Ruth 3:7
What does Ruth 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:7 means
Boaz, satisfied from food and drink after hard labor, lies down by the grain to protect it. His “merry” heart reflects harvest joy, not excess. Ruth comes softly, uncovers his feet, and lies down—exactly as instructed. Her actions are modest and deliberate, inviting a private, honorable response. The scene balances vulnerability and propriety: a woman at a man’s feet in the night could be misread, yet the posture at the feet marks humility, not seduction. The storyteller carefully frames every detail to show a lawful plea for refuge and redemption, awaiting Boaz’s awakening and decision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now when Boaz had taken meat and drink, and his heart was glad, he went to take his rest at the end of the mass of grain; then she came softly and, uncovering his feet, went to rest.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Boaz eateth and drinketh, and his heart is glad; and he goeth in to lie down at the end of the heap; and she cometh in gently, and uncovereth his feet, and lieth down.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Booz had eaten, and drunk, and was merry, he went to sleep by the heap of sheaves, and she came softly, and uncovering his feet, laid herself down.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Boaz ate and drank, and his heart was merry, and he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn. Then she went softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid herself down.
Context
The plan is in motion at the threshing floor. Verse 7 presents the setting and Ruth’s symbolic act without commentary, heightening suspense. The next verse records Boaz’s startled awakening and discovery, drawing the reader to the question of identity and intent. What Ruth will say, and how Boaz will interpret it, becomes the turning point of the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 104:15
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, Andoil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth man’s heart.
- 2 Samuel 13:28
And Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon, then kill him; fear not; have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
- Judges 16:25
And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made sport before them. And they set him between the pillars:
- 1 Kings 21:7
And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thy heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.
- Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.
- Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
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