Ruth 3:4

KJV

And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when he lieth down {H7901}, that thou shalt mark {H3045} the place {H4725} where he shall lie {H7901}, and thou shalt go in {H935}, and uncover {H1540} his feet {H4772}, and lay thee down {H7901}; and he will tell {H5046} thee what thou shalt do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, when he lies down, take note of where he's lying; later, go in, uncover his feet, and lie down. He will tell you what to do."

Berean Standard Bible

When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:4 serves as the pivotal moment in Naomi's meticulously crafted plan, instructing Ruth on a daring yet deeply symbolic action at the threshing floor to secure her future. This verse outlines the precise steps Ruth must take—to observe Boaz's resting place, approach him discreetly, uncover his feet, and lie down—culminating in the expectation that Boaz will then declare his intentions and guide her next steps. It is a testament to Naomi's strategic wisdom, Ruth's unwavering obedience and trust, and the unfolding of divine providence through human agency, setting the stage for the resolution of their vulnerable circumstances through the custom of the kinsman-redeemer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the strategic climax of Naomi's bold plan for Ruth's future, as detailed in [Ruth 3:1-3](/ruth/3-1-3 "Ruth 3:1-3 - Naomi's Plan for Ruth"). Having observed Boaz's character and his consistent kindness toward Ruth during the barley and wheat harvest, a period thoroughly documented in [Ruth 2](/ruth/2 "Ruth 2 - Ruth Gleaning in Boaz's Field"), Naomi devises an unconventional yet culturally significant scheme. The preceding chapters have meticulously established Ruth's profound loyalty to Naomi, famously articulated in her vow in [Ruth 1:16-18](/ruth/1-16-18 "Ruth 1:16-18 - Ruth's Vow to Naomi"), and Boaz's honorable reputation as a "man of standing" introduced in [Ruth 2:1](/ruth/2-1 "Ruth 2:1 - Introduction of Boaz"). The narrative meticulously builds suspense toward this nocturnal encounter, where the fate of these two vulnerable women, and indeed the continuation of Elimelech's lineage, hangs in the balance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The threshing floor was a vital agricultural hub, typically located outside the village, where harvested grain was threshed to separate the kernels from the chaff and then winnowed. While a place of bustling communal activity by day, it was often guarded by the landowner overnight to protect the valuable crops. Central to understanding this passage are the customs of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: _go'el_) and levirate marriage, outlined in texts like [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5-10 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Law of Levirate Marriage"). A _go'el_ was a close male relative with specific obligations, including redeeming family property, avenging blood, or, as in this case, marrying a childless widow to perpetuate the deceased husband's name and inheritance. Naomi’s instructions, particularly the act of "uncovering his feet," were a symbolic, culturally understood petition for marriage and protection, rather than a clandestine sexual advance. The inherent vulnerability of a lone woman at a threshing floor at night profoundly underscores Ruth's immense trust in Naomi's wisdom and Boaz's integrity.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 3:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ruth. It highlights **Strategic Wisdom**, as Naomi, despite her earlier despair, demonstrates shrewd and proactive planning to secure a future for her beloved daughter-in-law. **Ruth's Obedience and Trust** are paramount, as she courageously follows an unconventional and potentially risky path, demonstrating her deep commitment to Naomi and her steadfast trust in God's guiding providence. This specific act serves as the direct **Initiation of the Kinsman-Redeemer Process**, transitioning the narrative from the passive act of gleaning to an active, direct petition for redemption and marriage. Ultimately, the underlying motivation is **Seeking Security and Provision** for a widowed woman in a patriarchal society, a profound theme that resonates throughout the book as God's faithfulness provides for the vulnerable and marginalized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, this primitive root means "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." In Ruth 3:4, its application to "feet" (H4772) is crucial. While "feet" can occasionally be a euphemism for genitals in other biblical contexts, scholarly consensus for this passage strongly supports a literal interpretation. The act of uncovering Boaz's lower extremities was not intended as a sexual advance but as a humble, symbolic gesture to make Ruth's presence known to him in a vulnerable yet respectful manner, signifying her petition for him to act as her kinsman-redeemer and implicitly offering herself for marriage. It was a revelation of her presence and her plea.
* **Feet (Hebrew, _margᵉlâh'_):** From H4772, this noun is denominative from _regel_ (foot) and refers specifically to the "footpiece" or "at the foot" of a bed or sleeping place. By lying at Boaz's feet, Ruth placed herself in a subordinate, humble position, indicating her dependence and her appeal to his authority and responsibility. This specific location reinforces the literal interpretation of the action, emphasizing that she was placing herself at the very end of his sleeping mat, a position of humility and supplication, seeking his covering and protection.
* **Tell (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, this primitive root properly means "to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain." This verb underscores Boaz's authority and the expectation that he would provide a definitive response or instruction. Ruth's action was a proposal, and Boaz's verbal "telling" would determine the next steps. It highlights Ruth's submission to Boaz's decision, trusting in his honorable character to act justly and benevolently in response to her petition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when he lieth down,"**: This clause establishes the precise timing for Ruth's audacious action. Boaz would be settled for the night after the strenuous work of the harvest, likely in a state of deep rest and vulnerability, making him approachable without drawing undue attention. This timing also signifies the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new, decisive phase for Ruth and Naomi's future.
* **"that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie,"**: Naomi instructs Ruth to be observant and precise in identifying Boaz's exact sleeping spot. This detail highlights the careful planning involved and the need for Ruth to distinguish Boaz from any other workers who might also be sleeping at the threshing floor. It underscores the calculated and deliberate nature of the encounter, emphasizing discretion and accuracy.
* **"and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down;"**: This is the core, bold, and symbolic action. "Go in" suggests entering the private space where Boaz is sleeping. Uncovering his feet and then lying down at them is a culturally specific act of humble petition. It was a direct, non-verbal appeal for Boaz to take Ruth under his wing, to "spread his cloak over her" ([Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request to Boaz")), a powerful metaphor for marriage, protection, and the assumption of responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer. This act, while unconventional, was a clear and respectful request for him to fulfill his duty.
* **"and he will tell thee what thou shalt do."**: This final clause establishes Boaz's expected response and authority in the situation. Ruth's action is a proposal or a petition, and Boaz is expected to provide the next step or decision, indicating his acceptance or rejection of her request. This demonstrates Ruth's profound trust in Boaz's character and Naomi's confidence that he would respond honorably and guide Ruth toward a righteous and appropriate resolution.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 3:4 is rich in **Symbolism**. The act of uncovering Boaz's feet and lying at them is a profound symbolic gesture of petition, vulnerability, and a direct request for marriage and protection, directly echoing Ruth's later verbal plea for Boaz to "spread your cloak over your servant, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Boaz's Cloak of Protection"). The threshing floor itself functions as a **Liminal Space**, a setting that transcends the ordinary, where the fate of Ruth and Naomi is determined outside the typical confines of the village and daylight social interactions. The scene also skillfully employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience, already privy to Boaz's noble character and his earlier acts of kindness toward Ruth, anticipates an honorable rather than exploitative response from him. This creates suspense while simultaneously reinforcing the overarching theme of God's providential care working through the righteous actions of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's providence actively working through human agency, even in circumstances that appear unconventional or carry significant risk. Naomi's strategic wisdom and Ruth's courageous obedience are not merely human initiatives but are implicitly guided by God's overarching plan to provide for the vulnerable and to maintain the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. The verse profoundly highlights the theme of redemption, not only in the legal sense of the kinsman-redeemer but also in the broader spiritual sense of God's steadfast faithfulness to restore and provide for those who place their trust in Him. It underscores the vital importance of covenant loyalty (_hesed_) demonstrated between individuals—Ruth and Naomi, and subsequently Boaz and Ruth—which beautifully mirrors God's unwavering and steadfast love for His people.

* [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "The Law of Redemption for Land")
* [Deuteronomy 25:5](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Law of Levirate Marriage")
* [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:4 profoundly invites us to reflect on the intricate interplay of faith, wisdom, and courage in our own spiritual journeys. Naomi's plan, though culturally specific and audacious, exemplifies a proactive and strategic approach to seeking God's provision, powerfully demonstrating that genuine faith is not passive resignation but often involves bold, calculated steps taken in reliance upon divine guidance. Ruth's unwavering obedience, despite the inherent vulnerability and potential for misunderstanding her actions, serves as a compelling example of profound trust—trust in Naomi's seasoned wisdom, trust in Boaz's established honorable character, and ultimately, trust in God's sovereign and guiding hand. For us today, this passage encourages us to diligently seek wise counsel, to act with unwavering integrity even when circumstances are challenging or ambiguous, and to step out in faith when God's leading becomes clear, knowing with certainty that His providence can work through the most unexpected and unconventional means to bring about His good and perfect purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt called to take a bold step of faith that seemed unconventional or carried significant personal risk?**
* **How do you discern between truly wise counsel and reckless advice when facing challenging or uncertain situations?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like Ruth, demonstrate profound trust and courageous obedience in God's unfolding plan, even when the immediate outcome remains uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Was Ruth's action at the threshing floor immoral or sexually suggestive?**

Answer: No, within the ancient Israelite cultural context, Ruth's actions at the threshing floor were not considered immoral or sexually suggestive in the way a modern audience might interpret them. The act of uncovering Boaz's feet and lying down at his feet was a symbolic, culturally understood gesture of petition for him to fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer and to marry her. It was a humble and vulnerable request for protection and provision, not an act of seduction. The threshing floor was a place of work and communal activity, and while the nocturnal setting might seem unconventional, it was a practical and discreet setting for such a significant proposal to take place after the harvest. Boaz's immediate and honorable response in [Ruth 3:10-13](/ruth/3-10-13 "Ruth 3:10-13 - Boaz's Honorable Response") unequivocally confirms that he understood her intentions as pure and respectful, acknowledging her virtue and her seeking of security within the established social customs.

**What is the significance of the threshing floor as the setting for this encounter?**

Answer: The threshing floor is a highly significant and multi-layered setting for this pivotal encounter. It was, first and foremost, a place of abundance and harvest, representing the culmination of hard work and the promise of provision. For Boaz, it symbolized his wealth and prosperity, as he was guarding his valuable grain. For Ruth, it was where she had been diligently gleaning and receiving favor from Boaz, as noted in [Ruth 2:7](/ruth/2-7 "Ruth 2:7 - Ruth's Diligence in Gleaning"). The threshing floor was also often a liminal space, situated outside the main village, where social norms could be slightly relaxed, yet still within the bounds of community awareness and the landowner's oversight. It was a place where Boaz was vulnerable, sleeping alone to guard his produce, making it an opportune moment for Ruth to approach him discreetly. Symbolically, it becomes the very place where the "harvest" of Ruth's future is secured, transitioning her from a state of destitution to one of promise, redemption, and a new lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 3:4, and indeed the entire narrative of Ruth, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Boaz's role as the kinsman-redeemer (_go'el_) is a powerful and beautiful foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. Just as Boaz willingly and honorably took on the responsibility to redeem Ruth and secure her future, even at personal cost and through a complex legal process ([Ruth 4:9-10](/ruth/4-9-10 "Ruth 4:9-10 - Boaz Redeems Ruth and Her Inheritance")), so too does Christ redeem humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Ruth's vulnerable act of lying at Boaz's feet, trusting implicitly in his character and authority, mirrors humanity's humble posture before God, acknowledging our profound need for a Savior and trusting in Christ's unparalleled ability to provide salvation, spiritual covering, and eternal security. The lineage that flows directly from Boaz and Ruth, leading through King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ Himself ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Genealogy of Jesus")), underscores God's meticulous and sovereign providence, working through ordinary people and extraordinary circumstances to bring about the redemption of all who believe. Christ is the one who "uncovers" our spiritual nakedness and then covers us with His perfect righteousness, inviting us to find rest and security at His feet, where He graciously "tells us what we shall do" to inherit eternal life and perform the true work of God, which is to believe in Him whom He has sent ([John 6:28-29](/john/6-28-29 "John 6:28-29 - The Work of God: Believe in Jesus")).

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

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.