Ruth Chapter 3 · Verse 2
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
הֲלֹ֥א
H3808
הֲלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בֹ֙עַז֙
And now is not Boaz
H1162
בֹ֙עַז֙
And now is not Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
3 of 15
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיִ֖ית
H1961
הָיִ֖ית
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
נַֽעֲרוֹתָ֑יו
with whose maidens
H5291
נַֽעֲרוֹתָ֑יו
with whose maidens
Strong's:
H5291
Word #:
8 of 15
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
ה֗וּא
H1931
ה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
זֹרֶ֛ה
thou wast Behold he winnoweth
H2219
זֹרֶ֛ה
thou wast Behold he winnoweth
Strong's:
H2219
Word #:
11 of 15
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גֹּ֥רֶן
in the threshingfloor
H1637
גֹּ֥רֶן
in the threshingfloor
Strong's:
H1637
Word #:
13 of 15
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
Historical Context
Threshing floors were outdoor areas where harvested grain was separated from chaff. The process involved beating grain to release kernels, then tossing it into the air so wind carried away lighter chaff while heavier grain fell to the floor. This required evening breezes, making nights optimal for winnowing. Landowners often slept at threshing floors during harvest to prevent theft. Naomi's plan involved Ruth approaching Boaz in this semi-public setting where conversation was possible but propriety maintained through Boaz's servants nearby.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Naomi's careful planning illustrate wisdom in pursuing God's purposes through appropriate means?
- What does this teach about timing and method in approaching important life decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
Naomi identifies the kinsman: 'And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?' She confirms Boaz's kinsman status, making him potential go'el (redeemer). The phrase 'Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor' provides timing and location. Winnowing occurred after harvest, using evening breezes to separate grain from chaff. Naomi's knowledge of Boaz's schedule shows careful observation and planning—she times Ruth's approach for appropriate moment when Boaz would be present but circumstances allowed private conversation about redemption.