Ruth Chapter 3 · Verse 9
And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Original Language Analysis
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כְנָפֶ֙ךָ֙
therefore thy skirt
H3671
כְנָפֶ֙ךָ֙
therefore thy skirt
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
9 of 14
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Ezekiel 16:8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.Ruth 2:20And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.Ruth 3:12And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Historical Context
The 'spreading skirt' idiom symbolized marriage and protection (Ezekiel 16:8). Ruth wasn't requesting improper relationship but formal marriage under kinsman-redeemer laws. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 established levirate marriage where near kinsman married deceased relative's widow to preserve family line and property. Ruth's appeal to this law demonstrated both knowledge of Israel's customs and appropriate channel for marriage request. Her identification as 'handmaid' maintained proper respect while asserting her claim on his covenant responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ruth's bold request demonstrate proper initiative within appropriate biblical boundaries?
- What does her reference to Boaz's earlier blessing teach about holding others (and God) accountable to their stated commitments?
Analysis & Commentary
Revelation: 'And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman'. Ruth identifies herself and makes explicit request. The phrase 'spread thy skirt' (paras kenaphekha, פְּרֹשׂ כְּנָפֶךָ) uses same Hebrew word (kanaph) Boaz used blessing Ruth to find refuge under God's 'wings' (2:12). Ruth essentially says 'you prayed I'd find refuge under God's wings—be the answer to that prayer by becoming my kinsman-redeemer.' She appeals to covenant law and his previous blessing. The request combined bold faith with appropriate legal grounds—Boaz was go'el, authorized and responsible to redeem.