Ruth 3:13 - Stay this night, and in the morning, if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty. But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives. Lie down until the morning.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ruth 3:13" mean?
This verse, Ruth 3:13, is a pivotal moment in the Book of Ruth and reveals Boaz's honorable character. Let's break it down:
Context: Ruth, under the guidance of her mother-in-law Naomi, has boldly approached Boaz at the threshing floor at night, asking him to fulfill his duty as a "kinsman-redeemer."
"Stay this night, and in the morning...": Boaz is acknowledging Ruth's request and providing a plan of action. He's asking her to stay at the threshing floor for the remainder of the night, likely to protect her reputation.
"...if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty.": Boaz explains that there is another man who is a closer relative to Naomi and Ruth's deceased husband. According to the law (likely referring to customs and understandings of Levirate marriage and property redemption), this closer relative has the first right and responsibility to act as kinsman-redeemer. This involves two key obligations:
Redeeming the Land: Buying back the land that Naomi was forced to sell due to poverty, thereby keeping it in the family.
Continuing the Family Line: Marrying Ruth to provide an heir for her deceased husband, Elimelech, thus perpetuating his name and inheritance.
If this closer relative is willing to fulfill these duties, Boaz is saying, "Great! Let him do it." He's being respectful of the established order and the other man's rights.
"But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives.": This is the heart of Boaz's promise. If the closer relative declines to fulfill the kinsman-redeemer role (perhaps because he doesn't want to risk his own inheritance by complicating his estate with the responsibilities that come with marrying Ruth), then Boaz vows to do it himself. He emphasizes the sincerity of his promise by swearing by Yahweh, the Lord, making it a solemn oath.
"Lie down until the morning.": Boaz reassures Ruth that she can rest safely until morning. This also suggests that he will resolve the matter quickly.
In essence, the verse means:
Boaz is telling Ruth that he acknowledges her request to act as a kinsman-redeemer. He informs her that there's another man with a prior claim, but if that man refuses to fulfill the duty, Boaz promises, under oath, to take on the responsibility himself. He is handling the situation honorably and responsibly, balancing his feelings for Ruth with the established social and legal customs.
Key Takeaways:
Kinsman-Redeemer: Understands the concept and importance of the kinsman-redeemer role in Israelite society, which provided a safety net for widows and ensured the continuation of family lines.
Boaz's Character: Highlights Boaz's integrity, kindness, and respect for the law. He is willing to help Ruth but wants to do so in the proper way, respecting the rights of the closer relative.
Trust and Hope: Shows Ruth placing her trust in Boaz. The verse offers hope that Naomi and Ruth will be redeemed from their impoverished and vulnerable situation.
Ruth 3:13 - Stay this night, and in the morning, if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty. But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives. Lie down until the morning.”
What does "Ruth 3:13" mean?
This verse, Ruth 3:13, is a pivotal moment in the Book of Ruth and reveals Boaz's honorable character. Let's break it down:
Context: Ruth, under the guidance of her mother-in-law Naomi, has boldly approached Boaz at the threshing floor at night, asking him to fulfill his duty as a "kinsman-redeemer."
"Stay this night, and in the morning...": Boaz is acknowledging Ruth's request and providing a plan of action. He's asking her to stay at the threshing floor for the remainder of the night, likely to protect her reputation.
"...if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty.": Boaz explains that there is another man who is a closer relative to Naomi and Ruth's deceased husband. According to the law (likely referring to customs and understandings of Levirate marriage and property redemption), this closer relative has the first right and responsibility to act as kinsman-redeemer. This involves two key obligations:
Redeeming the Land: Buying back the land that Naomi was forced to sell due to poverty, thereby keeping it in the family.
Continuing the Family Line: Marrying Ruth to provide an heir for her deceased husband, Elimelech, thus perpetuating his name and inheritance.
If this closer relative is willing to fulfill these duties, Boaz is saying, "Great! Let him do it." He's being respectful of the established order and the other man's rights.
"But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives.": This is the heart of Boaz's promise. If the closer relative declines to fulfill the kinsman-redeemer role (perhaps because he doesn't want to risk his own inheritance by complicating his estate with the responsibilities that come with marrying Ruth), then Boaz vows to do it himself. He emphasizes the sincerity of his promise by swearing by Yahweh, the Lord, making it a solemn oath.
"Lie down until the morning.": Boaz reassures Ruth that she can rest safely until morning. This also suggests that he will resolve the matter quickly.
In essence, the verse means:
Boaz is telling Ruth that he acknowledges her request to act as a kinsman-redeemer. He informs her that there's another man with a prior claim, but if that man refuses to fulfill the duty, Boaz promises, under oath, to take on the responsibility himself. He is handling the situation honorably and responsibly, balancing his feelings for Ruth with the established social and legal customs.
Key Takeaways:
Kinsman-Redeemer: Understands the concept and importance of the kinsman-redeemer role in Israelite society, which provided a safety net for widows and ensured the continuation of family lines.
Boaz's Character: Highlights Boaz's integrity, kindness, and respect for the law. He is willing to help Ruth but wants to do so in the proper way, respecting the rights of the closer relative.
Trust and Hope: Shows Ruth placing her trust in Boaz. The verse offers hope that Naomi and Ruth will be redeemed from their impoverished and vulnerable situation.