Ruth 3:15
And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word for "veil" here is unusual, appearing only one other time in the Old Testament, and likely refers to a garment like a mantle or shawl. Boaz uses this very garment, a piece of Ruth’s own attire, to carry the generous amount of barley he gives her, symbolizing how her own humble situation becomes the means of her provision.
Boaz, acting as a kinsman-redeemer, provides Ruth with a generous amount of barley, measured out and placed into the garment she holds. This act signifies his commitment to her and her future, preparing for the next step in securing her security and Naomi's family legacy. The verse concludes with Ruth's return to the city, her burden a symbol of the hope and provision Boaz has extended.
Why would Boaz load Ruth down with barley? This wasn't just a random act of kindness, but a powerful statement about her future.
Boaz, acting as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, gives her a significant amount of barley – six measures. This act carries immense symbolic weight:
Ruth heads back to the city with her unusual burden. But who exactly is going with her, and why does it matter?
The final phrase of the verse, 'Then she went into the city,' has a subtle but crucial detail in the original Hebrew.
Understand the original words
mitpachath · Hebrew Noun
A piece of clothing, cloak, or mantle used for covering, which in biblical narratives often symbolizes identity, protection, or the capacity to receive a blessing or inheritance.
se'orah · Hebrew Noun
A dry measure of grain, representing a specific provision or gift, often symbolizing tangible sustenance, blessing, or the completion of a transaction.
This scene takes place in ancient Israel during the time of the Judges, a period marked by instability and a strong emphasis on family lineage and land inheritance. The act of Boaz measuring out barley into Ruth's garment underscores the cultural practice of kinsman-redemption, where a relative would step in to protect and provide for a widow, ensuring her security and the continuation of the deceased husband's family line and property.
c. 1100 BC
Period of the Judges
The Book of Ruth is set during the tumultuous 'period of the Judges,' a time characterized by cycles of Israelite apostasy, oppression, deliverance, and general lawlessness. This era lacked strong central leadership, leading to widespread social and moral decay.
c. 1100 BC
Famine in Bethlehem
Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem due to a famine, highlighting the economic hardship and instability of the period. This migration to Moab sets the stage for the subsequent tragedy and Ruth's eventual return.
c. 1100 BC
Deaths of Elimelech and Sons
Tragedy strikes the family as Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion die in Moab, leaving Naomi widowed and with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.
c. 1090 BC
Ruth's Return to Bethlehem
Ruth, demonstrating extraordinary loyalty, chooses to return to Bethlehem with Naomi, forsaking her homeland and people. She declares her allegiance to Naomi's God and people.
This passage also describes the measuring out of provisions and the transition into a new phase of life, paralleling Ruth's carrying of the barley as she moves into her future with Boaz.
1 Kings 17:13-15The story of the widow of Zarephath making a small cake for Elijah from her last bit of flour and oil mirrors Ruth carrying a precious, though perhaps meager, provision from Boaz, highlighting acts of faith and provision.
John 6:12-13Jesus having the disciples collect the leftovers after feeding the five thousand shows a principle of gathering and valuing even what seems small, much like Boaz filling Ruth's garment with barley.
Proverbs 3:9-10This proverb speaks of honoring God with our firstfruits and the promise of abundance, which resonates with Ruth's return to Naomi with the barley, signifying a blessing and fulfillment of provision.
clarkeRuth 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."
Bring the veil - המט פחת hammit pachath; this seems to have been a cloak, plaid, or what the Arabs call hayk, which has been largely explained elsewhere. See Judges 14:12 . Six measures of barley - We supply the word measures, for the Hebrew mentions no quantity. The Targum renders six seahs, שית סאין shith s…
pooleRuth 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."
The veil, or, the apron , such as women ordinarily wear. Six measures; known and usual measure: it is not determined how large those measures were, but this the nature of the thing shows, that they were no larger than one woman could carry in her veil, or apron.
The Hebrew word for "veil" here is unusual, appearing only one other time in the Old Testament, and likely refers to a garment like a mantle or shawl. Boaz uses this very garment, a piece of Ruth’s own attire, to carry the generous amount of barley he gives her, symbolizing how her own humble situation becomes the means of her provision.
Boaz, acting as a kinsman-redeemer, provides Ruth with a generous amount of barley, measured out and placed into the garment she holds. This act signifies his commitment to her and her future, preparing for the next step in securing her security and Naomi's family legacy. The verse concludes with Ruth's return to the city, her burden a symbol of the hope and provision Boaz has extended.
Boaz, acting as a kinsman-redeemer, provides Ruth with a generous amount of barley, measured out and placed into the garment she holds. This act signifies his commitment to her and her future, preparing for the next step in securing her security and Naomi's family legacy. The verse concludes with Ruth's return to the city, her burden a symbol of the hope and provision Boaz has extended.
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c. 1090 BC
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth begins gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. This act of seeking sustenance and the kindness she receives from Boaz mark the beginning of their relationship.
c. 1090 BC— this verse
Naomi's Plan and Ruth's Plea
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor after the harvest. Ruth, following her mother-in-law's instructions, reveals herself to Boaz and appeals to his role as a kinsman-redeemer.
c. 1090 BC
Boaz Secures the Redemption
Boaz publicly addresses the matter of redemption at the city gate, securing the right to redeem Ruth and marry her. This act fulfills the ancient laws and ensures Naomi's family line continues.
"And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city." — The Hebrew word for "veil" here is unusual, appearing only one other time in the Old Testament, and likely refers to a garment like a mantle or shawl. Boaz uses this very garment, a piece of Ruth’s o…
