Ruth 3:16
And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּבוֹא֙
And when she came
H935
וַתָּבוֹא֙
And when she came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
בִּתִּ֑י
Who art thou my daughter
H1323
בִּתִּ֑י
Who art thou my daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
7 of 15
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַתַּ֨גֶּד
And she told
H5046
וַתַּ֨גֶּד
And she told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Naomi's eager question showed her anxious waiting and hope. Ruth's detailed report demonstrated continued trust in and accountability to her mother-in-law—she didn't hoard information but shared fully. The phrase 'all that the man had done' emphasized Boaz's actions and character, not Ruth's requests—focusing on his gracious response rather than her initiative. Ancient family dynamics involved older women guiding younger in marriage negotiations, making Ruth's full disclosure appropriate and expected.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ruth's full disclosure to Naomi model proper accountability in important relationship decisions?
- What does this teach about sharing both good news and uncertainties with spiritual family?
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Analysis & Commentary
Return home: 'And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter?' Naomi's question likely means 'How did it go?' or 'What happened?'—asking about the outcome and perhaps Ruth's new status. Ancient idiom used 'who are you?' to inquire about changed circumstances or status. 'And she told her all that the man had done to her'. Ruth reported fully on Boaz's promises and provision, demonstrating proper accountability to Naomi and sharing the good news of hope for redemption.