Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Boaz doesn't just offer Ruth marriage; he swears an oath to the LORD, binding himself to redeem her if the closer kinsman refuses. This oath elevates his promise beyond a mere proposal, underscoring the deep commitment and divine weight of the redemption process.
Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having approached Boaz on the threshing floor and stated her plea for redemption, Ruth now waits overnight at his request to ensure her safety and honor. Boaz assures her that he will indeed act as her kinsman-redeemer if the nearer relative refuses, swearing to it by the LORD. This promise sets the stage for Boaz to publicly address the situation and secure Ruth's future the next morning.
Boaz makes an incredible promise to Ruth, but it's not just a casual word. It's backed by something sacred.
Boaz uses a powerful oath: 'as the LORD lives.' This wasn't just a throwaway phrase; it was a solemn vow, calling upon God Himself as witness and guarantor. In that culture, swearing by the living God meant absolute commitment. If the nearer kinsman refused, Boaz was pledging to step in and fulfill the role of redeemer. This oath reveals the depth of his character and his respect for both God's law and Ruth's vulnerable situation.
Boaz tells Ruth to 'lie down until the morning.' Why the wait, and what does it signify?
Boaz's instruction for Ruth to wait until morning is rooted in wisdom and protection. Firstly, it was a matter of safety and reputation. Traveling alone at night could be dangerous and would certainly be scandalous. By having her wait, Boaz ensures her honor is protected. Secondly, it reflects the legal process. The kinsman-redeemer law required public acknowledgment and a formal refusal before another could step in. Boaz, acting with integrity, wouldn't bypass this. He needed to address the matter openly in the morning, likely before witnesses, to ensure fairness and adherence to custom. Ruth's patient waiting demonstrates her trust in Boaz and the Lord's unfolding plan.
Boaz's response to Ruth is remarkably honorable, especially given the circumstances.
The narrative emphasizes Boaz's noble character. Instead of taking advantage of Ruth's vulnerable position, he acts with the utmost integrity. He calls her a 'virtuous woman,' acknowledging her faithfulness. His first concern is her safety and reputation, urging her to stay until morning. Then, he commits to acting as her redeemer, not out of compulsion but out of love and adherence to God's law. He assures her that 'if he will not do it,' he will. This isn't just about fulfilling a legal obligation; it's about showing profound kindness and compassion to a widow in need, echoing the heart of God for the vulnerable.
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Understand the original words
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
The act of buying back, setting free, or restoring what was lost; in a theological context, it refers to God purchasing His people from the bondage of sin and restoring their relationship with Him.
chay-YHWH · Hebrew Phrase
A solemn oath calling upon the eternal God as witness to the truth or binding nature of a promise. It underscores the gravity and commitment of the speaker.
This verse is spoken within the context of ancient Israelite customs, particularly the law of the kinsman redeemer (levirate marriage and land redemption), which aimed to preserve family lines and property rights. Boaz’s oath highlights the seriousness of this commitment in a society where lineage and inheritance were paramount.
c. 1100 BC
Decline of Elimelech's Family
Elimelech, a man from Bethlehem, moved his family to Moab due to famine in Judah, losing his sons and eventually his own life there.
c. 1100 BC
Orpah and Ruth's Marriages
Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, but later died without children.
c. 1100 BC
Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
Widowed and childless, Naomi decided to return to her homeland, Judah, with her Moabite daughters-in-law, though only Ruth chose to accompany her.
c. 1100 BC
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth began gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech.
c. 1100 BC
Naomi's Plan for Ruth
Naomi, seeking security for Ruth, instructed her to go to the threshing floor and make her intentions known to Boaz, invoking the law of the kinsman redeemer.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Boaz's Promise to Ruth
Boaz acknowledged his duty as a kinsman redeemer but stated there was a closer relative who had the first right. He promised to redeem Ruth if the closer kinsman refused, and assured her she would find rest and security.
This passage lays out the legal framework for the kinsman-redeemer, explaining the duty to marry a deceased brother's wife to continue his name and property. Boaz is acting within this specific cultural and legal context.
Joshua 20:1-9The concept of a 'kinsman-redeemer' (goel) extends to providing refuge in cities of refuge. This shows the broader societal responsibility of family members to protect and care for one another, a principle Boaz embodies.
Psalm 41:1-3This psalm speaks of the blessings that come to those who show kindness and care for the poor and needy. Boaz's actions toward Ruth and Naomi are a direct example of this principle, highlighting God's favor upon such generosity.
Proverbs 3:27-28This proverb encourages not withholding good from those to whom it is due, especially when it is in your power to help. Boaz's commitment to redeem Ruth, even when a closer kinsman is an option, reflects this wisdom.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7This famous passage describes the nature of love, which is patient, kind, and endures all things. Boaz's honorable and protective treatment of Ruth, including his promise to redeem her, exemplifies this selfless and enduring love.
gillRuth 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 day,.... Or lodge here tonight, where she was; this he said not from any design upon her, but for her own safety and honour, that she might not be exposed to danger or disgrace, by ret…
clarkeRuth 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."
As the Lord liveth - Thus he bound himself by an oath to take her to wife if the other should refuse.
Boaz doesn't just offer Ruth marriage; he swears an oath to the LORD, binding himself to redeem her if the closer kinsman refuses. This oath elevates his promise beyond a mere proposal, underscoring the deep commitment and divine weight of the redemption process.
Having approached Boaz on the threshing floor and stated her plea for redemption, Ruth now waits overnight at his request to ensure her safety and honor. Boaz assures her that he will indeed act as her kinsman-redeemer if the nearer relative refuses, swearing to it by the LORD. This promise sets the stage for Boaz to publicly address the situation and secure Ruth's future the next morning.
Having approached Boaz on the threshing floor and stated her plea for redemption, Ruth now waits overnight at his request to ensure her safety and honor. Boaz assures her that he will indeed act as her kinsman-redeemer if the nearer relative refuses, swearing to it by the LORD. This promise sets the stage for Boaz to publicly address the situation and secure Ruth's future the next morning.
"Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”" — Boaz doesn't just offer Ruth marriage; he swears an oath to the LORD, binding himself to redeem her if the closer kinsman refuses. This oath elevates his promise beyond a mere proposal, underscoring…
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Last reviewed October 2026