What does Ruth 3:13 mean?
"Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning." - Ruth 3:13
Ruth 3:13 (KJV) says: "Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the Lord liveth: lie down until the morning."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and heartwarming story of loyalty, love, and redemption. It is set during the time of the Judges in Israel and follows the story of a young Moabite woman named Ruth and her journey with her mother-in-law, Naomi. After the death of their husbands, Ruth decides to stay with Naomi and accompany her to Bethlehem, Naomi's hometown. The verse Ruth 3:13 takes place during a pivotal moment in the story, where Ruth makes a bold and risky move in order to secure a future for herself and her mother-in-law.
In this verse, Naomi is instructing Ruth on how to approach Boaz, a close relative of Naomi's late husband, with the hope that he will take Ruth as his wife and thus fulfill the duty of a kinsman-redeemer. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is a vital theme throughout the book of Ruth, serving as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. The kinsman-redeemer was a male relative who had the responsibility to redeem the property, or marry the widow, of a deceased relative in order to keep the family name and inheritance intact.
Naomi's words to Ruth in Ruth 3:13 demonstrate her faith in God's providence and her willingness to trust His plan for their future. By telling Ruth to wait until morning and see if Boaz will fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer, Naomi is showing her confidence in God's sovereignty and his ability to work all things for their good. This verse reflects the theme of faith and trust in God's plan, even when the future appears uncertain.
Another significant theme in this verse is the idea of redemption and provision. Both Ruth and Naomi have experienced great loss and hardship, yet they continue to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for them. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer serves as a symbol of God's redeeming love and His willingness to restore what has been lost. Through the actions of Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer, God demonstrates his commitment to providing for and protecting His people.
Furthermore, Ruth 3:13 emphasizes the importance of obedience and patience. Ruth's willingness to follow Naomi's instructions and wait for Boaz to fulfill his duty reflects her trust in God's timing and provision. This verse serves as a reminder that sometimes, we must patiently wait for God's plan to unfold, even when it may seem daunting or uncertain.
Symbolically, Ruth 3:13 also represents the deeper connection between Ruth and Boaz, as well as the redemptive love of God. As Boaz fulfills his duty as a kinsman-redeemer and takes Ruth as his wife, it mirrors the spiritual truth of Christ's redemptive love for His people. Through his sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus Christ became the ultimate kinsman-redeemer, offering redemption and salvation to all who believe in Him.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:13 is a powerful and pivotal verse within the biblical story of Ruth. It highlights key themes of faith, trust, obedience, and redemption, while also serving as a symbol of God's provision and sovereignty. This verse reminds us of the importance of relying on God's plan and timing, even in the face of uncertainty, and ultimately points to the redemptive love of Christ as our ultimate kinsman-redeemer.
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Ruth 3:13 - "Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning."
"Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning." - Ruth 3:13
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
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."
"¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." - Ruth 4:13
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 3:11 - "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."
"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."