What does Ruth 3:2 mean?
"And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor." - Ruth 3:2
Ruth 3:2 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
This verse comes from the book of Ruth in the Old Testament. The book of Ruth is a beautiful and inspiring story of loyalty, faith, and redemption. It tells the story of a young Moabite woman named Ruth who chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and ultimately becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
In Ruth 3:2, Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, is addressing Ruth. Naomi is encouraging Ruth to take action to secure their future. She knows that Boaz, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, is a potential kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. In ancient Israel, the role of the kinsman-redeemer was to protect the interests of the family and ensure its continuation. This often involved redeeming property, marrying widows, and caring for the family's welfare.
The verse mentions Boaz winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Winnowing was the process of separating the grain from the chaff, which was typically done in the evening to take advantage of the cool night breezes. The threshing floor was a significant place in the agricultural life of ancient Israel. It was a place where the grain was separated from the chaff, a process that required skill and care to ensure a good harvest.
In this context, the act of winnowing barley on the threshing floor carries important symbolic significance in the story of Ruth. It represents the hard work and diligence of Boaz in providing for his household and meeting the needs of his community. It also serves as a setting for the turning point in Ruth's story as she takes brave steps to secure her future and the future of her family.
The verse also highlights the importance of kinship and family ties in ancient Israel. Boaz, as a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, is in a position to fulfill the role of the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. This reflects the biblical emphasis on caring for those in need and ensuring the continuity of family lineage and heritage.
Furthermore, the verse demonstrates the initiative and courage of Ruth. Despite the challenges she faced as a foreign woman in a new land, Ruth was willing to take a bold step to secure a future for herself and Naomi. Her actions exemplify her faith in God's provision and her commitment to the well-being of her family.
Overall, Ruth 3:2 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ruth, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan for Ruth and Naomi. It underscores the themes of loyalty, faith, and redemption, showcasing the importance of familial ties and the courage to take action in the face of adversity. The winnowing of barley on the threshing floor serves as a powerful symbol of hard work, provision, and the unfolding of God's divine purposes in the lives of his people.
Have questions about Ruth 3:2?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ruth 3:2 Artwork
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."
"And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor." - Ruth 3:2
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
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."
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 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:22 - "And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field."
Ruth 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Ruth 2:21 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest."
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 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
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:"
"And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field." - Ruth 2:22
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."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
"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
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
"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 3:11 - "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."
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."
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"