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Ruth 3:8

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Ruth 3:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman!

King James Version KJV

¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now in the middle of the night, the man awaking from his sleep in fear, and lifting himself up, saw a woman stretched at his feet.

Free Bible Version FBV

Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up. Bending forward he was surprised to see a woman lying at his feet.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And at midnight the man was afraide and caught holde: and loe, a woman lay at his feete.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.

World English Bible WEB

At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and behold, a woman lay at his feet.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And behold, when it was now midnight the man was afraid, and troubled: and he saw a woman lying at his feet,

Translation for Translators T4T

In the middle of the night, he suddenly awoke. He sat up and saw that a woman was lying at his feet.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 3:8

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 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִי֙ בַּ/חֲצִ֣י הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֥ד הָ/אִ֖ישׁ וַ/יִּלָּפֵ֑ת וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה אִשָּׁ֔ה שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת מַרְגְּלֹתָֽי/ו
וַ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/חֲצִ֣י chêtsîy H2677 half Prep | N-ms
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה layil H3915 night Art | N-ms
וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֥ד chârad H2729 to tremble Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּלָּפֵ֑ת lâphath H3943 to twist Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
אִשָּׁ֔ה ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs
שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal
מַרְגְּלֹתָֽי/ו margᵉlâh H4772 feet N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 3:8

וַ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
בַּ/חֲצִ֣י chêtsîy H2677 "half" Prep | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה 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.
וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֥ד chârad H2729 "to tremble" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tremble with fear or anxiety, like when the Israelites trembled at Mount Sinai. It can also mean to hasten or be careful. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and other books.
Definition: 1) to tremble, quake, move about, be afraid, be startled, be terrified 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tremble, quake (of a mountain) 1a2) to tremble (of people) 1a3) to be anxiously careful 1a4) to go or come trembling (with prep) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to tremble 1b2) to drive in terror, rout (an army)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble. See also: Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 17:2; Isaiah 10:29.
הָ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/יִּלָּפֵ֑ת lâphath H3943 "to twist" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To twist or turn, this word describes a physical action of bending or grasping. It is used in the Bible to describe someone taking hold of something or turning aside.
Definition: 1) to twist, grasp, turn, grasp with a twisting motion 1a) (Qal) to grasp 1b) (Niphal) to twist, weave, wind
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: take hold, turn aside (self). See also: Judges 16:29; Ruth 3:8; Job 6:18.
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | 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.
אִשָּׁ֔ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
מַרְגְּלֹתָֽי/ו margᵉlâh H4772 "feet" N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the feet or a footpiece, often used to describe a place where someone stands. It appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus. The word is related to the idea of a foundation or base.
Definition: place of the feet, feet
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: feet. Compare H4763 (מְרַאֲשָׁה). See also: Ruth 3:4; Ruth 3:8; Daniel 10:6.

Study Notes — Ruth 3:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Ruth 3:8 Summary

[This verse shows a surprising moment when Boaz wakes up to find Ruth lying at his feet. He was startled, but he didn't react impulsively. Instead, he asked who she was, showing that he was a man of integrity. This is a great example for us to follow, as we are called to live with self-control and integrity, just like it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31. By trusting in God's providence and care, we can have the courage to do what is right, even in unexpected situations.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Boaz startled in the middle of the night?

Boaz was startled because he felt someone at his feet, which he didn't expect, as seen in Ruth 3:8. This unexpected presence caught him off guard, similar to how Abraham was startled by the presence of the Lord in Genesis 18:1-2.

What can we learn from Boaz's reaction to finding a woman at his feet?

Boaz's reaction shows that he was a man of integrity and self-control, as he didn't take advantage of the situation, but instead asked who the woman was, as seen in Ruth 3:9. This is a great example of how we should strive to live with integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9.

Is it significant that Boaz was lying at the end of the heap of grain?

Yes, it is significant because it shows that Boaz was a hardworking and responsible person, as he was sleeping near his grain to protect it, similar to how a shepherd watches over his flock, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Ruth?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth, as it sets the stage for Boaz to learn about Ruth's situation and ultimately become her kinsman-redeemer, as seen in Ruth 3:9-10 and 4:1-12. This story is a great example of God's providence and care for those in need, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show integrity and self-control in my own life, like Boaz did in this verse?
  2. How can I be more aware of the presence of God in my life, just like Boaz was startled by the presence of Ruth?
  3. What are some ways that I can trust in God's providence and care, just like Ruth did when she lay at Boaz's feet?
  4. How can I apply the principles of hard work and responsibility, as seen in Boaz's actions, to my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:8

And it came to pass at midnight,.... So long Boaz slept without knowledge of any person being at his feet, and so long Ruth had lain there; but awaking, and perceiving something at his feet, which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:8

And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 3:8

At midnight; he did not discover her sooner, though she did not uncover his feet, being it seems in a deep sleep, as is usual after feasts, and she doing no more that her mother commanded her, and using no words or gestures which might provoke his lust; wherein she showed her temperance and modesty, and that what she did was only by her mother’ s instigation and advice, which plainly appeared from her desire expressed, , which he knew, she being a stranger, was unacquainted with. And this was the reason why Boaz was not in the least offended with her, but only commends her virtue, without any reflection upon her for this fact. Turned himself; from the place where he lay, he raised and turned himself towards the feet, to learn who or what was there. Or, he was troubled, or afraid, or wondered; for the Hebrew word being but once used, is diversely rendered. A woman lay at his feet; which he might understand, either by some glimmerings of light which were after midnight, which discovered her; or rather, by her voice, or out of her own mouth, who being asked, told him so much in general, before he made particular inquiry.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:8

Rth 3:8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.Ver. 8. That the man was afraid.] Timor est constrictio cordis ex sensu mali instantis. Fear is a passion of the soul, shrinking in itself from some imminent evil. The Greeks call it δειμα, quasi ligamentum, a bond: quasi gelu astringit, saith Nazianzen, it binds up the heart as a frost doth the earth. Boaz might possibly fear that it was some evil spirit that had assumed a body, and got to bed to him. Alexander from Alexandria telleth of such things that have happened. And another writeth of a gallant, who meeting with a beautiful dame, and having enjoyed his fleshly desires of her, found her in the morning to be the dead body of one that he had formerly sinned with, which had been acted by the devil all night, and left dead again in the morning. And turned himself.] Or, Took hold on: sc., her clothes, or her headgear; whereby he perceived that it was a woman. But he was a mortified man, and an elder, πρεσβυτης, that is, one in whom the fire of lust was put out. Lib. ii. cap. 9; lib. iv. cap. 19.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 3:8

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 3:8

Verse 8. The man was afraid, and turned himself] The verb ילפת yillapheth, which we render he turned himself, has puzzled even the Targumist, who translates the clause thus: "The man trembled, and his flesh became like a (boiled) turnip through fear." It is fully evident Boaz had no intimation of the present proceedings. To this verse the Targumist adds much; he says, "Boaz subdued his concupiscence, and acted towards her as Joseph did to the Egyptian wife of his master, and as Pelatiel, the son of Laish the pious, did to Michal, the daughter of Saul, the wife of David, who put a sword between Michal and himself, because he would not approach to her."

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:8

8. and turned himself] A reflexive from of the verb, which means ‘to grasp with a twisting motion’; the verb occurs again only in Judges 16:29 (‘took hold of’), Job 6:18 (‘are turned aside’ mg.).

Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:8

Turned himself - Rather, “bent forward,” so as to feel what it was which was at his feet. The same word is translated “took hold of,” in Judges 16:29.

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:8

8. The man was afraid — Finding the covering of his feet removed, he feared that robbers might have entered his floor; but not knowing what was the matter he turned himself, that is, bent over or
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