What does Ruth 3:12 mean?
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
The Bible verse Ruth 3:12 in the King James Version reads: "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
In order to understand the full meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to understand the context in which it is found. The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, love, and faithfulness. It takes place during the time of the judges in Israel and revolves around a woman named Ruth, who was a Moabite, and her mother-in-law Naomi. When Naomi's husband and sons died, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law and accompany her back to Bethlehem. There, Ruth gleaned in the fields of a man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. The story unfolds as Boaz takes notice of Ruth and her noble character, and eventually becomes her kinsman-redeemer, marrying her and redeeming Naomi's land and lineage.
In the verse Ruth 3:12, Boaz is speaking to Ruth as she comes to him at night on the threshing floor, following the advice of her mother-in-law. This verse is a significant turning point in the story, as Boaz acknowledges his duty as a near kinsman to Ruth, but also reveals that there is another kinsman who is closer in relation and holds the right of redemption before him. This revelation adds tension and uncertainty to the situation, as it is not clear what will happen next.
The theme of loyalty and faithfulness is prominent in this verse and throughout the book of Ruth. Ruth's unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi is a powerful example of loyalty and love, and Boaz's willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer demonstrates his faithfulness to his relatives and to the customs and laws of Israel. The verse also touches on the theme of providence, as the events that unfold are guided and directed by God's hand, ultimately leading to Ruth and Boaz's marriage and the continuation of Naomi's family line.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and profound. Boaz represents a figure of Christ in his role as a kinsman-redeemer. In the same way that Boaz willingly takes Ruth as his wife and redeems her and her family, Christ redeems and saves his people out of love and devotion. The other kinsman in the story can be seen as a symbol of the law, which, although it holds a claim to redemption, is unable to fulfill its duty completely. Boaz, as a type of Christ, is the ultimate redeemer who is able to fully satisfy the requirements of the law and bring about true redemption.
The verse also serves as a reminder of the complexities of life and the unexpected twists and turns that can happen. Despite the seemingly predetermined course of events, the revelation of the other kinsman introduces a new element of uncertainty and the possibility of a different outcome. This speaks to the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of trusting in God's providence and guidance even in the face of unexpected challenges.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:12 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Ruth, embodying themes of loyalty, faithfulness, providence, and the ultimate redemption found in Christ. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of life and the need to trust in God's guiding hand, even in the face of uncertainty. The verse also provides rich symbolism, pointing to Christ as the true kinsman-redeemer who fulfills the law and brings about ultimate redemption for his people.
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Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
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 3:6 - "¶ 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 2:12 - "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."
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:"
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12
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."
"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."
"And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman." - Ruth 4:12
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 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 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
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."