Ruth 3:8
What does Ruth 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:8 means
Around midnight, Boaz wakes with a start, sensing someone at his feet, and discovers a woman lying there. The surprise creates a moment of tension: who is she, and why has she come? The narrator’s spare style slows the scene, letting its moral weight be felt. Everything depends on clarity and integrity now. Boaz’s fear is natural in a dark, secluded place; yet he does not react rashly. The situation is ripe for misunderstanding, but it will become the very place where Ruth’s request is spoken plainly and Boaz’s honorable character is proven.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now in the middle of the night, the man awaking from his sleep in fear, and lifting himself up, saw a woman stretched at his feet.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it cometh to pass, at the middle of the night, that the man trembleth, and turneth himself, and lo, a woman is lying at his feet.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And behold, when it was now midnight the man was afraid, and troubled: and he saw a woman lying at his feet,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was startled, and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet.
Context
The suspense peaks: Boaz discovers Ruth at his feet. The plan has achieved its aim—private access to speak. The next verse brings the necessary identification and the heart of the appeal. Ruth will name herself and request Boaz’s protective covering as kinsman, shifting the scene from ambiguity to a lawful, covenantal conversation.
v.7And 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.
v.8This passage
v.9And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ruth 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ruth 3.