Ruth 3:17

KJV

And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she said {H559}, These six {H8337} measures of barley {H8184} gave {H5414} he me; for he said {H559} to me, Go {H935} not empty {H7387} unto thy mother in law {H2545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she added, "He gave me these six measures of barley; because he said to me, "You shouldn't return to your mother-in-law with nothing."

Berean Standard Bible

And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

American Standard Version

And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:17 captures a pivotal moment of hopeful anticipation, as Ruth returns to Naomi and presents the tangible proof of Boaz's commitment: six measures of barley. This verse serves as Ruth's direct report, confirming the success of Naomi's strategic plan and solidifying the promise of future provision and redemption. It is a powerful affirmation of Boaz's generosity and his serious intent to fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer, signaling a dramatic shift from scarcity to abundance for the two vulnerable women.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ruth’s bold and unconventional encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, an event meticulously orchestrated by Naomi, as detailed in [Ruth 3:1-4](/ruth/3-1-4 "Ruth 3:1-4 - Naomi's Strategic Plan"). After Ruth, following Naomi's precise instructions, lay at Boaz's feet and then requested him to spread his cloak over her—a symbolic gesture of protection and marriage ([Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request for Redemption"))—Boaz acknowledged her virtue and promised to act as her kinsman-redeemer, though noting there was a closer relative ([Ruth 3:10-13](/ruth/3-10-13 "Ruth 3:10-13 - Boaz's Affirmation and Promise")). As a concrete pledge of his serious intent and to ensure Ruth and Naomi were provided for, Boaz gave Ruth a significant amount of barley before sending her home before dawn, to avoid any suspicion ([Ruth 3:15](/ruth/3-15 "Ruth 3:15 - Boaz's Generous Provision")). Ruth 3:17 is Ruth relaying this crucial detail to Naomi, solidifying the hope that their desperate situation would soon be resolved and confirming Boaz's honorable intentions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds within the patriarchal society of ancient Israel during the period of the Judges, where widows like Naomi and Ruth were particularly vulnerable and often dependent on the kindness of others or the institution of the kinsman-redeemer (`go'el`). The threshing floor, while a place of work, could also be a location for significant personal interactions, especially under the cover of night, though it carried potential for impropriety, which Boaz carefully avoided. The giving of a substantial amount of barley was more than a mere gift; it was a culturally understood sign of provision, protection, and a serious pledge of intent, akin to an engagement gift or a down payment. For a woman to return "empty" would signify failure, shame, and continued destitution, whereas returning "full" would indicate success, honor, and impending security, directly contrasting Naomi's earlier lament of returning "empty" from Moab ([Ruth 1:21](/ruth/1-21 "Ruth 1:21 - Naomi's Bitterness and Emptiness")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores **Boaz's Generosity and Provision**, demonstrating his abundant `hesed` (loyal love or kindness) towards Ruth and Naomi. The substantial gift of barley ensures their immediate sustenance and showcases his commitment to their welfare, moving beyond mere words to tangible action. It also highlights **Boaz's Protective Care and Honor**, as his instruction to Ruth, "Go not empty unto thy mother in law," reveals his deep concern for Naomi's reputation and his desire to publicly and privately demonstrate his acceptance of responsibility for both women. Furthermore, the barley functions as a **Tangible Pledge of Redemption**, serving as a physical "down payment" of Boaz's intent to fulfill his role as the kinsman-redeemer. This act foreshadows the legal proceedings and the full redemption of Ruth and Naomi's family line, which culminates in [Ruth chapter 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth and Her Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **six (Hebrew, _shêsh'_):** (H8337) This number, while seemingly simple, carries potential symbolic weight. In biblical numerology, six is often associated with human labor, creation (God created in six days), and sometimes incompleteness or humanity's fallen state, in contrast to the divine perfection of seven. Here, it signifies a substantial, yet perhaps not 'complete' or final, gift. It represents a significant portion of Boaz's harvest, demonstrating his abundant generosity and serious intent, but also subtly hints that the full redemption is yet to be finalized.
* **barley (Hebrew, _sᵉʻôrâh'_):** (H8184) Barley was a staple crop, typically harvested earlier than wheat and often associated with the poor or with humble provision. The quantity given, "six measures," whether referring to six seahs (approximately 36 pounds) or six ephahs (a much larger, almost unbelievable amount for a woman to carry, around 360 pounds), signifies a substantial and immediate provision. It is a concrete, tangible blessing that directly addresses the women's vulnerability and hunger, transforming their state of destitution into one of present sustenance and future hope.
* **empty (Hebrew, _rêyqâm'_):** (H7387) This word is profoundly significant, echoing Naomi's lament in [Ruth 1:21](/ruth/1-21 "Ruth 1:21 - Naomi's Return to Bethlehem"). She had left Bethlehem "full" (with husband and sons) but returned "empty" (having lost them all). Boaz's instruction, "Go not empty unto thy mother in law," directly reverses this tragic state. To return empty would signify failure, continued destitution, and shame. By ensuring Ruth returns "full" with a substantial gift, Boaz not only provides for their physical needs but also restores their dignity, honor, and hope, signaling an end to their season of emptiness and the beginning of restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me;":** This clause serves as Ruth's eager and direct report to Naomi, confirming the success of the threshing floor encounter. The physical presence of the barley is undeniable, tangible proof of Boaz's actions and intentions. It is a weighty, substantial gift, demonstrating Boaz's generosity and his serious commitment, far beyond mere words. This act validates Naomi's strategic plan and provides concrete hope for their future, alleviating the older woman's anxieties.
* **"for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.":** This clause reveals Boaz's specific instruction and his underlying motivation. His concern extends beyond Ruth to Naomi, demonstrating his respect and care for the older woman. The phrase "Go not empty" directly addresses the dire situation of the two widows and contrasts sharply with Naomi's earlier lament of returning "empty" from Moab. Boaz's action ensures that Naomi receives a clear, physical sign of his intent to provide and redeem, alleviating her anxiety and confirming that their season of emptiness is drawing to a close.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the "six measures of barley" symbolize Boaz's tangible promise, his abundant generosity, and the impending redemption. It acts as a physical pledge, a down payment on his future commitment. The stark contrast between "empty" and "full" is also highly symbolic, representing the dramatic shift from destitution and despair to hope, provision, and security, directly referencing Naomi's earlier lament and its reversal. **Dialogue** is crucial, with Ruth's direct report to Naomi and her recounting of Boaz's command, which provides immediate insight into the characters' thoughts and actions, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and resolution. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as Boaz's generous provision and his explicit desire for Ruth not to return "empty" strongly anticipate his full redemptive act in the next chapter, where he secures their future and reverses the family's misfortune.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:17 beautifully illustrates God's faithful providence, often working through the compassionate and responsible actions of human agents. Boaz's generous provision is not merely an act of human kindness but a manifestation of God's `hesed` being extended to Ruth and Naomi, fulfilling His promise to care for the vulnerable and the alien. This tangible gift of barley serves as a physical pledge, mirroring the biblical concept of a "down payment" or guarantee of a future promise, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture concerning God's covenants and His ultimate redemption. It teaches us that God's faithfulness is often expressed through concrete acts of provision and protection, bringing hope and security where there was once only emptiness.

* [Genesis 24:53](/genesis/24-53 "Gifts for Rebekah")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "Cheerful Giving and God's Provision")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God's Abundant Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:17 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's intricate and often surprising ways of providing for His people. Boaz's actions exemplify a practical, tangible `hesed`—a loyal, covenantal love that moves beyond mere sentiment to generous, sacrificial provision. This calls us to consider how we can be channels of God's blessing in the lives of others, especially the vulnerable, by offering not just words of comfort but concrete acts of support that meet real needs. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of radical generosity, trusting that God will use our resources to meet the needs of those around us, reflecting His own character as provider. Furthermore, the verse speaks to the power of tangible pledges and promises; just as the barley was a physical sign of Boaz's commitment, our actions can serve as visible expressions of our faith and love, building trust and demonstrating the reality of God's kingdom. Finally, it reinforces the theme of divine timing and faithfulness: even in moments of uncertainty and perceived emptiness, God is at work, orchestrating events through faithful individuals to bring about His perfect plan, moving us from despair to a state of security and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Boaz's tangible act of giving barley challenge my understanding of generosity and God's provision?**
* **In what ways can I, like Boaz, move beyond words to offer concrete, practical support to those in need around me?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even when my situation feels "empty"?**
* **What "empty" areas in my life or the lives of others might God be calling me to fill with His provision and hope?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "six [measures] of barley"?**

Answer: The "six [measures] of barley" is significant primarily as a tangible, substantial pledge of Boaz's serious intent and generosity. While the exact unit of measure is debated (the Hebrew simply says "six barley"), it was clearly a large amount, far more than a casual gift. It served as a physical guarantee to Ruth and Naomi that Boaz was committed to fulfilling his role as kinsman-redeemer and providing for their future. It also demonstrated his wealth and capability, assuring them that he could indeed offer the security they sought. This gift directly addressed their immediate need for sustenance and symbolized the coming abundance and restoration, marking a turning point from scarcity to provision.

**Why was it so important for Ruth not to go "empty" unto Naomi?**

Answer: For Ruth to return "empty" to Naomi would have signified failure, continued destitution, and shame. In the ancient Near East, a woman's security and honor were often tied to her male kin and household provision. Naomi herself had lamented in [Ruth 1:21](/ruth/1-21 "Ruth 1:21 - Naomi's Bitterness and Emptiness") that she had returned "empty" from Moab, having lost her husband and sons. Boaz's instruction, "Go not empty unto thy mother in law," was a deliberate act to reverse this state of emptiness for Naomi. By sending Ruth back with a substantial gift, Boaz not only provided for their physical needs but also restored their dignity, affirmed his honorable intentions, and publicly signaled that their period of hardship was coming to an end, replaced by hope and the promise of a secure future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 3:17, with Boaz's tangible pledge of barley, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and security found in Jesus Christ, our divine Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz sent Ruth from the threshing floor not "empty" but laden with a promise of future abundance, so too Christ, after His redemptive work on the cross, sends His people forth not empty, but filled with the Holy Spirit—the tangible "down payment" or "guarantee" of our future inheritance in Him ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal and Guarantee of the Holy Spirit")). Boaz's generous act of provision for Ruth and Naomi, moving them from vulnerability to security, mirrors Christ's infinite grace that transforms our spiritual emptiness, our destitution in sin, into fullness of life and an abundant inheritance ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Fullness of Grace") and [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). The barley was a physical sign of Boaz's commitment and power to redeem; the indwelling Spirit is the spiritual sign of Christ's accomplished redemption and His eternal covenant with us ([2 Corinthians 1:22](/2_corinthians/1-22 "2 Corinthians 1:22 - God's Seal and Spirit")). Through Christ, we are brought from a state of spiritual poverty and alienation to a secure, rich, and eternal relationship with God, never to return "empty."

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.