Ruth 3:7
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
בֹּ֤עַז
And when Boaz
H1162
בֹּ֤עַז
And when Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
2 of 14
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
וַיִּיטַ֣ב
was merry
H3190
וַיִּיטַ֣ב
was merry
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
4 of 14
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
לִבּ֔וֹ
and his heart
H3820
לִבּ֔וֹ
and his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וַתָּבֹ֣א
and she came
H935
וַתָּבֹ֣א
and she came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב׃
and laid her down
H7901
וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב׃
and laid her down
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
7 of 14
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
וַתָּבֹ֣א
and she came
H935
וַתָּבֹ֣א
and she came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בַלָּ֔ט
softly
H3909
בַלָּ֔ט
softly
Strong's:
H3909
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly
וַתְּגַ֥ל
and uncovered
H1540
וַתְּגַ֥ל
and uncovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
12 of 14
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
Cross References
Judges 19:6And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.Esther 1:10On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,2 Samuel 13:28Now Absalom had 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 19:9And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.Psalms 104:15And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.Ecclesiastes 10:19A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.Ecclesiastes 9:7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.Ecclesiastes 2:24There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.Ecclesiastes 8:15Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Historical Context
Ancient harvest celebrations involved joy at successful gathering, with meals and wine shared among workers. Boaz's merry heart reflected legitimate gratitude for provision, not drunkenness as suggested by some interpreters—the narrative portrays him responding with complete moral clarity. Ruth's 'soft' or quiet approach prevented startling Boaz or alerting others, allowing private conversation about redemption. Her positioning at his feet was suppliant posture, not seductive, trusting Boaz would respond with honor befitting his reputation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the balance between bold faith action and humble submission to God's sovereign outcome?
- What does Boaz's contentment after labor teach about finding joy in God's daily provisions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The encounter begins: 'And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn'. Boaz's contentment ('heart was merry') after successful harvest day shows blessing and satisfaction in God's provision. His lying at 'end of the heap' guarded the grain. 'And she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down'. Ruth approached quietly, performed the symbolic act (uncovering feet), and positioned herself humbly at his feet, awaiting his response. Her quiet approach and vulnerable positioning demonstrated proper submission and trust in Boaz's integrity.