What does Ruth 3:11 mean?
"And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." - Ruth 3:11
Ruth 3:11- “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, love, and faith. This verse comes from a pivotal moment in the story, where Ruth, a foreigner, has placed herself at the feet of Boaz, a near kinsman of her deceased husband. The moment is charged with tension and emotion as Ruth seeks Boaz's protection and provision as her kinsman-redeemer.
The verse begins with Boaz addressing Ruth as "my daughter," a term that indicates his care and concern for her. He then reassures her, saying, "fear not." This phrase is a common one throughout the Bible and is often used to comfort and encourage. It communicates the idea that Ruth should not worry or be anxious, as Boaz is there to help and support her.
Boaz goes on to promise Ruth that he will do for her all that she requires. This is a powerful statement of Boaz's commitment to Ruth and his willingness to fulfill his duty as her kinsman-redeemer. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility of caring for the widow and ensuring that her deceased husband's name and inheritance were preserved. Boaz's promise to do all that Ruth requires is a declaration of his willingness to fulfill his role in her life.
Boaz then acknowledges Ruth's reputation, stating that "all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." This comment reflects Ruth's character as a woman of integrity and moral excellence. It is significant that Boaz affirms Ruth's reputation in front of witnesses, as it adds weight to her request for his protection and provision. In a patriarchal society where women often had little agency, Boaz's acknowledgement of Ruth's virtue is a powerful validation of her worth and character.
The themes present in this verse are numerous and significant. One of the central themes is the concept of redemption, both in the physical and spiritual sense. Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption provided by Jesus Christ, who redeems believers from sin and its consequences. Ruth's position as a foreigner and widow also speaks to the broader theme of inclusion and care for the marginalized in society. Boaz's willingness to fulfill his duty reflects God's heart for the vulnerable and oppressed, and his affirmation of Ruth's virtue challenges societal norms regarding the value of women.
The context of this verse is essential for understanding its significance. The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges, a period of upheaval and moral decline in Israel. In this context, the narrative of Ruth serves as a bright spot of hope and faithfulness. The relationships and actions of the characters in the story embody values of loyalty, kindness, and trust in God's providence, providing a counterpoint to the darkness and chaos of the surrounding culture.
In terms of symbolism, the actions of Boaz and Ruth in this verse can be seen as a reflection of Jesus Christ's care and provision for his people. Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth and provide for her needs mirrors the sacrificial love and protection offered by Christ to believers. Ruth's posture of submission and trust at Boaz's feet can also be understood as a symbol of a believer's dependence on God and willingness to submit to his will.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:11 is a pivotal verse in the story of Ruth, capturing themes of redemption, inclusion, and the affirmation of personal worth. Boaz's promise to fulfill Ruth's needs and his affirmation of her virtue provide a powerful portrayal of God's care for his people and his recognition of their value. This verse reminds believers of God's faithfulness and provision, and challenges them to embody similar values of kindness, loyalty, and generosity in their own lives.
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Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
"And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." - Ruth 3:11
Ruth 3:9 - "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."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 1:11 - "And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?"
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"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." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ 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."
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."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"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 3:9
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
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."
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
"And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore." - Ruth 2:11