Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” New Living Translation Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” English Standard Version But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and 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.” Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass, when he lies down, that you shall know the place where he lies down, and you shall go in and you shall uncover his feet and lie down, and he—he will tell you what you shall do.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.” New American Standard Bible And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall take notice of the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you should do.” NASB 1995 “It shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.” NASB 1977 “And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.” Legacy Standard Bible Let it be that when he lies down, you shall know the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.” Amplified Bible When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying, and go and uncover his feet and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do.” Berean Annotated 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. Christian Standard Bible When he lies down, notice the place where he’s lying, go in and uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will explain to you what you should do.” Holman Christian Standard Bible When he lies down, notice the place where he’s lying, go in and uncover his feet, and lie down. Then 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. Contemporary English Version Watch where he goes to spend the night, then when he is asleep, lift the cover and lie down at his feet. He will tell you what to do. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying. Then uncover his feet, and lie down there. He will make it clear what you must do." Good News Translation Be sure to notice where he lies down, and after he falls asleep, go and lift the covers and lie down at his feet. He will tell you what to do." International Standard Version When he lies down, be sure to notice where he is resting. Then go over, uncover his feet, and lie down. He'll tell you what to do." NET Bible When he gets ready to go to sleep, take careful notice of the place where he lies down. Then go, uncover his legs, and lie down beside him. He will tell you what you should do." New Heart English Bible It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go in, and uncover his feet, and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen 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.” World English Bible It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall note the place where he is lying. Then you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass, when he lies down, that you have known the place where he lies down, and have gone in, and uncovered his feet, and lain down—and he declares to you that which you do.” Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass, when he lies down, that you shall know the place where he lies down, and you shall go in and you shall uncover his feet and lie down, and he—he will tell you what you shall do.” Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass when he lieth down, that thou hast known the place where he lieth down, and hast gone in, and uncovered his feet, and lain down, -- and he doth declare to thee that which thou dost do.' Smith's Literal Translation And it will be in his lying down, and know thou the place where he shall lie down there, and go in and uncover from his feet, and lie down; and he will announce to thee what thou shalt do. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he shall go to sleep, mark the place wherein he sleepeth: and thou shalt go in, and lift up the clothes wherewith he is covered towards his feet, and shalt lay thyself down there: and he will tell thee what thou must do. Catholic Public Domain Version But when he goes sleep, observe the place where he sleeps. And you will approach and lift up the covering, the part which covers near his feet, and lay yourself down, and sleep there; but he will tell you what you are obliged to do.” New American Bible But when he lies down, take note of the place where he lies; then go uncover a place at his feet and you lie down. He will then tell you what to do.” New Revised Standard Version When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall remember the place where he lies, and you shall draw near and lie down near his feet; and he will tell you what you shall do. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And it will be, whenever he lies down, you shall put your heart in the place where he lies down, and you shall approach and you shall lie down at his feet, and he will tell you whatever you shall do” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it shall come to pass when he lies down, that thou shalt mark the place where he lies down, and shalt come and lift up the covering of his feet, and shalt lie down; and he shall tell thee what thou shalt do. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Naomi Instructs Ruth…3Therefore 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. 4 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.” 5“I will do everything you say,” Ruth answered.… Cross References When he lies down, 1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. note the place where he lies. 1 Samuel 3:2 And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. 2 Samuel 4:7 They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah. 1 Samuel 26:7 That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. Then go in and uncover his feet, Deuteronomy 25:9 his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.” Joshua 5:15 The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” and lie down, Genesis 28:11 On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. Psalm 3:5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. 1 Kings 19:6 And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. and he will explain to you what you should do.” 1 Samuel 10:8 And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.” 1 Samuel 16:3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” Exodus 18:20 Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. Genesis 24:12-14 “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. / Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. / Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” Treasury of Scripture And it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall mark the place where he shall lie, and you shall go in, and uncover his feet, and lay you down; and he will tell you what you shall do. uncover his feet. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. Jump to Previous Declare Lies Lieth Mark Note Notice Observe Rest Shew Sleeping Thyself Uncover Uncovered UncoveringJump to Next Declare Lies Lieth Mark Note Notice Observe Rest Shew Sleeping Thyself Uncover Uncovered UncoveringRuth 3 1. By Naomi's instruction5. Ruth lies at Boaz's feet 8. Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman 14. He sends her away with six measures of barley When he lies down In the context of the harvest season, Boaz would lie down at the threshing floor to protect the grain. This was a common practice in ancient Israel, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle and the need for security. The act of lying down signifies rest after a day of labor, and it sets the stage for Ruth's approach. The threshing floor is a significant location, often associated with judgment and separation in Scripture, as seen in Matthew 3:12. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem to seek refuge and a new life. 2. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons, and is seeking security for Ruth. 3. Boaz A wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, who is a potential kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. 4. Threshing Floor The location where Boaz is winnowing barley, and where Ruth is instructed to go to seek his protection and provision. Teaching Points Obedience and TrustRuth's willingness to follow Naomi's instructions demonstrates obedience and trust. In our lives, we are called to trust God's guidance even when the path is uncertain. God's Provision The role of Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer illustrates God's provision for His people. We can trust that God will provide for our needs in His perfect timing. Courage and Initiative Ruth's actions required courage and initiative. As believers, we are encouraged to step out in faith and take action when God opens doors for us. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect Ruth's approach to Boaz was respectful and culturally appropriate. We should strive to understand and respect cultural contexts in our interactions with others. Seeking Rest in God Naomi's desire for Ruth to find rest is a reminder that true rest and security are found in God. We are invited to find our rest in Him amidst life's uncertainties. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ruth 3:4?2. How does Ruth 3:4 demonstrate Ruth's obedience and trust in Naomi's guidance? 3. What cultural practices in Ruth 3:4 reveal God's providence in Ruth's situation? 4. How can Ruth's actions in Ruth 3:4 inspire our own faithfulness today? 5. What does Ruth 3:4 teach about seeking God's will through wise counsel? 6. How does Ruth 3:4 connect to God's redemption plan in the Bible? 7. What is the significance of Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet in Ruth 3:4? 8. How does Ruth 3:4 reflect ancient Israelite customs and marriage practices? 9. Why did Naomi instruct Ruth to approach Boaz in this specific manner in Ruth 3:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 3? 11. Does the marriage of Naomi's sons to Moabite women (Ruth 1:4) conflict with restrictions found in Deuteronomy 23:3? 12. In Ruth 3:7-8, how did Ruth's presence remain unnoticed until Boaz awoke, and what does this suggest about the setting or cultural practices? 13. In Ruth 3:3-4, why would Naomi instruct Ruth to approach Boaz at night in secret instead of openly, raising questions about her motives or social conventions? 14. In Ruth 4:7, is the 'shoe exchange' ceremony documented elsewhere in ancient Near Eastern records, or is it unique to this text? What Does Ruth 3:4 Mean When he lies downThe timing and setting matter. Naomi is guiding Ruth to act after the winnowing festivities, when Boaz will be resting on the threshing floor (Ruth 3:2). Similar nighttime encounters appear when God directs key covenant moments in quiet, vulnerable hours—think of Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-15) or Samuel hearing God’s voice before dawn (1 Samuel 3:3-10). Darkness does not hinder God’s plans; He often advances redemption in humble, hidden contexts. note the place where he lies Practical wisdom safeguards purity: • Ruth must observe carefully to avoid approaching the wrong person—modesty and discretion protect reputation (Proverbs 22:1). • Awareness shows respect for Boaz’s boundaries, echoing the orderliness Paul commends in 1 Corinthians 14:40. • The directive underscores intentionality, not chance, in God’s providence (Psalm 37:23). Then go in and uncover his feet This symbolic action communicates a request for covenant covering: • In ancient custom, spreading one’s garment signified protection and marriage (Ezekiel 16:8). • Ruth’s gesture seeks Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer, aligning with Deuteronomy 25:5-10. • The scene retains modesty; only the feet are uncovered, distinguishing it from illicit conduct (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). and lie down Ruth places herself humbly at Boaz’s feet, mirroring servanthood: • Position echoes servants awaiting instruction (Luke 17:7-10). • Displays trust in Boaz’s integrity and God’s provision (Psalm 91:1). • Demonstrates bold faith balanced with submission, like Esther approaching the king (Esther 4:16). and he will explain to you what you should do. Expectation rests on Boaz’s leadership: • Naomi anticipates Boaz will act righteously, reflecting Proverbs 11:3. • Points to the redeemer initiating the final steps, foreshadowing Christ who directs and completes redemption (Hebrews 12:2). • Ruth’s obedience positions her to receive clear guidance, recalling Psalm 32:8. summary Ruth 3:4 outlines a deliberate, respectful plan that harmonizes human initiative with divine providence. Naomi counsels Ruth to act with courage and purity, employing a culturally recognized request for redemption. Each step—observing Boaz’s rest, approaching discreetly, uncovering his feet, reclining in humility, and awaiting his instruction—illustrates faithful obedience that God honors, leading to Ruth’s place in the lineage of Messiah (Matthew 1:5-6). (4) Uncover his feet.--More literally, as the margin, lift up the clothes that are on his feet; so LXX. and the Vulgate. We are told that the custom still prevails in Palestine of owners of crops sleeping on their threshing-floors, lying with their clothes on, but with their feet covered with a mantle.Verse 4. - And let it be, when he lies down, that thou take note of the place where he lies; and go, and uncover the parts about his feet, and lay thee down; and he shall declare to thee what thou shalt do. The denominative word מַרְגְּלֺלתָיו - freely rendered in King James's version "his feet" - we have rendered "the parts about his feet." It is the exact opposite of מְרַאֲשֹׁתָיו, which never means "his head," but is always translated correctly either "his pillows" or "his bolster." It denotes "the supports on which the head was laid in lying;" and מַרְגְּלות, having reference to members of the body which do not need such supports as the head, simply means "the places occupied by the feet." Naomi ventured, on a bold expedient to bring speedy rest to her daughter-in-law. But we assume that, with unmistaking feminine intuition, she saw, on the one hand, that Boaz was already deeply attached to Ruth, and, on the other, that Ruth reciprocated his attachment with pure intensity. Most probably we should also assume that she detected in Boaz a peculiar diffidence that caused him to shrink from making decisive advances in the way of declaring his affection. He had, however, unconsciously revealed himself, and made it clear to Naomi that he wished to divulge in words the depth of his honorable feelings. But again and again, as we may suppose, his sensitiveness overcame his resolutions. Hence Naomi's scheme to bring him to the point of declaration. It would have been reprehensible in the extreme had she not been absolutely certain of his wishes, on the one hand, and of his perfect honor and un-contaminable purity on the other. And even with that qualification, the scheme would have been imprudent and improper, and utterly unfeminine, had it not been the case that, in virtue of an ancient and much-prized Hebrew law, Ruth was entitled to call upon her nearest of kin to fulfill the various duties of a responsible kinsman. Still, notwithstanding the existence of this law, we may rest assured that the sensitive gleaner would never have summoned up courage to ask Boaz to discharge to her the duties of kinship, unless she had been sure that the thrills that vibrated within her own heart were responsive to subtle touches, on his part, of spirit with spirit.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When he lies down,בְשָׁכְב֗וֹ (ḇə·šā·ḵə·ḇōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down note וְיָדַ֙עַתְּ֙ (wə·yā·ḏa·‘at) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 3045: To know the place הַמָּקוֹם֙ (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition where אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he lies. יִשְׁכַּב־ (yiš·kaḇ-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down Then go in וּבָ֛את (ū·ḇāṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go and uncover וְגִלִּ֥ית (wə·ḡil·lîṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal his feet, מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו (mar·gə·lō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4772: A footpiece, at the foot, the foot and lie down, וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ (wə·šā·ḵā·ḇət) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down and he וְהוּא֙ (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are will explain יַגִּ֣יד (yag·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to you what אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you should do.” תַּעַשִֽׂין׃ (ta·‘ă·śîn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular | Paragogic nun Strong's 6213: To do, make Links Ruth 3:4 NIVRuth 3:4 NLT Ruth 3:4 ESV Ruth 3:4 NASB Ruth 3:4 KJV Ruth 3:4 BibleApps.com Ruth 3:4 Biblia Paralela Ruth 3:4 Chinese Bible Ruth 3:4 French Bible Ruth 3:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Ruth 3:4 It shall be when he lies down (Ru Rut.) |
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