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.

And when she came {H935} to her mother in law {H2545}, she said {H559}, Who art thou, my daughter {H1323}? And she told {H5046} her all that the man {H376} had done {H6213} to her.

When she came to her mother-in-law, she asked, "Who are you? My daughter?"She told her everything the man had done for her.

When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked her, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her all that Boaz had done for her.

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.

Commentary

Ruth 3:16 marks a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth, as she returns to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor. This verse captures Naomi's anxious anticipation and Ruth's immediate, open communication about the night's events.

Context

Having followed Naomi's audacious advice to approach Boaz at the threshing floor (as detailed in Ruth 3:4), Ruth now returns in the early morning. Just before this verse, Boaz had sent her away with six measures of barley, a symbolic gesture and provision (Ruth 3:15). Naomi, who had been waiting expectantly, immediately questions Ruth upon her return, eager to know the outcome of the night's proceedings.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation and Hope: Naomi's urgent question, "Who [art] thou, my daughter?" (KJV) reflects her deep concern and hope for Ruth's future and security. She is not asking for physical identification, but rather about Ruth's changed status or prospects after the encounter with Boaz. This highlights Naomi's role as a proactive mentor, seeking to secure a future for her beloved daughter-in-law, fulfilling her desire for Ruth to find "rest" or security (Ruth 3:1).
  • Trust and Transparency: Ruth's immediate and full disclosure to Naomi—"she told her all that the man had done to her"—underscores the profound trust and open communication between them. This transparency is crucial for the narrative's progression and reinforces their bond.
  • The Kinsman-Redeemer's Progress: The "man" referred to is Boaz, and Ruth's report confirms that he has taken decisive steps towards fulfilling the role of the kinsman-redeemer (goel). This sets the stage for the resolution of the story in the next chapter, where Boaz formally acts on his promise (Ruth 4:1ff).

Linguistic Insights

Naomi's question, "Who [art] thou, my daughter?" in Hebrew is Mi att batî? (מִי־אַתְּ בִּתִּי). While literally "Who are you, my daughter?", in this context, it carries the nuance of inquiring about Ruth's status or identity following the encounter. It's an anxious query about whether her situation has changed from an unattached widow to one who has secured a path to marriage and security, implying: "Have you succeeded? What is your standing now?"

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the importance of seeking and offering wise counsel, as Naomi does for Ruth, and the value of open communication in trusted relationships. It also speaks to the nature of divine providence, where God works through ordinary people and their courageous, faithful actions to bring about His purposes, even in situations that seem uncertain or unconventional. Ruth's willingness to trust Naomi's guidance and Boaz's honorable character ultimately lead to a secure future, demonstrating that faithfulness often precedes blessing.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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