Ruth 3:13
What does Ruth 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:13 means
Boaz instructs Ruth to remain safely until morning, then outlines the lawful process: the nearer kinsman must be given the first opportunity to redeem; if he will, so be it; if not, Boaz swears by Jehovah that he himself will redeem. His oath binds his word to God’s name, revealing solemn commitment. He provides immediate rest—“lie down until the morning”—and future assurance—redemption will be settled. Boaz’s steadfast promise, made in righteousness and tender care, prefigures the greater Redeemer who, in due time, secured our redemption fully and openly, not by shortcuts, but by fulfilling every righteous claim.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as Jehovah liveth: lie down until the morning.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the Lord liveth: lie down until the morning.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as Jehovah liveth: lie down until the morning.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take your rest here tonight; and in the morning, if he will do for you what it is right for a relation to do, very well, let him do so: but if he will not, then by the living Lord I myself will do so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lodge to night, and it hath been in the morning, if he doth redeem thee, well: he redeemeth; and if he delight not to redeem thee, then I have redeemed thee--I; Jehovah liveth! lie down till the morning.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Rest thou this night: and when morning is come, if he will take thee by the right of kindred, all is well: but if he will not, I will undoubtedly take thee, so the Lord liveth: sleep till the morning.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Stay over to-night, and it shall be in the morning, if he will redeem thee, well — let him redeem; but if he like not to redeem thee, then will I redeem thee, [as] Jehovah liveth. Lie down until the morning.
Context
Boaz turns midnight uncertainty into pledged action. He will not exploit secrecy but will pursue a public, lawful solution at first light. The next verses describe Ruth’s discreet departure and Boaz’s provision, both guarding reputation and signaling his earnest intent as he moves toward the city to resolve the matter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ruth 2:20
And Naomi said unto her daughter-in-law, Blessed be he of Jehovah, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is nigh of kin unto us, one of our near kinsmen.
- Hebrews 6:16
For men swear by the greater: and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
- Matthew 22:24
saying, Teacher, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
- 2 Corinthians 1:23
But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.
- Judges 8:19
And he said, They were my brethren, the sons of my mother: as Jehovah liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.
- Jeremiah 4:2
and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.
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