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Ruth 3:2 — Word Study

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WLCוְעַתָּ֗ה הֲלֹ֥א בֹ֙עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖ית אֶת־ נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יו הִנֵּה־ ה֗וּא זֹרֶ֛ה אֶת־ גֹּ֥רֶן הַשְּׂעֹרִ֖ים הַלָּֽיְלָה׃

BSANowʻattâh [at this moment, in this present time] is notlôʼ BoazBôʻaz [our kinsman, a close relative] withʼêth whoseʼăsher servant girlsnaʻărâh [young women, maidens] you have been [working]hâyâh a relative of oursmôwdaʻath [kinsman, one of our family] In facthinnêh tonightlayil [this evening, in the night] hehûwʼ is winnowingzârâh [separating, scattering] barleysᵉʻôrâh [a type of grain, a staple food] on the threshing floorgôren [a place of separation, a ground for winnowing]

Word
Listen & take awayRuth 3
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 2 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ha.La.ye.lah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ruth 3:2quick helps
In a sentenceNaomi points out that Boaz, their kinsman, is winnowing barley tonight.
Who is speakingNaomi, speaking to Ruth about Boaz.
Where we areIn the narrative of Ruth, where Naomi is guiding Ruth's actions.
The hard wordמֹדַעְתָּ֔נוּ
Take awayBoaz is not just a man but a relative who can redeem Ruth.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectבֹּעַז verbהָיָה The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 15 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Ruth 3:2

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Guidance of Naomigenerated

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.”

Ruth 3:2 shows Naomi advising Ruth about Boaz, who is their kinsman and is currently winnowing barley. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for Ruth's actions that follow, reflecting the themes of kinship and redemption that run throughout the book. Naomi's knowledge of Boaz's activities indicates her strategic thinking in securing a future for Ruth.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ruth 2:20–23Then 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. ”
2Deuteronomy 25:5–6When 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.
3Hebrews 2:11–14For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
4Ruth 2:8–23Then 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

with whoseRuth 2:8–23

The Key Word בֹעַז, vo.'azgenerated

The name בֹעַז (Boaz) refers to a significant figure in the Book of Ruth, known as a kinsman-redeemer. The root meaning is uncertain but may imply 'fleetness' or 'swiftness'. Boaz is portrayed as a man of standing who plays a crucial role in the redemption of Ruth.

In this verse, the mention of Boaz emphasizes his familial connection and potential role in Ruth's life. The use of his name highlights the importance of kinship ties in ancient Israelite society.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb is הָיִ֖ית, you were, which governs the entire sentence. It connects the subject בֹעַז (Boaz) to the predicate, establishing his identity as a kinsman and linking him to the actions of the servant girls.

The structure of the sentence emphasizes the relationship between Boaz and the servant girls, with the adverbial phrase הַלָּֽיְלָה (this night) placed at the end, highlighting the timing of Boaz's actions.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint uses the word βοος (Boaz) to translate the Hebrew name, maintaining the significance of Boaz as a key figure. This choice reflects the translators' intent to convey the same familial and redemptive qualities associated with Boaz in the Hebrew text.

The verb זֹרֶ֛ה is rendered as λικμᾷ, indicating the act of winnowing. This choice suggests a focus on the agricultural practice, which is central to the narrative context.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ruth 3:2 reveals Naomi asking Ruth about Boaz, their relative, who is winnowing barley tonight. This moment is crucial as it leads to Ruth's actions that follow, emphasizing the importance of family and redemption in their lives.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that Boaz is a relative?

Boaz being a relative indicates he has the right to act as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, which is significant in the context of Israelite law and family obligations.

Why is the act of winnowing important?

Winnowing is a critical agricultural process that separates grain from chaff, symbolizing preparation and provision. It also sets the scene for the interactions between Ruth and Boaz.

What role does Naomi play in this narrative?

Naomi acts as a guide and strategist for Ruth, helping her navigate her relationship with Boaz and the customs surrounding kinsman-redeeming.

How does this verse connect to the broader themes in the Book of Ruth?

This verse highlights themes of kinship, redemption, and the importance of family ties, which are central to the narrative of Ruth and Boaz.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I recognize and appreciate the people in my life who play a role similar to Naomi's?
  2. In what ways can I seek to understand the importance of family and community in my own life?
  3. What steps can I take to support others in their times of need, as Naomi supports Ruth?
  4. How do the themes of redemption in this story resonate with my own experiences?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ruth 3:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

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

Read John Gill on Ruth 3 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

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.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ruth 3 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

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 .

Read Matthew Poole on Ruth 3 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

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.…

Read John Trapp on Ruth 3 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

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.

Read AdamClarke on Ruth 3 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

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…

Read Cambridge on Ruth 3 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Behold, he winnoweth barley ... - The simple manners of Boaz and his times are here before us.

Read Albert Barnes on Ruth 3 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

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.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ruth 3 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

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.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

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.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Now Boaz, with whose female servants you worked, is our close relative. Look, tonight he is winnowing barley at the threshing floor.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And now is there not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Now also is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maides thou wast? beholde, he winoweth barly to night in the floore.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And now, is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he is winnowing barley in the threshing-floor to-night.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

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,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And now, is not Boaz of our acquaintance, with whose young women you have been? Behold, he is winnowing the threshing-floor of barley tonight,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And now, behold, Bo'az is our kinsman, he with whose maidens thou hast been. Lo, he is winnowing the barley to-night in the threshing-floor.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Now Boaz, the man whose young female workers you have been with, is he not our kinsman? Look, he will be winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

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.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

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.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

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.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

conjunction phraseוְandעַתָּ֗הthereforeclauseהֲ?clauseadverbialלֹ֥אnotsubjectבֹ֨עַז֙[is].Boaznoun phrase · predicatenoun phraseמֹֽדַעְתָּ֔relativeנוּourrelpאֲשֶׁ֥רwhomclauseverbהָיִ֖יתyou.wereprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶתwithnoun phraseנַעֲרוֹתָ֑יservantsוhis.femaleclauseclauseהִנֵּהthere!clausesubjectה֗וּאheverbזֹרֶ֛ה[will.be].winnowingnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseגֹּ֥רֶןthe.threshing.floornoun phraseהַofשְּׂעֹרִ֖יםthe.barley(s)noun phrase · adverbialהַthisלָּֽיְלָהnight

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with 13 of the 15 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, indicating that while parts are missing, the overall message aligns with the Masoretic Text.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וְעַתָּ֗ה הֲלֹ֥א בֹ֙עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖ית אֶת־ נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יו הִנֵּה־ ה֗וּא זֹרֶ֛ה אֶת־ גֹּ֥רֶן הַשְּׂעֹרִ֖ים הַלָּֽיְלָה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְעַתָּ֗הνῦνהֲלֹ֥אοὐξὶבֹ֙עַז֙βοοςמֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּἡμῶνאֲשֶׁ֥רοὗהָיִ֖יתἦςנַעֲרוֹתָ֑יוαὐτοῦהִנֵּה־ἰδοὺה֗וּאαὐτὸςזֹרֶ֛הλικμᾷגֹּ֥רֶןἅλωναהַשְּׂעֹרִ֖יםκριθῶνהַלָּֽיְלָה׃νυκτί

13 of the 15 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 2Q16a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ועתה] [הלא] בעז מדעת׳נו אשר היית את [נערותי׳ו] הנה הוא [זרה] [את] גרן השערים [הלילה]

6 words on the leather — 3 partly restored, 6 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Ruth 3:2עַתָּ֫הand therefoand thereforeעַתָּ֫הלֹא¿ not¿ notלֹאבֹּ֫עַז[is] Boaz[is] Boazבֹּ֫עַזמֹדַ֫עַתrelative ourelative ourמֹדַ֫עַתאֲשֶׁרwhomwhomאֲשֶׁרהָיָהyou wereyou wereהָיָהאֵתwithwithאֵתנַעֲרָהfemale servfemale servantsנַעֲרָההִנֵּהthere!there!הִנֵּההוּאheheהוּאזָרָה[will be] w[will be] winnoזָרָהאֵתthe object the object markאֵתגֹּ֫רֶן[the] thres[the] threshingגֹּ֫רֶןשְׂעֹרָהthe barleythe barleyשְׂעֹרָהלַ֫יְלָהthis nightthis nightלַ֫יְלָהעֵתtimetimeעֵתיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעאָנָהto meetto meetאָנָהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתשָׂעַרto shudderto shudderשָׂעַרהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאנַ֫עַרyouthyouthנַ֫עַרהֵןlook!look!הֵןזוּרbe a stranbe a strangerזוּרלוּלstairsstairsלוּלנָאpleasepleaseנָאאֲנַ֫חְנוּweweאֲנַ֫חְנוּיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדעוֹבֵדObedObedעוֹבֵדרוּתRuthRuthרוּתצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהרִיבto contendto contendרִיב
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Ruth 3:2

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
וְעַתָּ֗הve.'a.Tah and therefore H6258 Conjunction · adverb
433× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
at this moment, in this present time
Tyndale gloss
now
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַתָּ֫ה (attah) is an adverb of time meaning 'now.' It can also function as a conjunction or expletive, indicating immediacy or a current moment. The word is derived from a related term, עַת (att), and is used in various contexts to denote the present time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַתָּ֫ה 435, עָ֑֫תָּה, adv. of time, now

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6258 עַתָּ֫ה, עָ֑֫תָּה of time, now

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6258 `attah at-taw'

from 6256; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or

expletive:--henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas.

see HEBREW for 06256

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — now.

1) now

1a) now

1b) in phrases

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Adv — Conjunction · adverb
HC/D
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
הֲלֹ֥אha.Lo' ¿ not H3808 Particle · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part | Part — Particle · particle
HTi/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
בֹ֙עַז֙vo.'az [is] Boaz H1162 Noun proper masculine
24× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Amplified meaning
our kinsman, a close relative
Tyndale gloss
Boaz
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֹּ֫עַז (Boaz) refers to a man from the tribe of Judah, known as the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and is also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple. The word may imply 'quickness,' though its exact meaning is uncertain. Boaz is first mentioned in the Book of Ruth and is noted as an ancestor of David.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֹּ֫עַז n.pr.m. (quickness?)—kinsman of Naomi, who married Ruth

name of the left hand of two pillars set up before temple

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1162 בֹּ֫עַז (quickness?) . kinsman of Naomi, who married Ruth

. name of the left hand of two pillars set up before temple

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1162 Bo`az bo'-az

from an unused root of uncertain meaning; Boaz, the ancestor

of David; also the name of a pillar in front of the

temple:--Boaz.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֹּ֫עַז (bo.az) — Boaz.

A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.2.1;

son of: Salmon (H8007) and Rahab (H7343); married to Ruth (H7327);

father of: Obed (H5744)

Also named: Booz (Βοόζ "Boaz" G1003)

§ Boaz = "fleetness"

1) ancestor of David, kinsman-redeemer to Ruth, daughter-in-law of Naomi

2) name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple

בֹּ֫עַז (bo.az) — Boaz.

§ Boaz = "fleetness"

name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bo'-az (bo`az; Booz; "quickness" (?) Ru 2-4; 1Ch 2:11,12; Mt 1:5; Lu 3:32):

(1) A resident of Bethlehem and kinsman of Elimelech, Naomi's husband. In Ru 2:1 he is described as a gibbor chayil, a phrase which can mean either "a mighty man of valor" or else "a man of position and wealth." The latter is probably the sense in which the phrase is applied to Boaz (compare 1Sa 9:1). He had fields outside the town, and to them Ru went to glean. Boaz noticed her and extended special kindness and protection to her, bidding her remain with his female workers, and charging the men not to illtreat her, and also giving her of the reapers'…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Boaz

Alacrity. (1.) The husband of Ruth, a wealthy Bethlehemite. By the “levirate law” the duty devolved on him of marrying Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 4:1-13). He was a kinsman of Mahlon, her first husband.

(2.) The name given (for what reason is unknown) to one of the two (the other was called Jachin) brazen pillars which Solomon erected in the court of the temple (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chr. 3:17). These pillars were broken up and carried to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(fleetness). A wealthy Bethlehemite kinsman to Elimelech the husband of Naomi. He married Ruth, and redeemed the estates of her deceased husband Mahlon. (Ruth 4:1) Boaz is mentioned in the genealogy of Christ, (Matthew 1:5) (B.C. 1250, but there is great difficulty in assigning his date.) The name of one of Solomon’s brazen pillars erected in the temple porch. [JACHIN] It stood on the left, and was eighteen cubits high. (1 Kings 7:15; 21; 2 Chronicles 3:15; Jeremiah 52:21)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Ru 2:1, a wealthy Bethlehemite, a descendant of Judah, through whom is traced the regular succession of Jewish kings, Mt 1:5. His conduct in the case of Ruth proves him to have been a man of fine spirit and of strict integrity. He admitted the claim which Ruth had upon him as a near kinsman: under the obligations of the Levitical law, he married the poor gleaner, and thus became one of the ancestors of David, and also of David’s Son and Lord. He was the father of Obed, Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse of David. The whole narrative is a beautiful picture of the simplicity of the age, when artificial courtesies had not usurped the place of natural and sincere expressions of love.

and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּmo.da'.Ta.nu relative our H4130 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Amplified meaning
kinsman, one of our family
Tyndale gloss
kinsman
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מֹדַ֫עַת (mowda`ath) refers to kindred or kinship. It is derived from a root meaning acquaintance. The term appears in the context of family relations, specifically noted in Ruth 3:2.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מֹדַ֫עַת] n.f. kindred, kinship—Ru 3:2

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4130 [מֹדַ֫עַת] kindred, kinship

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4130 mowda`ath mo-dah'-ath

from 3045; acquaintance:--kindred.

see HEBREW for 03045

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מֹדַ֫עַת (mo.da.at) — kinsman.

kindred, kinship

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bp
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
אֲשֶׁ֥ר'a.Sher whom H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

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

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Rel — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
הָיִ֖יתha.Yit you were H1961 Verb · Qal · perfect second person feminine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-2fs — Verb · Qal · perfect second person feminine singular
HVqp2fs
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
אֶת־'et- with H854 Preposition
929× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity

Of companionship, together with

Of localities

אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially

in one's possession or keeping

in one's knowledge or memory

מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with

. Of localities

. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping

. in one's knowledge or memory

. מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

854 'eth ayth

probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a

preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,

at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,

in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional

prefix.

see HEBREW for 0579

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — with.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יוna.'a.ro.Tav female servants his H5291 Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
63× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
young women, maidens
Tyndale gloss
maiden
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נַעֲרָה (*na`arah*) means 'girl' or 'damsel' and refers to a young female from infancy to adolescence. It can also denote a young woman, including terms like maid or female servant. The entries indicate a range of meanings that include marriageable young women and even concubines or prostitutes.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נַעֲרָה n.f. girl, damsel

girl, damsel

of female attendants, maids

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5291 נַעֲרָה girl, damsel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5291 na`arah nah-ar-aw'

feminine of 5288; a girl (from infancy to

adolescence):--damsel, maid(-en), young (woman).

see HEBREW for 05288

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נַעֲרָה (na.a.rah) — maiden.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HNcfpc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
הִנֵּה־hi.neh- there! H2009 Particle
843× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
behold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2009 hinneh hin-nay'

prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.

see HEBREW for 02005

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.

behold, lo, see, if

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTj
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
ה֗וּאHu' he H1931 Pronoun
1,879× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
he/she/it
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הוּא (hu) is a third-person singular pronoun meaning he, she, or it, used for emphasis or when no verb is present. It can also refer to oneself or serve as a demonstrative pronoun. The word has various nuances, including resuming the subject with emphasis or expressing it unobtrusively. It can indicate 'that' or 'those' when used with the definite article.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הוּא m. הִיא f., pron. of the 3rd ps. sing. he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it

an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

It resumes the subj. with emph.

Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

As an emph. predicate, of God

In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1931 הוּא, הִיא he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it . an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

. It resumes the subj. with emph.

. Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

. As an emph. predicate, of God

. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

. With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1931 huw' hoo

of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a

primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or

it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also

(intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same;

sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally

(instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self),

it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they,

this, those, which (is), who.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הוּא (hu) — he/she/it.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
זֹרֶ֛הzo.Reh [will be] winnowing H2219 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
separating, scattering
Tyndale gloss
to scatter
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָרָה (zarah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to scatter, fan, or winnow. It encompasses various actions such as tossing about, dispersing, and spreading. The word appears in different forms, including Qal (to scatter), Niphal (to be scattered), and Piel (to intensively scatter). Notably, it is used in contexts like the scattering of the Israelites and the winnowing of grain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[זָרָה] vb. scatter, fan, winnow (Ar. Arabic cause to fly, scatter (of wind), winnow; Aram. דְּרָא, Syriac; Eth. Ethiopic)—

Qal

scatter, the powder into which the golden calf was ground

fan, winnow

Niph. be scattered, dispersed, of Israel

Pi.

(intens. of Qal) scatter, disperse, esp. of peoples

winnow, sift

Pu. be scattered

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2219 [זָרָה] scatter, fan, winnow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2219 zarah zaw-raw'

a primitive root (compare 2114); to toss about; by

implication, to diffuse, winnow:--cast away, compass,

disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow.

see HEBREW for 02114

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָרָה (za.rah) — to scatter.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

win'-o-ing.

See AGRICULTURE; FAN; THRESHING.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[AGRICULTURE]

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Of grain Ru 3:2; Isa 30:24; Mt 3:12

and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
גֹּ֥רֶןGo.ren [the] threshing floor of H1637 Noun common · feminine singular construct
36× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
a place of separation, a ground for winnowing
Tyndale gloss
threshing floor
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גֹּ֫רֶן (goren) refers to a threshing-floor, a smooth, open area used for separating grain from chaff. It can also denote a barn or void place. The word is derived from an unused root meaning to smooth, highlighting its association with flat, even surfaces.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גֹּ֫רֶן n.m. threshing-floor

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1637 גֹּ֫רֶן threshing-floor

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1637 goren go'-ren

from an unused root meaning to smooth; a threshing- floor (as

made even); by analogy, any open area:--(barn, corn,

threshing- )floor, (threshing-, void) place.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גֹּ֫רֶן (go.ren) — threshing floor.

1) threshing-floor

2) (TWOT) barn, barn floor, corn floor, void place

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
הַשְּׂעֹרִ֖יםha.se.'o.Rim the barley H8184 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
34× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
a type of grain, a staple food
Tyndale gloss
barley
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׂעֹרָה (se'orah) refers to barley, specifically the bearded grain. It can denote both the plant and the grain itself. The word is derived from a root meaning 'roughness,' which relates to the texture of barley. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meaning.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׂעֹרָה n.f. barley (bearded grain)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8184 שְׂעֹרָה barley (bearded grain)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8184 s`orah seh-o-raw'

or snowrah {seh-o-raw'} (feminine meaning the plant); and

(masculine meaning the grain); also s or {seh-ore'}; or s-owr

{seh-ore'}; from 8175 in the sense of roughness; barley (as

villose):--barley.

see HEBREW for 08175

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׂעֹרָה (se.o.rah) — barley.

1) barley

1a) barley (of the plant)

1b) barley (of the meal or grain)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bar'-li (se`orah):

(1) In the Bible, as in modern times, barley was a characteristic product of Palestine--"a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig-trees," etc. (De 8:8), the failure of whose crop was a national disaster (Joe 1:11). It was, and is, grown chiefly as provender for horses and asses (1Ki 4:28), oats being practically unknown, but it was, as it now is, to some extent, the food of the poor in country districts (Ru 2:17; 2Ki 4:42; Joh 6:9,13). Probably this is the meaning of the dream of the Midianite concerning Gideon: "Behold, I dreamed a dream; and, lo…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Barley

A grain much cultivated in Egypt (Ex. 9:31) and in Palestine (Lev. 27:16; Deut. 8:8). It was usually the food of horses (1 Kings 4:28). Barley bread was used by the poorer people (Judg. 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42). Barley of the first crop was ready for the harvest by the time of the Passover, in the middle of April (Ruth 1:22; 2 Sam. 21:9). Mention is made of barley-meal (Num. 5:15). Our Lord fed five thousand…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

is one of the most important of the cereal grains, and the most hardy of them all. It was grown by the Hebrews, (Leviticus 27:16; 8:8; Ruth 2:17) etc., who used it for baking into bread chiefly among the poor, (Judges 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42; John 6:9,13) and as fodder for horses. (1 Kings 4:28) The barley harvest, (Ruth 1:22; 2:23; 2 Samuel 21:9;10) takes place in Palestine in March and April, and in the hilly district as late as May. It always precedes the wheat…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Sown in Palestine in autumn, and reaped in the spring, that is, at the Passover. The Hebrews frequently used barley bread, 2Sa 1:27; 2Ki 4:42; Joh 6:9. Barley also was much used as food for cattle, 1Ki 4:28.

and therefore ¿ not [is] Boaz relative our whom you were with female servants his there! he [will be] winnowing the object marker [the] threshing floor of the barley this night
הַלָּֽיְלָה׃ha.La.ye.lah this night H3915 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
233× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
this evening, in the night
Tyndale gloss
night
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לַ֫יְלָה (layil) means 'night' and is derived from a root that suggests a twist away from light. It encompasses the literal sense of night as opposed to day, as well as figurative uses related to gloom or adversity. The term appears in contexts like Isaiah 21:11.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל 242 n.m. night

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3915 לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל night

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3915 layil lah'-yil

or (Isa. 21:11) leyl {lale}; also laylah {lah'- yel-aw}; from

the same as 3883; properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e.

night; figuratively, adversity:--((mid-))night (season).

see HEBREW for 03883

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לַ֫יְלָה (lay.lah) — night.

1) night

1a) night (as opposed to day)

1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

nit.

See DAY AND NIGHT for the natural usage and the various terms.

1. In the Old Testament:

Figurative uses: The word "night" (laylah or layil is sometimes used figuratively in the Old Testament. Thus, Moses compares the brevity of time, the lapse of a thousand years, to "a watch in the night" (Ps 90:4). Adversity is depicted by it in such places as Job 35:10; compare Isa 8:20; Jer 15:9. Disappointment and despair are apparently depicted by it in the "burden of Dumah" (Isa 21:11,12); and spiritual blindness, coming upon the false prophets (Mic 3:6); again sudden and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[DAY]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The ancient Hebrews began their artificial day at evening, and ended it the next evening, so that the night proceeded the day. This usage may probably be traced to the terms employed in describing the creation, Ge 1:5,8,13, etc., "The evening and the morning were the first day." The Hebrews allowed twelve to the day; but these hours were not equal, except at the equinox. At other times, when the hours of the night were long, those of the day were short, as in winter; and when the hours of night were short, as at midsummer, the hours of the day were long in proportion. See HOURS.

The nights are sometimes extremely cold in Syria, when the days are very hot; and travelers in the deserts and among the mountains near Palestine refer to their own sufferings from these opposite extremes, in illustration of Jacob’s words in

→ General scriptures concerning Ge 1:5,16,18

→ Meditations in Ps 19:2; 77:6; 119:148; 139:11

→ Worship in Ps 134:1

→ Jesus prays all night Lu 6:12

→ No night in heaven Re 21:25; 22:5

→ Divided into watches Ex 14:24; Jud 7:19; 1Sa 11:11; Ne 12:9; Ps 63:6; 119:148; La 2:19;

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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