Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! New Living Translation Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! English Standard Version At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! Berean Standard Bible At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass in the middle of the night that the man trembled and turned himself, and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. King James Bible And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. New King James Version Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. New American Standard Bible And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. NASB 1995 It happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. NASB 1977 And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. Legacy Standard Bible Then it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. Amplified Bible In the middle of the night the man was startled and he turned over, and found a woman lying at his feet. Berean Annotated Bible At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! Christian Standard Bible At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! Holman Christian Standard Bible At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! American Standard Version And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. Contemporary English Version In the middle of the night, Boaz suddenly woke up and was shocked to see a woman lying at his feet. English Revised Version And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. GOD'S WORD® Translation At midnight the man was shivering. When he turned over, he was surprised to see a woman lying at his feet. Good News Translation During the night he woke up suddenly, turned over, and was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet. International Standard Version In the middle of the night, Boaz was startled awake and turned over in surprise to see a woman lying at his feet. NET Bible In the middle of the night he was startled and turned over. Now he saw a woman lying beside him! New Heart English Bible It happened at midnight, that the man was startled and turned over; and look, a woman lay at his feet. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and behold, a woman lay at his feet. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! World English Bible At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, at the middle of the night, that the man trembles, and turns himself, and behold, a woman is lying at his feet. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass in the middle of the night that the man trembled and turned himself, and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, at the middle of the night, that the man trembleth, and turneth himself, and lo, a woman is lying at his feet. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be in the middle of the night, and the man will be terrified: and he will turn and behold a woman lying from his feet. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd behold, when it was now midnight the man was afraid, and troubled: and he saw a woman lying at his feet, Catholic Public Domain Version And behold, when it was the middle of the night, the man became frightened and confused, and he saw a woman lying near his feet. New American Bible Midway through the night, the man gave a start and groped about, only to find a woman lying at his feet. New Revised Standard Version At midnight the man was startled, and turned over, and there, lying at his feet, was a woman! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it came to pass at midnight that the man woke up and was startled when he saw a woman lying at his feet. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And it happened in the middle of the night, the man started from his sleep and was alarmed, because he saw a woman who was sleeping at his feet OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was startled, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass at midnight that the man was amazed, and troubled, and behold, a woman lay at his feet. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman8 At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! 9“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”… Cross References At midnight, Exodus 12:29 Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. Matthew 25:6 At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Boaz was startled, Luke 1:12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. Luke 2:9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Acts 12:7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. turned over, Job 7:4 When I lie down I think: ‘When will I get up?’ But the night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. Psalm 132:4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, Genesis 28:16 When Jacob woke up, he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it.” and there lying at his feet Luke 7:38 As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. Matthew 28:9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. was a woman! 2 Kings 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.” Luke 8:47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed. Matthew 15:22 And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” Genesis 19:32-35 Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.” / So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. / The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Look, I slept with my father last night. Let us get him drunk with wine again tonight so you can go in and sleep with him and we can preserve our father’s line.” … Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. turned. Jump to Previous Afraid Awaking Bent Discovered Lay Middle Midnight Night Sleep Something Startled Trembleth Turned TurnethJump to Next Afraid Awaking Bent Discovered Lay Middle Midnight Night Sleep Something Startled Trembleth Turned TurnethRuth 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 At midnight In ancient times, the night was divided into watches, and midnight marked the middle of the night. This time is often associated with significant events in the Bible, such as the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 12:29). The timing here underscores the unexpected nature of the encounter and the divine orchestration behind the events. Boaz was startled turned over and there lying at his feet was a woman! Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem. Her actions in this chapter demonstrate her faith and courage. 2. Boaz A wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the law. 3. Threshing Floor A place where grain is separated from chaff. It is significant as the setting for Ruth's bold approach to Boaz, symbolizing a place of provision and blessing. 4. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who guides Ruth in seeking Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer, reflecting her hope and strategic thinking. 5. Kinsman-Redeemer A cultural and legal role in ancient Israel where a close relative could redeem a family member in distress, reflecting God's provision and care for His people. Teaching Points Faith and InitiativeRuth's actions demonstrate a balance of faith in God's provision and personal initiative. Believers are encouraged to trust God while actively participating in His plans. God's Provision The account illustrates how God provides for His people through ordinary means and relationships. We should be attentive to how God might be working in our lives through others. Courage and Integrity Ruth's approach to Boaz required courage and integrity. Christians are called to act with boldness and righteousness in their relationships and decisions. Redemption and Hope The role of the kinsman-redeemer points to the hope and redemption found in Christ. Believers can find assurance in Jesus' redemptive work on their behalf. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ruth 3:8?2. How does Ruth 3:8 demonstrate Ruth's faith and obedience to Naomi's plan? 3. What significance does Boaz's reaction in Ruth 3:8 have for understanding God's providence? 4. How does Ruth 3:8 connect to God's protection themes in Psalm 91? 5. What can we learn from Ruth's actions about trusting God's timing in life? 6. How can Boaz's response in Ruth 3:8 guide our reactions to unexpected situations? 7. What is the significance of Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet in Ruth 3:8? 8. How does Ruth 3:8 reflect cultural practices of ancient Israel? 9. What does Ruth 3:8 reveal about Ruth's character and intentions? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 3? 11. Could Proverbs 31:10–31 be more of a cultural ideal rather than an achievable standard, considering other biblical teachings on human imperfection? 12. Deuteronomy 23:3 - How can the permanent exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites align with the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman in David's lineage? 13. 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? 14. Ruth 3:9 records a phrase about 'spreading a garment' over Ruth--how does this align with or contradict marriage traditions documented in other ancient Near Eastern sources? What Does Ruth 3:8 Mean At midnight“At midnight…” (Ruth 3:8) • The setting is dark, quiet, and unguarded, the kind of moment when the Lord often moves decisively. Compare Exodus 12:29, where “at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn in Egypt,” and Acts 16:25, where Paul and Silas worship “about midnight” before God opens the prison doors. • Midnight underscores God’s perfect timing. Naomi planned Ruth’s approach for just this hour, trusting the Lord to direct Boaz’s heart (Proverbs 16:9). • Darkness heightens suspense yet also highlights God’s watchful care (Psalm 119:62). Though unseen by others, He is fully present and active. Boaz was startled “…Boaz was startled…” • The Hebrew idea is that he trembled awake—an involuntary, immediate reaction. God can disturb the sleep of even the most secure (Daniel 2:1; Genesis 41:1). • Boaz is a man of honor (Ruth 2:1). His surprise shows no prior expectation of impropriety; his conscience is clear (Acts 24:16). • Like David sneaking into Saul’s camp while a “deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them” (1 Samuel 26:12), Ruth’s presence is permitted by God, not discovered by servants, ensuring the meeting remains private and untainted. turned over “…turned over…” • Boaz shifts position to investigate. It is a small, ordinary movement that becomes the hinge of God’s providence—much like when Moses “turned aside” to see the burning bush (Exodus 3:3–4). • The action signals readiness: Boaz moves from rest to responsible engagement, a pattern echoed in Jesus’ parable, “When the master of that servant will come… at midnight or at daybreak” (Luke 12:38). • Our decisions in unexpected moments reveal character. Boaz’s next steps will confirm his role as kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:12-13), foreshadowing Christ our Redeemer (Ephesians 1:7). and there lying at his feet was a woman! “…and there lying at his feet was a woman!” • Ruth positions herself at Boaz’s feet, the ancient posture of humble appeal for protection. Ezekiel 16:8 pictures the Lord spreading His garment over Israel; Ruth seeks the same covering (Ruth 3:9). • Feet symbolize authority and refuge (Psalm 57:1). Ruth’s act is modest, not seductive, aligning with Deuteronomy 25:5-10 on levirate duty. • Boaz will later bless her for greater kindness now than earlier (Ruth 3:10), confirming her motives are righteous. God honors such purity, weaving Ruth into the lineage of David and ultimately Christ (Matthew 1:5-6). • What began in the dark becomes public blessing by morning (Ruth 3:14-18), illustrating 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” summary Ruth 3:8 captures a divinely scripted turning point. At the precise midnight hour, God rouses Boaz, guiding his movement and revealing Ruth at his feet. Her respectful plea and his honorable response set the stage for redemption, marriage, and the unfolding of Messiah’s lineage. Even in the quiet darkness, God’s providence shines brightly, assuring us that He orchestrates every detail for His redemptive purposes. (8) Was afraid.--Was startled. See the use of the word in Genesis 27:33.Turned.--Literally, bent himself. (Comp. Judges 16:29.) He wakes with a start, and in turning sees a woman at his feet. Verse 8. - And it came to pass at midnight that the man started in a fright; and he bent himself over, and lo, a woman was lying at his feet. He had awaked, and, feeling something soft and warm at his feet, he was startled and affrighted. What could it be? In a moment or two he recovered his self-possession, and bending himself up and over, or "crooking himself, to see and to feel, lo, a woman was lying at his feet. The Chaldee Targumist tumbles into a ludicrous bathos of taste when endeavoring to emphasize the startle and shiver which Boas experienced. He says, "He trembled, and his flesh, became soft as a turnip from the agitation. How could the most peddling and paltering of Rabbis succeed in betraying himself into such a laughable puerility and absurdity? The explanation, though of course it is not the least atom of justification, lies in the fact that the Chaldee word for "turnip" is לֶפֶת while the verb that de notes "he bent himself" is the niphal of לָפַת. The use of the expression "the man," in this and several of the adjoining verses, is apt to grate a little upon English ears. Let us explain and vindicate the term as we may, the grating is still felt. No matter though we know that "the rank is but the guinea stamp," the grating is felt inevitably. It is a result of that peculiar growth in living language that splits generic terms into such as are specific or semi-specific. We have gentleman as well as man, and embarrassment is not infrequently the result of our linguistic wealth. In the verse before us, and in some of those that go before, we should be disposed, in our English idiom, to employ the proper name: "And it came to pass at midnight that ' Boaz' started in a fright."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew At midnight,בַּחֲצִ֣י (ba·ḥă·ṣî) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2677: The half, middle Boaz הָאִ֖ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person was startled, וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד (way·ye·ḥĕ·raḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2729: To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten turned over, וַיִּלָּפֵ֑ת (way·yil·lā·p̄êṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3943: To twist, turn, grasp with a twisting motion and there וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! lying שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת (šō·ḵe·ḇeṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down at his feet מַרְגְּלֹתָֽיו׃ (mar·gə·lō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4772: A footpiece, at the foot, the foot was a woman! אִשָּׁ֔ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Links Ruth 3:8 NIVRuth 3:8 NLT Ruth 3:8 ESV Ruth 3:8 NASB Ruth 3:8 KJV Ruth 3:8 BibleApps.com Ruth 3:8 Biblia Paralela Ruth 3:8 Chinese Bible Ruth 3:8 French Bible Ruth 3:8 Catholic Bible OT History: Ruth 3:8 It happened at midnight that the man (Ru Rut.) |
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