Ruth 3:3

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: [but] make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

Wash {H7364} thyself therefore, and anoint {H5480} thee, and put {H7760} thy raiment {H8071} upon thee, and get thee down {H3381} to the floor {H1637}: but make not thyself known {H3045} unto the man {H376}, until he shall have done {H3615} eating {H398} and drinking {H8354}.

So bathe, anoint yourself, put on your good clothes, and go down to the threshing-floor; but don't reveal your presence to the man until he's finished eating and drinking.

Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the threshing-floor, but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

Commentary

Ruth 3:3 captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Ruth, as Naomi, her mother-in-law, gives precise instructions for Ruth to secure her future. This verse is part of Naomi's bold plan to find a husband and security for Ruth within the customs of ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is set during the barley and wheat harvest in Bethlehem, a time of communal activity and celebration. Naomi, having returned from Moab with Ruth and experienced much hardship, now takes proactive steps to ensure Ruth's well-being. She instructs Ruth to approach Boaz, a wealthy kinsman and a potential kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go'el). The threshing floor, where Boaz would be sleeping to guard his harvested grain, becomes the strategic location for Ruth's approach. Naomi's counsel is practical and culturally sensitive, aiming to present Ruth appropriately for a significant encounter.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Preparation and Timing: Naomi's detailed instructions—to "wash thyself," "anoint thee," and "put thy raiment upon thee"—emphasize meticulous personal preparation. This was not about seduction, but about presenting Ruth with dignity and intention, moving from her working clothes to attire suitable for a special occasion. The command to "make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking" highlights the importance of precise timing, suggesting a moment when Boaz would be relaxed and receptive, after the day's work and feasting.
  • Naomi's Wisdom and Care: This verse showcases Naomi's deep maternal care and strategic foresight. Despite her earlier despair (Ruth 1:20), she actively works to provide for Ruth, navigating the complex social customs of the time to secure her daughter-in-law's future.
  • Ruth's Obedience and Trust: Ruth's willingness to follow Naomi's unconventional instructions demonstrates her profound trust and unwavering obedience. Her character, marked by loyalty and devotion (Ruth 1:16), is evident as she prepares to carry out this bold plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "anoint thee" (Hebrew: sukh) refers to the application of oil, a common practice in ancient cultures for cleanliness, fragrance, and preparation for special occasions or guests. It symbolized a transition from labor to rest or significance. The "floor" mentioned is the goren (Hebrew: גֹּרֶן), or threshing floor, which was a vital agricultural site, often a large, flat area where grain was threshed and winnowed. During harvest, it was common for landowners to sleep there to protect their valuable produce, making it a suitable, albeit unusual, place for this crucial encounter.

Practical Application

While the specific customs of ancient Israel differ from today, Ruth 3:3 offers enduring lessons. It underscores the value of wise counsel, careful preparation, and strategic timing when pursuing important life goals or navigating challenging situations. It reminds us that sometimes, bold yet carefully planned steps are necessary to move forward. Moreover, it speaks to the importance of seeking guidance from trusted mentors (Proverbs 11:14) and acting with both discretion and courage. Ultimately, this verse highlights how divine providence often works through human efforts and wise planning, leading to God's intended outcome, as seen in the remarkable story of Ruth and Boaz that culminates in the lineage of King David and eventually, the Messiah.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 14:2 (10 votes)

    And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

  • 1 Timothy 2:9 (6 votes)

    ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

  • 1 Timothy 2:10 (6 votes)

    But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

  • Esther 5:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

  • Matthew 6:17 (4 votes)

    But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

  • Ecclesiastes 9:8 (4 votes)

    Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

  • Psalms 104:15 (4 votes)

    And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.