Ruth 3:4

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Ruth 3:4 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ruth, outlining Naomi's bold and strategic instructions to Ruth for approaching Boaz at the threshing floor. This moment is crucial for initiating the process of securing a future for Ruth and Naomi through the custom of the kinsman-redeemer.

Context

This verse takes place at the threshing floor, a common agricultural area where grain was processed and often guarded overnight. After the harvest, Boaz would be sleeping there to protect his valuable crops. Naomi, having observed Boaz's character and his kindness towards Ruth, devises a plan to prompt him to fulfill the role of the kinsman-redeemer. Her instructions to Ruth are precise and, to a modern audience, might seem audacious, but they were carefully calculated within their cultural norms to signify a request for marriage and provision, not an act of seduction. Ruth's unwavering loyalty and obedience to Naomi's counsel are central to this narrative.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Planning and Wisdom: Naomi's elaborate plan demonstrates her wisdom and determination to secure a future for her widowed daughter-in-law. She understands the customs and Boaz's character (Ruth 2:1), guiding Ruth towards a specific outcome.
  • Ruth's Obedience and Vulnerability: Ruth's willingness to follow Naomi's unconventional instructions highlights her deep trust and obedience. She places herself in a vulnerable position, demonstrating her commitment to Naomi and her desire for security.
  • Initiating the Kinsman-Redeemer Process: The act of lying at Boaz's feet is a symbolic petition, a way for Ruth to present herself as available for redemption and marriage under the levirate custom. It's a direct appeal for him to take action as her protector and provider.
  • Seeking Security and Provision: The underlying motivation for both Naomi and Ruth is to find security and a stable future, which in that culture was often tied to marriage and family lineage.

Linguistic Insight: "Uncover His Feet"

The phrase "uncover his feet" (Hebrew: margelothayv, literally 'at his feet') has been subject to various interpretations. While "feet" can sometimes be a euphemism for private parts in other biblical texts, scholarly consensus for Ruth 3:4 generally agrees it refers literally to Boaz's lower extremities. This action was not intended as a sexual advance, but rather a humble, symbolic gesture. By uncovering his feet and lying down there, Ruth was likely making herself known to him in a vulnerable yet respectful manner, symbolizing her petition for him to act as her kinsman-redeemer, perhaps also implying she was available for marriage. It was a way to awaken him and prompt his immediate attention to her request.

Significance and Application

Ruth 3:4 showcases a moment of profound trust and strategic action. It underscores the importance of wise counsel (Naomi's role) and courageous obedience (Ruth's response) in seeking God's provision. For a modern audience, this verse, while culturally specific, can inspire reflection on:

  • Boldness in Faith: Sometimes, achieving God's purposes requires stepping out in faith, even when the path seems unconventional or requires vulnerability.
  • Seeking Wise Counsel: The success of Naomi's plan highlights the value of seeking and following godly wisdom.
  • Trusting God's Providence: Despite the unusual circumstances, God's hand is evident throughout the narrative, guiding events towards a redemptive outcome (Ruth 4:13).

The verse sets the stage for Boaz's response, which ultimately leads to a blessed union and the continuation of a lineage that would include King David and eventually, Jesus Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References