Ruth 3:7 - When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came softly, uncovered his feet, and laid down.
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What does "Ruth 3:7" mean?
This verse from Ruth 3:7 describes a pivotal moment in the story where Ruth takes a bold step to secure her future and the future of Naomi, her mother-in-law. Let's break down the meaning:
"When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry..." This establishes the setting and Boaz's state of mind. He has just finished celebrating the harvest, indicating prosperity and generosity. His "merry heart" suggests he is content and perhaps more receptive to acts of kindness or compassion. It's important to note that "merry" here doesn't necessarily imply drunkenness, but rather a general state of contentment and good cheer.
"...he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain." Boaz is sleeping in the threshing floor, protecting the grain from theft or damage. This demonstrates his diligence and responsibility as a landowner. Lying at the end of the heap suggests a position of relative openness and accessibility.
"She came softly..." Ruth is approaching Boaz with intention and discretion. Her quiet approach emphasizes the delicacy and potential risk of her actions.
"...uncovered his feet..." This is a key action that has been interpreted in various ways:
A Sign of Submission/Request: Uncovering someone's feet could be a gesture of respect or submission, essentially placing herself at his mercy.
A Symbolic Request for Marriage/Protection: In ancient Near Eastern customs, this could be a subtle way of indicating a desire for marriage or for him to fulfill his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer. By placing herself close to him, she is symbolically asking him to cover and protect her.
A Wake-Up Call: Some interpretations suggest it was simply a way to wake him up subtly.
"...and laid down." Ruth lies down at his feet, further demonstrating her vulnerability and placing herself in his care. This action signifies her request for protection and provision.
Overall Meaning
This verse is not overtly sexual, as the phrase "uncovered his feet" can be easily misconstrued. Rather, it is a carefully orchestrated act of boldness and humility by Ruth. She is following Naomi's instructions, taking a risk to appeal to Boaz's sense of duty and compassion.
The verse sets the stage for a pivotal conversation in the next verses, where Ruth explicitly asks Boaz to "spread his wing" over her, meaning to take her as his wife and redeem her deceased husband's family line.
Cultural Context is Key
Understanding the cultural and legal customs of the time is essential for interpreting this verse accurately. The concept of a "kinsman-redeemer" (someone who could marry a widow to continue her husband's lineage and reclaim his property) is central to the story.
In summary, Ruth's actions are a calculated and respectful plea for Boaz to fulfill his responsibilities as a relative and provide for her and Naomi's future. The verse is full of symbolism and requires an understanding of ancient Near Eastern customs to fully grasp its meaning.
Ruth 3:7 - When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came softly, uncovered his feet, and laid down.
What does "Ruth 3:7" mean?
This verse from Ruth 3:7 describes a pivotal moment in the story where Ruth takes a bold step to secure her future and the future of Naomi, her mother-in-law. Let's break down the meaning:
"When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry..." This establishes the setting and Boaz's state of mind. He has just finished celebrating the harvest, indicating prosperity and generosity. His "merry heart" suggests he is content and perhaps more receptive to acts of kindness or compassion. It's important to note that "merry" here doesn't necessarily imply drunkenness, but rather a general state of contentment and good cheer.
"...he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain." Boaz is sleeping in the threshing floor, protecting the grain from theft or damage. This demonstrates his diligence and responsibility as a landowner. Lying at the end of the heap suggests a position of relative openness and accessibility.
"She came softly..." Ruth is approaching Boaz with intention and discretion. Her quiet approach emphasizes the delicacy and potential risk of her actions.
"...uncovered his feet..." This is a key action that has been interpreted in various ways:
A Sign of Submission/Request: Uncovering someone's feet could be a gesture of respect or submission, essentially placing herself at his mercy.
A Symbolic Request for Marriage/Protection: In ancient Near Eastern customs, this could be a subtle way of indicating a desire for marriage or for him to fulfill his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer. By placing herself close to him, she is symbolically asking him to cover and protect her.
A Wake-Up Call: Some interpretations suggest it was simply a way to wake him up subtly.
"...and laid down." Ruth lies down at his feet, further demonstrating her vulnerability and placing herself in his care. This action signifies her request for protection and provision.
Overall Meaning
This verse is not overtly sexual, as the phrase "uncovered his feet" can be easily misconstrued. Rather, it is a carefully orchestrated act of boldness and humility by Ruth. She is following Naomi's instructions, taking a risk to appeal to Boaz's sense of duty and compassion.
The verse sets the stage for a pivotal conversation in the next verses, where Ruth explicitly asks Boaz to "spread his wing" over her, meaning to take her as his wife and redeem her deceased husband's family line.
Cultural Context is Key
Understanding the cultural and legal customs of the time is essential for interpreting this verse accurately. The concept of a "kinsman-redeemer" (someone who could marry a widow to continue her husband's lineage and reclaim his property) is central to the story.
In summary, Ruth's actions are a calculated and respectful plea for Boaz to fulfill his responsibilities as a relative and provide for her and Naomi's future. The verse is full of symbolism and requires an understanding of ancient Near Eastern customs to fully grasp its meaning.