Ruth 3:2
Ruth 3:2 in Multiple Translations
Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.
And now, is there not Boaz, our relation, with whose young women you were? See, tonight he is separating the grain from the waste in his grain-floor.
Don't ignore the fact that Boaz, whose women you worked with, is closely related to us. Now tonight he will be busy winnowing grain on the threshing floor.
Now also is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maides thou wast? beholde, he winoweth barly to night in the floore.
and now, is not Boaz of our acquaintance, with whose young women thou hast been? lo, he is winnowing the threshing-floor of barley to-night,
Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor.
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.
This Booz, with whose maids thou wast joined in the field, is our near kinsman, and behold this night he winnoweth barley in the threshingfloor.
Boaz, the man with whose servant girls you have been gathering grain, is a close relative of our dead husbands. Listen carefully. Tonight he will be at the ground where the barley has been threshed. He will be separating the barley grain from the chaff.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 3:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
הֲ/לֹ֥א
בֹ֨עַז֙
מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔/נוּ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הָיִ֖ית
אֶת
נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י/ו
הִנֵּה
ה֗וּא
זֹרֶ֛ה
אֶת
גֹּ֥רֶן
הַ/שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
בֹ֨עַז֙
Bôʻaz
H1162
Boaz
N-proper
מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔/נוּ
môwdaʻath
H4130
kinsman
N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָיִ֖ית
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י/ו
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fp | Suff
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
זֹרֶ֛ה
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
גֹּ֥רֶן
gôren
H1637
threshing floor
N-cs
הַ/שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
Art | N-fp
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 3:2
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בֹ֨עַז֙
Bôʻaz
H1162
"Boaz"
N-proper
Boaz was an ancestor of King David and also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple, symbolizing strength and support. The name means 'fleetness' or 'swiftness'.
Definition: § Boaz = "fleetness" name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Boaz. See also: Ruth 2:1; Ruth 3:7; 2 Chronicles 3:17.
מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔/נוּ
môwdaʻath
H4130
"kinsman"
N-fs | Suff
This word means kinsman or acquaintance, referring to a close relative or friend. In the Bible, it appears in stories about family relationships and community ties. The KJV translates it as 'kindred'.
Definition: kindred, kinship
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: kindred. See also: Ruth 3:2.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָיִ֖ית
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י/ו
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
N-fp | Suff
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
זֹרֶ֛ה
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גֹּ֥רֶן
gôren
H1637
"threshing floor"
N-cs
A threshing floor is an open area where grain is separated from chaff, as seen in the book of Ruth. This word can also refer to a barn or empty space. The KJV Bible translates it as floor or place.
Definition: 1) threshing-floor 2) (TWOT) barn, barn floor, corn floor, void place
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (barn, corn, threshing-) floor, (threshing-, void) place. See also: Genesis 50:10; 1 Kings 22:10; Isaiah 21:10.
הַ/שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Ruth 3:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 3:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:2
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
- Sermons on Ruth 3:2
Context — Ruth’s Redemption Assured
1One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you?
2Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
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. 4When 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 25:5–10 | When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, “I do not want to marry her,” 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.” And his family name in Israel will be called “The House of the Unsandaled.” |
| 2 | Ruth 2:20–23 | Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. ” Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’” And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, “My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field.” So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law. |
| 3 | Ruth 2:8 | Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls. |
| 4 | Ruth 2:1 | Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. |
| 5 | Hebrews 2:11–14 | For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.” Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, |
Ruth 3:2 Summary
[This verse shows how Naomi is trying to help Ruth find a good husband, and she thinks Boaz might be the one because he is a relative of theirs, which is important in their culture. According to the book of Ruth, Boaz is a kind and godly man, as seen in his actions towards Ruth in Ruth 2:8-12. Naomi wants Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is working and get to know him, which is a brave and trusting thing for Ruth to do, similar to how Abraham trusted God in Genesis 12:1-3. By sending Ruth to the threshing floor, Naomi is trusting that God will work everything out for their good, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Boaz being a relative of Naomi's?
Boaz being a relative of Naomi's is significant because, according to the customs of the time, as a close relative, he had the responsibility to act as a kinsman-redeemer, as seen in the book of Leviticus, Leviticus 25:25, and this relationship is crucial for the events that unfold in the book of Ruth.
Why is winnowing barley on the threshing floor important in this context?
Winnowing barley on the threshing floor indicates that Boaz is involved in the harvest process, which is a time of abundance and joy, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:13-15, and it also provides an opportunity for Ruth to encounter him in a private setting.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan for Ruth and Naomi?
This verse shows how God is working behind the scenes to provide for Ruth and Naomi, using the circumstances of Boaz's winnowing barley on the threshing floor to bring them together, much like He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:4-5.
What can we learn about Naomi's character from this verse?
Naomi's concern for Ruth's well-being and her efforts to find a suitable husband for her demonstrate her loving and caring nature, as seen in her earlier actions in Ruth 1:8-9, and show that she is trusting in God's providence to guide their lives.
Reflection Questions
- How has God provided for you in unexpected ways, similar to how He is working in Ruth's life in this verse?
- What can you learn from Naomi's example of trusting in God's plan and timing, even when the future seems uncertain?
- In what ways can you, like Ruth, demonstrate faith and trust in God's provision, even in difficult circumstances?
- How might this verse encourage you to look for opportunities to serve and care for others, just as Naomi is doing for Ruth?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:2
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?.... He was, and her question supposes and concludes it, and which she observes, that Ruth might take notice of it, and encouragement
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:2
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. He winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
Which was in a place covered at the top, but open elsewhere, whither Ruth might easily come. And this work of winnowing corn was usually begun or ended with a feast, as may be gathered both from , and from other instances, wherein they used to do so upon like occasions; and this work was to begin this evening, and, as some think, was done only in the evenings, when the heat grew less, and the wind began to blow. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
Rth 3:2 And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.Ver. 2. Behold, he winnoweth barley tonight.] By night they winnowed, ad auram nocturnam, as the Chaldee here hath it: (1.) Because more cool, as Genesis 3:8; (2.) Because then they had a better wind. Naomi remindeth Ruth of this opportunity, and willeth her to improve it. A well chosen season is one of the best advantages of any action. It may seem that Boaz himself had a hand in the work, howsoever an oversight. See Rth 2:4. He might be of the mind of that Emperor who said, Quo maior fuero, tanto plus laborabo: the greater I am, the more pains I will take. Maximinus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
Verse 2. He winnoweth barley tonight] It is very likely that the winnowing of grain was effected by taking up, in a broad thin vessel or sieve, a portion of the corn, and letting it down slowly in the wind; thus the grain would, by its own weight, fall in one place, while the chaff, c., would be carried to a distance by the wind. It is said here that this was done at night probably what was threshed out in the day was winnowed in the evening, when the sea breeze set in, which was common in Palestine; and as this took place in the evening only, that was the time in which they would naturally winnow their corn.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:2
2. our kinsman] See on Rth 2:1, a different word from near kinsman (go’el) in Rth 3:9. His relationship to Elimelech, and the friendly disposition which he had shewn, led Naomi to think of Boaz in considering ‘a resting place’ for Ruth. He might be willing to do the kinsman’s part; at any rate, she made up her mind to act courageously and in a spirit of faith. In her plan for a next of kin marriage Naomi’s only concern is for Ruth’s future; the perpetuation of the name of her dead childless son is left for Boaz to mention (Rth 4:5; Rth 4:10). to-night] when the wind blows (Targ.), and the weather is cool. In Palestine a wind rises from the sea at about four o’clock in the afternoon, and lasts till half an hour before sunset. For the threshing-floor an exposed, open spot was chosen on the side or summit of a hill; here it must have lain outside the village, and to reach it Ruth had to go down the hills on which Beth-lehem stands.
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:2
Behold, he winnoweth barley ... - The simple manners of Boaz and his times are here before us.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:2
2. He winnoweth barley to-night — The night was chosen for the purpose because of the breeze which usually set in with the cool of the day.
Sermons on Ruth 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ruth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and |
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Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant | F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's |
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Day 156, Luke 20 by David Servant | David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others |
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Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
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Ruth - Part 4 by John McGregor | John McGregor emphasizes the transformative journey of Ruth in the Book of Ruth, highlighting her invitation from Boaz, which symbolizes God's invitation to all. He discusses the c |
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Marriage Series #1 - Aquila & Priscilla by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of investing one's life into others and seeing the kingdom of heaven increase. He shares a personal story about his grandson a |