Ruth 3:2

KJV

And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now is not Boaz {H1162} of our kindred {H4130}, with whose maidens {H5291} thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth {H2219} barley {H8184} to night {H3915} in the threshingfloor {H1637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now there's Bo'az our relative -you were with his girls. He's going to be winnowing barley tonight at the threshing-floor.

Berean Standard Bible

Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.

American Standard Version

And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:2 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Naomi, demonstrating profound wisdom and strategic foresight, instructs Ruth on how to approach Boaz at the threshingfloor. This verse highlights Naomi's intimate knowledge of Boaz's character and activities, setting the stage for Ruth's bold action to secure her future and the continuation of Naomi's family line, initiating the process of levirate marriage and kinsman-redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ruth's diligent and faithful gleaning in Boaz's fields throughout [Ruth chapter 2](/ruth/2 "Ruth 2 - Ruth Gleaning in Boaz's Fields"), where Boaz's kindness, integrity, and protective nature were abundantly evident. Having observed Boaz's character and his generosity towards Ruth, Naomi recognizes him as a potential "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: *goel*), though the term is not explicitly used until later. The instructions given in [Ruth 3:3-4](/ruth/3-3-4 "Ruth 3:3-4 - Naomi's Detailed Instructions to Ruth") are a direct consequence of this verse, outlining the specific, culturally nuanced actions Ruth is to take at the threshingfloor, leading to the dramatic and pivotal encounter described in [Ruth 3:6-9](/ruth/3-6-9 "Ruth 3:6-9 - Ruth's Bold Request to Boaz"). This verse serves as the strategic launchpad for Naomi's carefully orchestrated plan to secure a "resting place" (a secure home and husband) for Ruth, ensuring the continuation of her deceased husband's legacy in Bethlehem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the "threshingfloor" (Hebrew: *goren*) is crucial. In ancient Israel, threshingfloors were typically open, elevated areas outside the village, where the harvested grain was threshed and winnowed. This was a communal and often busy place during harvest season, but at night, landowners or their trusted servants would often sleep there to guard the valuable grain from theft and to complete the arduous task of winnowing. "Winnowing" (Hebrew: *zarah*) involved tossing the threshed grain into the air with a winnowing fork, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grain fell to the ground. The mention of Boaz's kinship (Hebrew: *moda'ath*) subtly introduces the concept of the kinsman-redeemer (*goel*), a vital legal and social institution where a close male relative had the right and responsibility to redeem family land, buy back a relative sold into slavery, or marry a deceased kinsman's widow to perpetuate his name and lineage. Naomi's plan masterfully leverages these established cultural norms and the specific timing of the harvest to achieve her objective.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Ruth. It highlights **Naomi's strategic wisdom and proactive love**, demonstrating her deep care for Ruth's future and her shrewdness in navigating the social customs of the time. Her plan is not impulsive but calculated, leveraging her intimate knowledge of Boaz's character and the harvest season. The verse also reinforces **Boaz's diligence and honorable character**; as a wealthy landowner, his personal involvement in the arduous task of "winnowing barley to night" underscores his hands-on approach, integrity, and dedication to his work, making him an ideal candidate for Naomi's plan. Furthermore, the **threshingfloor as a symbolic setting** is crucial; it is a liminal space, a place of transition and decision, where the fate of Ruth and Naomi's family line will be determined. It signifies a place of hard work, abundance, and ultimately, divine provision working through human agency, setting the stage for the climactic events of [Ruth chapter 3](/ruth/3 "Ruth 3 - Ruth at the Threshingfloor") and the broader narrative of redemption and lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindred (Hebrew, _môwdaʻath'_):** Derived from the root יָדַע (*yada'*) meaning "to know," this term refers to an acquaintance or a relative known to the family. While it doesn't carry the full legal weight of *goel* (kinsman-redeemer) on its own, its use here by Naomi emphasizes Boaz's close familial connection and his suitability as a potential redeemer. It highlights Naomi's intimate knowledge of their family ties and her strategic identification of Boaz as the one who can provide the necessary security and perpetuation of the family line.
* **Winnoweth (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** This primitive root means "to toss about," and by implication, "to diffuse" or "winnow." It describes the laborious process of separating grain from chaff by tossing it into the air, allowing the wind to carry away the lighter impurities. The fact that Boaz himself is engaged in this work, and specifically "to night," underscores his diligence, hands-on involvement in his estate, and the importance of the harvest season. It also sets up the specific, private context for Ruth's approach, as the threshingfloor at night would be less crowded and more conducive to a discreet and significant encounter.
* **Threshingfloor (Hebrew, _gôren'_):** From an unused root meaning "to smooth," this term refers to a threshing-floor (as made even) or, by analogy, any open area. More than just a physical location, the threshingfloor often carried symbolic significance in biblical narratives. It was a place of abundance (the harvest), vulnerability (open to the elements and theft), and frequently, significant encounters or decisions (e.g., [Genesis 50:10](/genesis/50-10 "Genesis 50:10 - Mourning at the Threshingfloor of Atad"), [2 Samuel 24:18-24](/2_samuel/24-18-24 "2 Samuel 24:18-24 - David's Altar at Araunah's Threshingfloor")). In Ruth, it becomes the stage for a crucial, private negotiation that will determine the future of Naomi and Ruth's family, transforming from a place of labor to a place of destiny and the unfolding of divine providence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?":** Naomi opens with a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit new information but to confirm what Ruth already knows and to highlight Boaz's suitability for the plan. The phrase "of our kindred" (מֹדַעַת, *moda'ath*) emphasizes his close familial connection, making him a prime candidate for the role of kinsman-redeemer. The reminder "with whose maidens thou wast" subtly reinforces Ruth's prior positive experience with Boaz's household, recalling his kindness, generosity, and protective nature, thereby building Ruth's confidence and trust in the audacious plan Naomi is about to unfold. This question serves to establish Boaz's character and relationship to them as foundational to the ensuing strategy.
* **"Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.":** This declarative statement provides the crucial logistical details for Naomi's carefully crafted plan. The word "Behold" (הִנֵּה, *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the specific action and location, signaling the opportune moment. Boaz's activity of "winnowing barley" signifies the completion of the harvest, a time of both celebration and vulnerability, as the valuable grain is being processed. The detail "to night" is key, indicating a time when the threshingfloor would be less populated, offering privacy and discretion for Ruth's approach. This precise information demonstrates Naomi's thorough understanding of the agricultural practices and Boaz's personal habits, enabling her to orchestrate a discreet and opportune meeting that is both strategic and culturally appropriate.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 3:2 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and dramatic impact. Naomi's opening statement, "**And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?**" functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**. It is not a true inquiry but a statement disguised as a question, designed to elicit immediate agreement and underscore the obvious suitability of Boaz for Naomi's plan, drawing Ruth into a shared understanding and commitment. The entire verse also serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic and pivotal encounter between Ruth and Boaz at the threshingfloor, where their individual destinies and the future of Naomi's family line will intertwine. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the threshingfloor itself is profound; it is not merely a workplace but a liminal space where the raw materials of the harvest are transformed into sustenance, mirroring the impending transformation of Ruth's status from a vulnerable widow to a prospective wife and the continuation of a vital family lineage. This transition from hard labor to a place of destiny is central to the narrative's unfolding themes of redemption and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:2 beautifully illustrates the interplay between divine providence and human agency. Naomi's meticulous planning and strategic action are not depicted as an attempt to circumvent God's will, but rather as a wise and faithful response to the opportunities God has already provided. Her initiative, rooted in a deep understanding of cultural norms and a discerning eye for character, highlights the biblical principle that God often works through the diligent efforts and wise counsel of His people. The verse underscores the theme of seeking "rest" or security, a concept often linked to God's provision and the establishment of a stable home. Just as Naomi seeks a secure future for Ruth, God's people are called to trust in His overarching plan while actively pursuing wisdom and acting responsibly in their circumstances, recognizing that faith is often expressed through prudent action.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - Entering God's Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:2 invites us to consider the importance of wise counsel, discerning opportune moments, and taking faithful, strategic action in our own lives. Naomi’s proactive love for Ruth, her careful observation of Boaz’s character, and her detailed planning provide a model for how we might seek the well-being of others, particularly those under our care or in vulnerable positions. It reminds us that while God is sovereign and provident, He often uses human diligence, wisdom, and courage to bring about His purposes. We are encouraged to be attentive to the "threshingfloors" in our own lives—those pivotal moments or settings where significant decisions must be made or opportunities seized, where the fruits of our labor meet divine appointment. This verse also subtly affirms the dignity of honest labor, as Boaz, a man of means, is personally engaged in the hard work of the harvest. For believers, this translates into a call to diligence and integrity in our vocations, trusting that God can use our ordinary efforts for extraordinary outcomes and that our faithfulness in small things can lead to great blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I, like Naomi, be more discerning and proactive in seeking the well-being and security of those I care for, especially those who are vulnerable?**
* **What "threshingfloor" moments or pivotal opportunities might God be presenting in my life where wise, strategic action, combined with faith, is required?**
* **In what ways does Boaz's diligence and integrity in his work challenge my own approach to daily tasks and responsibilities, even when no one is watching?**
* **How can I better integrate prayerful discernment and reliance on God's providence with practical planning and courageous action in my pursuit of God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why did Naomi send Ruth to the threshingfloor at night, and was this plan ethical?**

Answer: Naomi sent Ruth to the threshingfloor at night for several strategic reasons, all deeply rooted in the cultural practices of ancient Israel. Firstly, the threshingfloor was where the valuable harvest was processed and guarded; landowners or trusted servants often slept there to protect the grain from theft. This meant Boaz would be present and likely alone or with few others, offering a private and opportune setting for Ruth's approach. Secondly, winnowing was often done in the evening or at night when the breezes were more consistent, making it an ideal time for Boaz to be actively engaged in this final, critical stage of the harvest. As for the ethics, Naomi's plan, while bold and unconventional by modern standards, was designed entirely within the framework of ancient Israelite customs concerning marriage, family lineage, and the kinsman-redeemer (*goel*). Ruth's specific actions, as outlined in [Ruth 3:3-4](/ruth/3-3-4 "Ruth 3:3-4 - Naomi's Detailed Instructions to Ruth"), were intended to make a formal, public request for Boaz to act as a kinsman-redeemer and husband, not to engage in illicit behavior. Boaz's reaction in [Ruth 3:10-11](/ruth/3-10-11 "Ruth 3:10-11 - Boaz Commends Ruth's Loyalty and Virtue") confirms the honorable intent of the action, as he commends Ruth for her loyalty and virtue, recognizing her pursuit of a legitimate marriage within the family rather than seeking a younger man. The plan was a calculated risk, but one aimed at securing Ruth's future and perpetuating the family line according to the law and custom, demonstrating both Naomi's shrewdness and Ruth's unwavering obedience and integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 3:2, in setting the stage for Boaz's pivotal role as kinsman-redeemer, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Just as Naomi meticulously planned for Ruth's security and "resting place" through Boaz, God the Father, in His divine wisdom and perfect timing, orchestrated the perfect plan for humanity's redemption through His Son. Boaz's willingness to leave his comfortable home and work diligently at the threshingfloor to secure his harvest parallels Christ's incarnation and His diligent work on earth to gather His elect and secure our eternal inheritance. The threshingfloor, a place of separation and purification where grain is separated from chaff, can be seen as a type of the work of Christ, who came to separate the righteous from the unrighteous and to purify His people (cf. [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist on the Threshingfloor")). Ultimately, Boaz's act of redemption, providing a secure future and a new identity for Ruth, points to Jesus, who, as our Kinsman-Redeemer, paid the ultimate price on the cross to redeem us from sin and death. Through His blood, we receive forgiveness and adoption into God's family (cf. [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Adoption as Sons")). Through Christ, we find our ultimate "resting place," a secure and eternal home in God's presence, far surpassing any earthly provision.

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

Deuteronomy 25:5

¶ If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.

Deuteronomy 25:10

And his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.

Ruth 2:20

And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed [be] he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man [is] near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

Ruth 2:23

So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Ruth 2:1

¶ And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name [was] Boaz.

Ruth 2:8

Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

Hebrews 2:11

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,