Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Naomi's instructions to Ruth are more than just a beauty regimen; they're a strategic move. By telling Ruth to wash, anoint, and dress in her "best raiment," Naomi is preparing her not just to be seen, but to be recognized as someone worthy of marriage, subtly setting the stage for Boaz to see her not as a mere gleaner, but as a potential bride.
Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Naomi, recognizing Boaz's kindness and Ruth's loyalty, devises a bold plan rooted in ancient Israelite customs of kinship and redemption. She instructs Ruth to prepare herself carefully and go to the threshing floor where Boaz will be celebrating after the harvest. Ruth is to wait until Boaz has finished his meal and is resting before revealing herself, a strategic move designed to catch his attention and present her as a potential bride under the law.
Naomi tells Ruth to get dressed up for a significant encounter. What does this tell us about presentation and intention?
Naomi's instructions for Ruth to "wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak" (v. 3) weren't just about looking good; they were strategic. This preparation, including putting on her best attire, was meant to make Ruth more appealing to Boaz. It signaled respect, intention, and a readiness for a serious step.
Making Intentions Clear
Ruth is told to wait and not make herself known until Boaz has finished eating and drinking. Why the specific timing?
Naomi's instruction to Ruth, "but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking" (v. 3), reveals a deep understanding of social etiquette and strategic timing.
The Power of the Right Moment
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Understand the original words
rachats / suwk · Hebrew Verb
To 'wash' and 'anoint' was a common preparatory act in the ancient Near East, symbolizing cleanliness, refreshment, and sometimes preparation for a special occasion or a formal meeting. It signals a shift from the state of mourning or labor to one of intentional presentation.
simlah · Hebrew Noun
A cloak or garment was a vital piece of clothing that provided shelter, identification, and a covering. Symbolically, a garment can represent identity, protection, or the offer of covenantal covering and intimacy.
This passage unfolds within the cultural and legal framework of ancient Israel, specifically concerning the duty of a kinsman-redeemer and the customs surrounding harvest celebrations. Naomi's instructions to Ruth reflect these practices, aiming to leverage social norms for Ruth's security and future.
c. 11th century BC
Period of the Judges
The Book of Ruth is set during the turbulent era of the Judges, a time of disunity and moral laxity in Israel, where 'everyone did what was right in his own eyes.' This backdrop highlights the unusual adherence to God's law and customs shown by Ruth and Boaz.
c. 11th century BC
Gleaning Laws in Practice
The Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22) mandated leaving portions of fields and gleanings for the poor and for foreigners, like Ruth. This law provided Ruth a legal, albeit humble, means of survival and initial contact with Boaz.
c. 11th century BC
Levirate Marriage Custom
The custom of the kinsman-redeemer (levirate marriage), detailed in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, required a brother or close relative to marry a deceased man's childless widow to preserve his family line. This legal and social expectation forms the core of Naomi's plan for Ruth and Boaz.
c. 11th century BC
Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
After years in Moab and the death of her husband and sons, Naomi returned to Bethlehem with her widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth. This return brought them to the community where Boaz lived and where the kinsman-redeemer law would apply.
c. 11th century BC
Ruth gleans in Boaz's field
Ruth went out to glean grain in the fields of Bethlehem and happened upon the field belonging to Boaz, a relative of her deceased father-in-law. This event marks the beginning of their acquaintance and Boaz's growing awareness of Ruth.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Boaz hosts a harvest feast
Boaz holds a celebratory feast for his workers after the harvest, a common practice. This provides the opportunity for Naomi's daring plan, as Boaz is surrounded by his household and workers, with Ruth instructed to approach him discreetly after the festivities.
This passage describes Esther preparing herself for an audience with the king, involving anointing and specific garments, mirroring Ruth's preparation to appear before Boaz.
Song of Solomon 5:3The bride in the Song of Solomon speaks of having 'put off my garment; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?' echoing the theme of ritual purity and readiness for intimacy or a significant encounter.
Deuteronomy 25:7This passage outlines the law of the kinsman-redeemer, which is the underlying legal and cultural framework for Boaz's obligation and Ruth's bold request, giving context to Naomi's plan.
Ezekiel 16:10-13This prophetic passage vividly describes Jerusalem's adornment as a bride, detailing washing, anointing, and fine clothing, paralleling the careful preparations Ruth makes to present herself beautifully.
clarkeRuth 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 - She made Ruth put on her best dress, that Boaz might, in the course of the day, be the more attracted by her person, and be the better disposed to receive her as Naomi wished.
henryRuth 3:1-5: "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?"
3:1-5 The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this importan…
Naomi's instructions to Ruth are more than just a beauty regimen; they're a strategic move. By telling Ruth to wash, anoint, and dress in her "best raiment," Naomi is preparing her not just to be seen, but to be recognized as someone worthy of marriage, subtly setting the stage for Boaz to see her not as a mere gleaner, but as a potential bride.
Naomi, recognizing Boaz's kindness and Ruth's loyalty, devises a bold plan rooted in ancient Israelite customs of kinship and redemption. She instructs Ruth to prepare herself carefully and go to the threshing floor where Boaz will be celebrating after the harvest. Ruth is to wait until Boaz has finished his meal and is resting before revealing herself, a strategic move designed to catch his attention and present her as a potential bride under the law.
Naomi, recognizing Boaz's kindness and Ruth's loyalty, devises a bold plan rooted in ancient Israelite customs of kinship and redemption. She instructs Ruth to prepare herself carefully and go to the threshing floor where Boaz will be celebrating after the harvest. Ruth is to wait until Boaz has finished his meal and is resting before revealing herself, a strategic move designed to catch his attention and present her as a potential bride under the law.
"Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking." — Naomi's instructions to Ruth are more than just a beauty regimen; they're a strategic move. By telling Ruth to wash, anoint, and dress in her "best raiment," Naomi is preparing her not just to be see…
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Last reviewed October 2026