Ruth 3:15

KJV

Also he said, Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid [it] on her: and she went into the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also he said {H559}, Bring {H3051} the vail {H4304} that thou hast upon thee, and hold {H270} it. And when she held {H270} it, he measured {H4058} six {H8337} measures of barley {H8184}, and laid {H7896} it on her: and she went {H935} into the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also said, "Bring the shawl you are wearing, and take hold of it." She held it while he put six measures of barley into it; then he went into the city.

Berean Standard Bible

And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl. Then he went into the city.

American Standard Version

And he said, Bring the mantle that is upon thee, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:15 marks a pivotal moment following Ruth's bold encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor. This verse describes Boaz's tangible act of provision and commitment: he measures out a generous six measures of barley into Ruth's mantle before she returns to Bethlehem. This gift serves as both immediate sustenance for Ruth and Naomi and a public, undeniable pledge of Boaz's serious intent to fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer, thereby safeguarding Ruth's reputation and signaling the imminent resolution of her future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 3:15 immediately follows Ruth's daring nocturnal visit to the threshing floor, an act orchestrated by Naomi (Ruth 3:1-5). Ruth's appeal to Boaz to "spread your cloak over your servant, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 3:9) is met with Boaz's affirmation of his responsibility, contingent on a closer relative's decision (Ruth 3:10-13). The preceding verses establish Boaz's honorable character and his commitment to act. This verse, therefore, is the practical, immediate outworking of Boaz's promise, providing a concrete sign of his intention and ensuring Ruth's honorable return to the city before dawn. It sets the stage for the legal resolution in the city gate in [Ruth 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The threshing floor was typically a secluded, open-air area where grain was threshed and winnowed. While often a place of communal work, it could also be a place of vulnerability, especially at night. For Ruth, a foreign widow, her reputation was paramount. Boaz's actions in this verse are deeply rooted in the cultural norms concerning women's honor and the legal institution of the kinsman-redeemer (`goel`). The "vail" (Hebrew: _mitpachat'_), often a large outer garment or mantle, was commonly used to carry goods, making it a practical vessel for the barley. The "six measures" of barley (likely seahs, a substantial amount, not just a token) would have been a significant provision, signaling Boaz's wealth and generosity, and serving as a public declaration of his honorable intentions, preventing any gossip about the night's encounter.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the book of Ruth. Boaz's **generosity and integrity** are highlighted, as he provides abundantly for Ruth and Naomi, demonstrating his character as a "man of worth" (Ruth 2:1). The act of giving the barley functions as a **pledge of commitment**, a tangible promise that Boaz will follow through on his word to redeem Ruth, reinforcing the theme of **covenant faithfulness**. Furthermore, Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation and his strategic timing of her departure underscore the theme of **protection of the vulnerable**. Ultimately, this entire narrative, including Boaz's actions here, is a profound illustration of **divine providence**, where God works through the faithful actions of individuals to bring about His purposes, echoing the broader theme of God's care for the marginalized as seen in [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Orphan and Widow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vail (Hebrew, _mitpachat'_):** This term refers to a large outer garment, such as a cloak, mantle, or shawl, rather than a small face veil. Its significance here is practical: it was large and strong enough to hold a considerable amount of grain. It also serves a symbolic function, as Ruth's return with a substantial gift in her mantle would publicly affirm Boaz's honorable intentions and protect her reputation from any suspicion after her nocturnal visit to the threshing floor.
* **Six measures (Hebrew, _shesh se'orim'_):** The "measures" are most likely seahs, a dry measure, meaning six seahs of barley. A seah was approximately 7.3 liters, so six seahs would be around 44 liters, or roughly 25-30 pounds of barley. This was a substantial amount—far more than a single person could eat in a day—demonstrating Boaz's lavish generosity and providing ample sustenance for both Ruth and Naomi. The number "six" might also carry symbolic weight, perhaps hinting at a complete, yet incomplete, work (leading to the seventh, a day of rest/completion, which would be the marriage/redemption).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also he said, Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it."**: Boaz's instruction is direct and practical. He recognizes the need for Ruth to carry something and uses her own garment, which would have been large and sturdy enough for the task. This act also ensures that Ruth is seen departing with a visible, honorable gift, preventing any potential scandal or misinterpretation of her presence at the threshing floor.
* **"And when she held it, he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid [it] on her:"**: This is the central action of the verse, a tangible demonstration of Boaz's character and commitment. The act of measuring and laying the barley on her signifies a personal, deliberate, and generous transfer of provision. It is a physical manifestation of his promise to care for her and Naomi, functioning as a pledge or down payment on his future redemption.
* **"and she went into the city."**: Ruth's departure is swift and purposeful. She leaves before daybreak, as Boaz had advised, ensuring discretion. Her return to the city, now laden with the barley, transforms her appearance from a potentially vulnerable woman returning from a clandestine meeting into someone under the honorable care and provision of a wealthy kinsman, thus protecting her reputation within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 3:15 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "six measures of barley" are not merely sustenance; they symbolize Boaz's abundant **generosity**, his **pledge** of commitment, and the **security** he intends to provide. The barley, a staple grain, represents life, provision, and the promise of a bountiful future. The act of placing it in Ruth's "vail" (mantle) also carries symbolic weight, as the mantle itself can represent protection and identity. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent legal redemption and marriage that will secure Ruth's future. There is also an element of **Irony** in that a threshing floor, often associated with illicit encounters in ancient literature, becomes the site of a profoundly honorable and redemptive pledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:15 is a powerful testament to the outworking of God's providence through human faithfulness and generosity. Boaz's actions are not merely a cultural formality but an embodiment of the principles of care for the vulnerable, integrity, and commitment that are deeply rooted in Israelite law and wisdom literature. His provision of barley is a tangible expression of his promise, mirroring God's own faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse underscores that true love and commitment are demonstrated through concrete deeds, not just words, and that God often uses the righteous actions of individuals to bring about His redemptive purposes and provide for His people. It highlights the beauty of a community where the strong care for the weak, reflecting the heart of God.

* [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5 "The Law of Levirate Marriage and Kinsman-Redeemer")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Honoring the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "God's Provision for the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Boaz's actions demonstrate that genuine commitment is not merely verbal but is substantiated by tangible deeds. He didn't just promise to act; he immediately provided for Ruth and Naomi, ensuring their well-being while he pursued the legal resolution. This challenges us to consider how our own faith and love are expressed in practical, sacrificial ways. Are we merely professing our care, or are we actively providing for the needs of others, especially the vulnerable, reflecting God's own generous character? Furthermore, Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation teaches us the importance of acting with integrity and wisdom, not only in our intentions but also in how our actions are perceived by others. This verse also serves as a beautiful reminder of God's providential care, often working through the kindness and faithfulness of His people to meet needs and bring about blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Boaz's tangible act of provision challenge our understanding of commitment in our relationships and service?**
* **In what ways can we, like Boaz, use our resources (time, talent, treasure) to protect and provide for the vulnerable in our communities or families?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's providential care, even when circumstances seem uncertain or require patience?**

### FAQ
**Why did Boaz give Ruth six measures of barley?**

Answer: Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley for several significant reasons. Firstly, it was a substantial amount, providing immediate and ample provision for both Ruth and Naomi, ensuring they would not go hungry while the legal matters of redemption were being resolved. Secondly, it served as a public and tangible pledge of Boaz's serious intent to redeem Ruth. In ancient cultures, such a generous gift could function as a form of engagement token or a down payment on a promise. Lastly, it was crucial for protecting Ruth's reputation. By returning to the city with such a visible and honorable gift from Boaz, any rumors of impropriety regarding her overnight stay at the threshing floor would be dispelled, presenting her instead as someone under his honorable care and provision, as hinted at in [Ruth 3:14](/ruth/3-14 "Ruth 3:14 - Boaz's Concern for Ruth's Reputation").

**What is the "vail" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "vail" (KJV) or "mantle" (ESV, NIV) mentioned in Ruth 3:15 refers to a large outer garment, such as a cloak, shawl, or blanket, that Ruth was wearing. It was not a small face covering. This type of garment was commonly used in ancient times not only for warmth and modesty but also as a practical means of carrying goods. Its size and strength made it suitable for holding the considerable quantity of barley Boaz gave her, highlighting its functional purpose in this context.

**Did Boaz and Ruth spend the night together in an inappropriate way?**

Answer: No, the biblical narrative carefully emphasizes Boaz's integrity and Ruth's honorable intentions, ensuring that their encounter at the threshing floor was not inappropriate. Boaz explicitly states, "Let it not be known that a woman came to the threshing floor" (Ruth 3:14), and he sends her away before dawn. The generous gift of barley was a tangible sign of his honorable commitment and served to protect Ruth's reputation, preventing any gossip or suspicion in the city. The text portrays Boaz as a righteous man who acts with wisdom and care, upholding the law and protecting the vulnerable, rather than exploiting the situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 3:15, with Boaz's generous provision and pledge, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and redemption found in Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz, a man of wealth and integrity, freely gave of his abundance to secure Ruth's future and provide for her needs, so too does Christ, in His infinite riches, freely give Himself for our salvation. The "six measures of barley" symbolize the abundant, life-sustaining provision that Christ offers, far surpassing mere physical sustenance. He is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who came to satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger. Boaz's act of laying the barley on Ruth's mantle signifies a personal, tangible transfer of blessing and security, much like Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where He took our sin upon Himself to bestow upon us His righteousness and eternal inheritance (see [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:51 - Christ Became Sin For Us") and [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Through His redemptive work, Jesus not only secures our future but also protects our spiritual reputation, clothing us in His righteousness and bringing us into His family, fulfilling the deepest longings for security and belonging that Ruth experienced in Boaz's care (see [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood") and [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness")).

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

Isaiah 32:8

But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.