FocusA request and an unresolved right
Connection to the wholeRuth's appeal receives a favorable response, but Boaz identifies the nearer kinsman's prior right.
interpretation Ruth 3:17
KJVAnd she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
Read it in context
Ruth returns to Naomi
Start reading at Ruth 3:16 (Ruth 3:16 to Ruth 3:18).
Naomi tells Ruth to wait, confident Boaz will settle the matter that day.
- 3:16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
- 3:17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
- 3:18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Samuel is the traditional Jewish attribution, but the identity of the final writer is uncertain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ruth 3:1–3:18): Naomi advises Ruth; Ruth then addresses Boaz at the threshing floor and receives his answer. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers, with particular interest in Ruth's incorporation into Israel and the family line leading to David. The book does not identify a named recipient. Biblical references: Ruth 1:16; Ruth 4:17; Ruth 4:22. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Ruth’s Redemption Assured. Read Ruth 3:1 through Ruth 3:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Ruth's appeal receives a favorable response, but Boaz identifies the nearer kinsman's prior right. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Ruth 1:1 places the account in the days of the judges. The return to Bethlehem and later work are connected with barley and wheat harvests. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The story moves from Bethlehem to Moab and back to Bethlehem, including the field, threshing floor, and city gate. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Ruth returns to Naomi (Ruth 3:16 to Ruth 3:18). Start reading at Ruth 3:16.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew's genealogy names Ruth and Boaz in the line leading to David and Jesus. Calling Boaz a type of Christ goes beyond that explicit genealogy and should be labeled as an interpretive comparison. See Ruth 4:21, Ruth 4:22, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Value loyal care, generous provision, and integrity in public dealings. Read the redemption arrangements in their family and legal setting before drawing a modern analogy. interpretation
Cited: Ruth 3:1, Ruth 3:18, Ruth 4:21, Ruth 4:22, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Samuel (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Samuel.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated and is uncertain.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ruth 3
Ruth is set in the days of the judges and follows Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The writer is not named. The genealogy explicitly leads to David; a further connection to Jesus rests on the later genealogy in Matthew. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Ruth 1:1 Ruth 4:22 Matthew 1:5
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ruth
Ruth is set in the days of the judges and follows Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The writer is not named. The genealogy explicitly leads to David; a further connection to Jesus rests on the later genealogy in Matthew.
Ruth 1:1 Ruth 4:22 Matthew 1:5
Loss and return
Ruth 1:1–22FocusNaomi and Ruth come to Bethlehem
Connection to the wholeThe losses in Moab and Ruth's commitment lead the two women to Bethlehem at harvest time.
interpretation Provision in the harvest
Ruth 2:1–23FocusRuth meets Boaz
Connection to the wholeRuth's gleaning and Boaz's kindness introduce the family relationship on which the later redemption depends.
interpretation FocusA request and an unresolved right
Connection to the wholeRuth's appeal receives a favorable response, but Boaz identifies the nearer kinsman's prior right.
interpretation Redemption and the family line
Ruth 4:1–22FocusA public settlement and a son
Connection to the wholeThe matter is settled before witnesses, Obed is born, and the genealogy connects this family's story with David.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.