Ruth 3:9 - He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”
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What does "Ruth 3:9" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth, and it's packed with cultural and legal significance. Let's break it down:
"He said, “Who are you?”" Boaz, the landowner, is surprised to find a woman lying at his feet in the middle of the night after the barley harvest. He needs to know who is there before he can determine what's happening.
"She answered, “I am Ruth your servant.”" Ruth identifies herself and acknowledges her subordinate position relative to Boaz.
"Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”" This is the key request and the heart of the verse. It's a symbolic and legally binding act. Let's unpack it further:
"Spread the corner of your garment": This is a metaphor for taking Ruth under Boaz's protection and claiming her as his responsibility. The "corner of the garment" (Hebrew: kanaph) is often translated as "wing" or "skirt" and represents covering and protection. Think of it like a cloak of security and belonging.
"For you are a near kinsman": This is the justification for her request. Ruth is reminding Boaz of his obligation under the Levirate marriage law and the laws concerning a kinsman-redeemer.
Levirate Marriage: If a man died without an heir, his brother was obligated to marry the widow and have a son to carry on the deceased man's name and inheritance. Since Ruth's husband (Naomi's son) had died, this law potentially applied.
Kinsman-Redeemer (Hebrew: go'el): A male relative had the right and responsibility to redeem the land and family of a relative who had fallen into poverty or difficulty. This could involve buying back land or rescuing a relative from slavery. In Ruth's case, the kinsman-redeemer would provide for Ruth and Naomi, and continue the family line.
In essence, Ruth is making a formal proposal to Boaz to fulfill his legal and moral obligation as a near kinsman by becoming her kinsman-redeemer and marrying her. She is asking him to take responsibility for her and Naomi, to provide for them, and to continue the family line of her deceased husband. This was a bold and culturally significant request.
Why this is important:
Demonstrates Ruth's initiative: Ruth is not passively waiting for something to happen. She takes a courageous step to secure her and Naomi's future.
Highlights Boaz's integrity: Boaz is known for his righteousness and respect for the law. He acknowledges Ruth's request and promises to act according to the law, showing his commitment to justice and familial responsibility.
Central to the story: This verse sets the stage for the rest of the book of Ruth, which culminates in Boaz marrying Ruth and redeeming her family's inheritance. Their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, linking Ruth to the lineage of Jesus.
In summary, Ruth 3:9 is a pivotal verse that signifies a formal and culturally charged request, driven by Ruth's initiative and based on the legal and social norms of the time. It ultimately leads to a redemptive act that has significant implications for the lineage of King David and, in Christian theology, for the lineage of Jesus.
Ruth 3:9 - He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”
What does "Ruth 3:9" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth, and it's packed with cultural and legal significance. Let's break it down:
"He said, “Who are you?”" Boaz, the landowner, is surprised to find a woman lying at his feet in the middle of the night after the barley harvest. He needs to know who is there before he can determine what's happening.
"She answered, “I am Ruth your servant.”" Ruth identifies herself and acknowledges her subordinate position relative to Boaz.
"Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”" This is the key request and the heart of the verse. It's a symbolic and legally binding act. Let's unpack it further:
"Spread the corner of your garment": This is a metaphor for taking Ruth under Boaz's protection and claiming her as his responsibility. The "corner of the garment" (Hebrew: kanaph) is often translated as "wing" or "skirt" and represents covering and protection. Think of it like a cloak of security and belonging.
"For you are a near kinsman": This is the justification for her request. Ruth is reminding Boaz of his obligation under the Levirate marriage law and the laws concerning a kinsman-redeemer.
Levirate Marriage: If a man died without an heir, his brother was obligated to marry the widow and have a son to carry on the deceased man's name and inheritance. Since Ruth's husband (Naomi's son) had died, this law potentially applied.
Kinsman-Redeemer (Hebrew: go'el): A male relative had the right and responsibility to redeem the land and family of a relative who had fallen into poverty or difficulty. This could involve buying back land or rescuing a relative from slavery. In Ruth's case, the kinsman-redeemer would provide for Ruth and Naomi, and continue the family line.
In essence, Ruth is making a formal proposal to Boaz to fulfill his legal and moral obligation as a near kinsman by becoming her kinsman-redeemer and marrying her. She is asking him to take responsibility for her and Naomi, to provide for them, and to continue the family line of her deceased husband. This was a bold and culturally significant request.
Why this is important:
Demonstrates Ruth's initiative: Ruth is not passively waiting for something to happen. She takes a courageous step to secure her and Naomi's future.
Highlights Boaz's integrity: Boaz is known for his righteousness and respect for the law. He acknowledges Ruth's request and promises to act according to the law, showing his commitment to justice and familial responsibility.
Central to the story: This verse sets the stage for the rest of the book of Ruth, which culminates in Boaz marrying Ruth and redeeming her family's inheritance. Their son, Obed, becomes the grandfather of King David, linking Ruth to the lineage of Jesus.
In summary, Ruth 3:9 is a pivotal verse that signifies a formal and culturally charged request, driven by Ruth's initiative and based on the legal and social norms of the time. It ultimately leads to a redemptive act that has significant implications for the lineage of King David and, in Christian theology, for the lineage of Jesus.