Ruth 3:4
What does Ruth 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:4 means
Ruth is told to note where Boaz lies, uncover his feet, and lie down, awaiting his instruction. Uncovering the feet would likely make him wake in the night chill, creating a private moment for conversation. Lying at his feet is a posture of humility and supplication. This symbolic act asks Boaz to extend protection as a kinsman-redeemer without public pressure. Naomi expects Boaz to guide the next steps—he is a man of integrity who knows the law and customs. The gesture is bold but aimed at righteousness: it quietly invites Boaz to take up a lawful, merciful responsibility toward Ruth and Naomi.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But see to it, when he goes to rest, that you take note of the place where he is sleeping, and go in there, and, uncovering his feet, take your place by him; and he will say what you are to do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and it cometh to pass when he lieth down, that thou hast known the place where he lieth down, and hast gone in, and uncovered his feet, and lain down, --and he doth declare to thee that which thou dost do.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when he shall go to sleep, mark the place wherein he sleepeth: and thou shalt go in, and lift up the clothes wherewith he is covered towards his feet, and shalt lay thyself down there: and he will tell thee what thou must do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it shall be, when he lies down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall have lain down, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thyself down; and he will shew thee what thou shalt do.
Context
The plan reaches its key sign. Naomi anticipates that the action will prompt Boaz to respond and clarify the path forward. What follows will show whether he interprets it rightly and how he will act. The next verse records Ruth’s acceptance of this plan, then her faithful execution. The narrative is moving toward the midnight encounter where the meaning of Ruth’s presence and request will be stated plainly.
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