a liminal space where a private, intimate, yet entirely honorable, transaction of promise occurs, bridging vulnerability with security. The "feet" can symbolize humility, submission, or a plea for protection. Furthermore, there is an element of **irony**; what could have been a scene of potential scandal (a woman spending the night at a man's feet on a threshing floor) is transformed by Boaz's integrity and Ruth's virtue into a pivotal moment of honorable promise and discreet protection. The **contrast** between the darkness of night, where secrecy is maintained, and the approaching dawn, which signals the time for public action, also underscores the careful transition from private understanding to public declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:14 profoundly illustrates the biblical emphasis on integrity, discretion, and the protection of one's reputation and the honor of others. Boaz's actions are not merely about adhering to social customs but reflect a deeper commitment to righteousness and a godly concern for the vulnerable. His wisdom in navigating a potentially compromising situation with such care demonstrates a character aligned with divine principles. This passage teaches that true godliness involves not only doing what is right but also doing it in a way that avoids even the appearance of evil, safeguarding the testimony of faith and ensuring that good deeds are not undermined by misunderstanding or scandal. It speaks to the responsibility of those in positions of power or influence to act with honor and to be guardians of the dignity of those under their care, especially the marginalized.

* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name Is More Desirable Than Great Riches")
* [Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Live Honorably Before All")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:22](/1_thessalonians/5-22 "1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Abstain From Every Form of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:14 offers timeless wisdom for navigating our own lives with integrity and discretion. In a world often driven by sensationalism and quick judgment, Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation reminds us of the profound importance of protecting the honor of others, especially those who are vulnerable or easily misunderstood. It challenges us to consider not only the rightness of our actions but also how they might be perceived by others, encouraging us to act with wisdom and foresight to avoid unnecessary scandal or misinterpretation. For those in positions of leadership or influence, this passage serves as a powerful call to safeguard the dignity and well-being of those under their care, ensuring that their conduct is above reproach. Ultimately, it invites us to live lives marked by such unwavering integrity that our actions, even in private, reflect the character of God, building trust and paving the way for honorable outcomes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation challenge modern attitudes towards discretion and public image, especially in the age of social media?**
* **In what ways can we, like Boaz, actively protect the honor and dignity of others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized in our communities?**
* **What situations in our lives require us to act with both unwavering integrity and strategic discretion to ensure the best and most honorable outcome?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's providential care, even when circumstances seem precarious or require sensitive handling?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Ruth's presence on the threshing floor to be kept secret?**

Answer: It was crucial to protect Ruth's reputation and avoid scandal. In ancient Israelite society, an unmarried woman spending the night with a man, even a relative, in a place like a threshing floor, could easily lead to accusations of impropriety. Such a stain on her reputation would have severely jeopardized her marriage prospects and her standing in the community. Boaz, as a righteous man, understood this and acted to safeguard her honor, ensuring that the legal process of redemption could proceed without any moral cloud. His integrity was also on the line, as he was responsible for her well-being and the honorable execution of his kinsman-redeemer duties.

**What does "she lay at his feet" signify in this context?**

Answer: Ruth's action of lying at Boaz's feet signifies several things. Primarily, it conveys a posture of humility, submission, and trust. She was following Naomi's instructions ([Ruth 3:4](/ruth/3-4 "Ruth 3:4 - Naomi's Instructions to Ruth")) and placing herself under Boaz's authority and protection. It was a vulnerable position, yet one that expressed her reliance on him to act as her kinsman-redeemer. While "feet" can sometimes be a euphemism, in this narrative, it primarily denotes a position of respectful waiting and a plea for favor, distinct from any sexual impropriety, which Boaz's subsequent actions unequivocally confirm.

**How does this verse contribute to the overall plot of the Book of Ruth?**

Answer: Ruth 3:14 is a pivotal verse that bridges the private, nocturnal understanding between Ruth and Boaz and the public, legal resolution of her situation. It solidifies Boaz's commitment to Ruth and Naomi's redemption while demonstrating his wisdom and integrity in handling a delicate matter. By ensuring Ruth's discreet departure, Boaz protects their reputations, which is essential for the honorable and successful completion of the kinsman-redeemer process in [Ruth chapter 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth"). This verse sets the stage for the public transaction at the city gate, moving the narrative forward towards the restoration of Naomi's lineage and the eventual birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 3:14, with its emphasis on Boaz's integrity, protection, and discreet yet firm commitment, beautifully foreshadows the character and work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz, a man of honor, acted to secure Ruth's future and protect her reputation from scandal, so Christ, in His perfect righteousness, came to redeem humanity from the shame and bondage of sin. Boaz's careful handling of Ruth's vulnerability on the threshing floor mirrors Christ's compassionate care for His church, His bride, whom He loves and protects, ensuring her honor and purity ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The secrecy of Ruth's departure before dawn, preventing misjudgment, can be seen as a subtle parallel to Christ's divine wisdom in accomplishing salvation, often hidden from the world's understanding, yet perfectly executed according to God's plan. Boaz's promise made in the darkness of night, leading to a new day of hope and public redemption, points to Christ's work on the cross, which, though seemingly a defeat, brought about the dawn of a new covenant and eternal life for all who trust in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the one who took on our flesh to redeem us, not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Christ's Incarnation and Atonement")), perfectly righteous and without blemish ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), securing our honor and eternal future.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Romans 14:16

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

1 Corinthians 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Ecclesiastes 7:1

¶ A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.