What does Ruth 3:3 mean?
"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 3:3
Ruth 3:3 (KJV) reads: "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."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and poignant story of love, loyalty, and redemption. It takes place during the time of the judges, a period of great upheaval and moral decline in Israel. The central characters are Ruth, a young Moabite widow, and her mother-in-law, Naomi. After losing their husbands, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi and accompany her back to Israel, expressing devotion and loyalty that is truly extraordinary. The story unfolds in the town of Bethlehem, and it is in this town that Ruth catches the eye of Boaz, a wealthy and honorable landowner.
The verse in question occurs in the third chapter, a crucial turning point in the narrative. At this juncture, Naomi, recognizing Boaz's potential to be a redeemer for Ruth and herself, hatches a plan to bring them together. She instructs Ruth to prepare herself and present herself to Boaz in a way that would impress and attract him. The specific details of the instructions have deep symbolic and thematic significance, providing insight into the characters and the broader themes of the book.
The first instruction given to Ruth is to "wash thyself." This act can be seen not only as a literal cleansing of the body but also as a symbol of spiritual and emotional purification. Ruth is being urged to prepare herself to enter a new phase of her life, one in which she may find love and security. The act of washing can be understood as a rite of passage, signifying Ruth's readiness to leave behind her past sorrows and open herself to the new opportunities that might lie ahead.
The next instruction is to "anoint thee." Anointing with oil was a common practice in the ancient world, used for various purposes including ritual, healing, and hospitality. In this context, anointing carries the connotation of consecration or blessing. Ruth is being encouraged to anoint herself as a gesture of seeking divine favor and protection as she embarks on this pivotal encounter with Boaz.
The third instruction is to "put thy raiment upon thee." This directive emphasizes the importance of clothing and outward appearance. In ancient times, one's attire often carried symbolic and social significance, reflecting one's status, identity, and intentions. By instructing Ruth to put on her best attire, Naomi is signaling the need for her to present herself in a manner befitting the gravity of the occasion. It also underscores the idea of making a favorable impression and demonstrating respect for the occasion and the person she is about to meet.
The final instruction is to "get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking." This effectively sets the stage for the encounter between Ruth and Boaz. The act of going down to the floor suggests a posture of humility and deference, highlighting Ruth's willingness to submit to Naomi's plan and to trust in the guidance she has been given. Additionally, the advice to wait until Boaz has finished eating and drinking speaks to the importance of timing and etiquette. It also alludes to the custom of hospitality and the communal nature of sharing a meal, which carries significance in the ancient world and in the biblical narrative.
The verse, therefore, encapsulates the themes of preparation, humility, trust, and the interplay between the spiritual and the practical. It also reflects the underlying message of the book of Ruth, which is the providence and sovereignty of God in the lives of individuals and the unfolding of his redemptive plan. Ruth's obedience to Naomi's instructions, her willingness to step out in faith, and her trust in the guidance she has been given ultimately lead to a significant turn of events, setting the stage for the resolution of the story and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:3 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ruth, capturing the essence of the characters' experiences and the broader biblical themes of faith, obedience, and divine providence. It provides valuable insight into the cultural and social context of the narrative, while also conveying timeless truths about the human experience and the enduring relevance of the biblical text.
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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."
"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 3:3
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 3:9 - "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 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 3:1 - "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 3:6 - "¶ 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 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 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 3:11 - "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
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
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."
"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 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 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 she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
"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
"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
"¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." - Ruth 3:6
Ruth 3:4 - "And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do."