Ruth 3:7

KJV

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Boaz {H1162} had eaten {H398} and drunk {H8354}, and his heart {H3820} was merry {H3190}, he went {H935} to lie down {H7901} at the end {H7097} of the heap of corn {H6194}: and she came {H935} softly {H3909}, and uncovered {H1540} his feet {H4772}, and laid her down {H7901}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Bo'az was through eating and drinking and was feeling good, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of grain. She stole in, uncovered his feet and lay down.

Berean Standard Bible

After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

American Standard Version

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:7 marks a pivotal moment at the Bethlehem threshing floor, where Boaz, after a day of harvest work and feasting, settles down to sleep. Following Naomi's strategic instructions, Ruth approaches him stealthily, uncovers his feet, and lies down. This bold yet calculated act initiates Ruth's plea for Boaz to fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer, setting the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated events that will secure her future and contribute to the lineage of David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 3:7 is the dramatic climax of Naomi's carefully orchestrated plan for Ruth's future, as detailed in [Ruth 3:1-4](/ruth/3-1 "Ruth 3:1-4 - Naomi's Instructions to Ruth"). Having observed Boaz's kindness and integrity in [Ruth 2](/ruth/2 "Ruth 2 - Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field"), Naomi identifies him as a potential kinsman-redeemer (*go'el*). The preceding verses describe Naomi's specific instructions to Ruth: to bathe, anoint herself, dress in her best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor, remaining hidden until Boaz had finished eating and drinking. Ruth's action in [Ruth 3:7](/ruth/3-7 "Ruth 3:7 - Ruth Approaches Boaz") is a direct and obedient fulfillment of these instructions, leading immediately into the tense and revealing conversation between Ruth and Boaz in [Ruth 3:8-13](/ruth/3-8 "Ruth 3:8-13 - Boaz's Response to Ruth"). This scene is a masterclass in narrative suspense, where the reader is privy to Naomi's plan, while Boaz remains initially unaware of Ruth's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The threshing floor was a common agricultural site during harvest season, typically located on high ground to catch the wind for winnowing. It was a bustling, communal workspace by day, but often served as a sleeping area at night, particularly for landowners or overseers guarding valuable grain, as Boaz does here. The act of "uncovering his feet and lying down" was a culturally specific gesture. While some interpretations have controversially suggested a euphemistic meaning, the overwhelming scholarly consensus, supported by Ruth's subsequent request in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Plea for Redemption"), is that it was a symbolic act of supplication and a plea for protection or responsibility. By lying at Boaz's feet, Ruth was placing herself under his authority and protection, effectively asking him to "spread his skirt over her," a metaphor for taking her under his wing in marriage and fulfilling the duty of a kinsman-redeemer. This act was a bold, yet culturally appropriate, way for a vulnerable widow to make a marriage proposal to a wealthy and respected kinsman.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 3:7 encapsulates several major themes woven throughout the book of Ruth. Firstly, it highlights **human initiative and obedience** as Ruth courageously follows Naomi's plan, demonstrating both her loyalty (*hesed*) and her proactive pursuit of a future. Secondly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine providence**, as the circumstances, though seemingly driven by human action, are clearly guided by God's unseen hand, orchestrating the union that will lead to the lineage of David (as seen in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")). Thirdly, it underscores the importance of **integrity and righteous character**, particularly in Boaz, who, despite his relaxed state and the vulnerable situation, responds with honor and responsibility in the subsequent verses. Finally, the scene at the threshing floor, a place typically associated with separation and judgment (like separating grain from chaff), becomes a powerful symbol of **redemption and new beginnings**, transforming a place of labor into a place of covenant and destiny for Ruth and Naomi.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merry (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This word, often translated as "good" or "pleasant," here describes Boaz's state of heart after eating and drinking. It implies a sense of well-being, contentment, and relaxation, rather than drunkenness. His "merry heart" sets the stage for his vulnerability, yet also highlights his inherent good nature, which will be revealed in his honorable response.
* **Uncovered (Hebrew, _gālāh_):** Literally meaning "to uncover," "to reveal," or "to disclose." In this context, it refers to Ruth physically uncovering Boaz's feet. The literal interpretation is crucial for understanding the cultural gesture of humility and supplication. It is not a euphemism for sexual intimacy but a direct action signaling her presence and her plea for his attention and responsibility.
* **Feet (Hebrew, _raglayim_):** While "feet" can sometimes be used euphemistically in other biblical contexts, here it refers to Boaz's literal feet. Lying at someone's feet was a common posture of humility, submission, and petition in the ancient Near East. Ruth's specific action of uncovering his feet was a symbolic way to draw his attention and signify her intention to make a formal request for his protective covering and kinsman-redeemer duty, as clarified in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry":** This clause establishes the setting and Boaz's state. He is relaxed and content after the harvest feast, making him less alert and more vulnerable. This sets up the dramatic tension of Ruth's approach.
* **"he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn":** This detail specifies Boaz's sleeping arrangement. He is sleeping outdoors at the threshing floor, likely guarding the valuable grain. This highlights the rustic, communal nature of the harvest season and the trust placed in him as a landowner.
* **"and she came softly":** This emphasizes Ruth's stealth and careful obedience to Naomi's instructions. Her quiet approach underscores the delicate and potentially risky nature of her mission.
* **"and uncovered his feet, and laid her down":** This is the central action of the verse. Ruth's deliberate act of uncovering Boaz's feet and then lying down at that spot is a culturally understood gesture. It is a humble, submissive, and symbolic act, indicating her presence and her plea for him to acknowledge her and take responsibility for her as a kinsman-redeemer. It is a direct, non-verbal petition that prepares the way for her spoken request in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Ruth 3:7 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Suspense** is palpable as Ruth approaches Boaz in the darkness, her actions shrouded in secrecy, building anticipation for Boaz's reaction. The **setting** of the threshing floor is rich in **symbolism**; typically a place of separation (chaff from grain) and judgment, it here becomes a place of crucial decision, union, and the forging of a new destiny. The scene also utilizes **dramatic irony**, as the reader is aware of Naomi's detailed plan and Ruth's intentions, while Boaz remains oblivious until Ruth reveals herself. This creates tension and highlights the careful orchestration of events. Furthermore, the narrative employs **narrative economy**, conveying a significant amount of action, cultural nuance, and emotional weight in a concise manner, allowing the reader to infer the gravity and boldness of Ruth's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:7 is a powerful illustration of divine providence working through human initiative and faithfulness. While God is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, His guiding hand is evident in the unfolding of events, bringing Boaz and Ruth together at this critical juncture. The scene underscores the biblical theme of redemption, not only in the specific context of the kinsman-redeemer (*go'el*) but also in the broader sense of God's plan to restore and provide for the vulnerable. Ruth's courageous obedience and Boaz's subsequent integrity exemplify the covenant faithfulness (*hesed*) that characterizes the righteous in God's eyes. This moment is a testament to how God uses ordinary people and seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 57:1](/psalm/57-1 "Psalm 57:1 - Seeking Refuge Under God's Wings")
* [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - The Law of Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at the threshing floor in Ruth 3:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the interplay between our bold, Spirit-led initiative and God's sovereign providence. Like Ruth, we are called to act with courageous obedience, even when our circumstances seem daunting or our actions feel unconventional. Her willingness to step out in faith, following wise counsel, reminds us that trust in God often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones. Moreover, Boaz's character, though primarily revealed in subsequent verses, is foreshadowed by his presence and position here; his integrity in a vulnerable situation serves as a powerful model for maintaining righteousness regardless of external pressures or personal comfort. We are encouraged to trust God's perfect timing, recognizing that He often works through the seemingly mundane or even risky moments of life to bring about His redemptive purposes, always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to courageous obedience, even if it feels unconventional or risky?**
* **How does Ruth's act of humble petition at Boaz's feet inspire your approach to prayer and seeking God's provision?**
* **How can you cultivate integrity and self-control in moments of vulnerability, mirroring Boaz's character?**
* **Where do you see God's unseen hand of providence at work in your own life, even in situations that initially seemed uncertain or challenging?**

### FAQ

**Was Ruth's action of uncovering Boaz's feet inappropriate or immoral?**

Answer: No, the overwhelming scholarly consensus is that Ruth's action was not inappropriate or immoral within its cultural context. While the phrase "uncovering feet" could sometimes be a euphemism for sexual intimacy in other biblical contexts, the specific context of Ruth 3 strongly indicates a literal meaning. Ruth's subsequent request in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Plea for Redemption"), "Spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman," clarifies her intent. She was not initiating a sexual encounter but rather making a formal, culturally understood plea for Boaz to fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer (*go'el*) and take her under his protective covering in marriage. Her act was one of humility, submission, and a direct petition for Boaz to acknowledge his responsibility.

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

Answer: The threshing floor was a place of significant agricultural activity, where grain was separated from chaff. Symbolically, it often represented a place of decision, judgment, or revelation. In the book of Ruth, it becomes a pivotal location where destinies are shaped. It is a place of labor and harvest, but also a place where Ruth, through her bold action, initiates a "harvest" of a different kind—a harvest of redemption and new life. The public nature of the threshing floor by day, contrasted with its relative privacy at night, adds to the tension and significance of Ruth's stealthy approach. It is here that Boaz's character is tested and confirmed, and where the lineage leading to David and ultimately to Christ is secured.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ruth 3:7, with Ruth's vulnerable plea for covering and Boaz's subsequent redemptive action, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Just as Ruth, a destitute foreign widow, sought refuge and a future under Boaz's "skirt" (a metaphor for his protective covering and responsibility), so too do we, spiritual aliens and orphans by nature, find our ultimate refuge and redemption in Christ. He is our *go'el*, the one who was "born under the law to redeem those who were under the law" ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ Our Redeemer")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has paid the price for our sin, bringing us out of spiritual destitution and into adoption as sons and daughters of God ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). He "spreads His skirt" over us, offering not just physical protection but eternal spiritual covering, righteousness, and a secure inheritance. The threshing floor, a place of separation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who separates us from sin and death, gathering us into His eternal kingdom, just as He will one day gather His wheat into the barn ([Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - The Winnowing Fork")). In Him, our desperate plea for redemption is met with abundant grace and everlasting life.

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.