Ruth 3:18
What does Ruth 3:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:18 means
Naomi counsels patience: “Sit still, my daughter,” trusting that the outcome will soon be known, for Boaz “will not rest” until the matter is finished that day. She reads Boaz rightly—a man of action and integrity who will promptly pursue a lawful conclusion. Waiting here is not passive despair but confident rest in the character of a faithful redeemer and in God’s providence. The story pauses on the cusp of resolution, pointing beyond itself: as Boaz completes Ruth’s redemption, Scripture later reveals a greater Redeemer who likewise secures His people’s rest by finishing the work appointed to Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then she said, Do nothing now, my daughter, till you see what will come of this; for the man will take no rest till he has put this thing through.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And she saith, `Sit still, my daughter, till thou dost know how the matter falleth, for the man doth not rest except he hath completed the matter to-day.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Noemi said: Wait, my daughter, till we see what end the thing will have. For the man will not rest until he have accomplished what he hath said.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then she said, Be still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest until he have completed the matter this day.
Context
The chapter closes with expectancy. Private vows and signs give way to public process. Naomi’s words prepare the reader for the legal scene at the gate in the next chapter, where the nearer kinsman will be addressed and Boaz’s pledge tested. The pause emphasizes trust in God’s ordering hand and in Boaz’s resolve, setting the stage for a swift and righteous resolution.
v.17And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.
v.18This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 28:16
therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.
- Isaiah 30:7
For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.
- Psalms 37:3
Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
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