Ruth Chapter 3 · Verse 14
And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
And she lay
H7901
וַתִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
And she lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 17
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
מַרְגְּלוֹתָו֙
at his feet
H4772
מַרְגְּלוֹתָו֙
at his feet
Strong's:
H4772
Word #:
2 of 17
(plural for collective) a footpiece, i.e., (adverbially) at the foot, or (direct.) the foot itself
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
until the morning
H1242
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
until the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַתָּ֕קָם
and she rose up
H6965
וַתָּ֕קָם
and she rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
5 of 17
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יַכִּ֥יר
could know
H5234
יַכִּ֥יר
could know
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
אִ֖ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
12 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִוָּדַ֔ע
Let it not be known
H3045
יִוָּדַ֔ע
Let it not be known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
13 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.Romans 14:16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:1 Corinthians 10:32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures made reputation crucial, particularly for women. Even proper behavior could be maliciously misrepresented. Boaz's concern to prevent knowledge of Ruth's nighttime presence demonstrated understanding of social dynamics and protective responsibility. Archaeological evidence shows ancient villages had gossip networks making privacy difficult—hence Boaz's careful timing of Ruth's departure before people were awake and moving about. His protective instinct foreshadows Christ's protection of His bride's reputation and honor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Boaz's protective concern for Ruth's reputation model godly masculine strength used to guard rather than exploit?
- What does this teach about Christian concern for others' reputations, even when actions are proper?
Analysis & Commentary
Dawn departure: 'And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another'. Ruth's morning departure before dawn prevented anyone recognizing her, protecting both their reputations. 'And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor'. Boaz's concern for Ruth's reputation shows protective care beyond legal obligation. While their encounter was proper, he knew appearances could be misinterpreted. His active protection of her honor demonstrates godly masculinity—using strength to shield rather than exploit the vulnerable.