Old Testament
Ruth 3:2
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Now think about this — Boaz, the man whose young women you've been working alongside, is our relative. Tonight he'll be winnowing barley at the threshing floor.
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And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
What Ruth 3:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Naomi is informing Ruth about Boaz, who is a relative of theirs and has been kind to Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields. Naomi points out that Boaz will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor that night, which is an important agricultural task where the grain is separated from the chaff. This setting is significant because it provides an opportunity for Ruth to approach Boaz and seek his protection and provision as a kinsman-redeemer. The mention of the threshing floor also symbolizes a time of harvest and blessing, indicating that something important is about to happen in their lives. Naomi's words suggest a plan for Ruth to take action, highlighting the importance of family ties and the customs surrounding redemption in their culture. This moment sets the stage for Ruth's bold move to secure her future and that of her mother-in-law, demonstrating faith and initiative in a challenging situation.
How to apply Ruth 3:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of our relationships and the opportunities they present. Just as Ruth was guided by Naomi to take action, we too should seek wise counsel and be proactive in our lives, especially in times of need. Trusting in God's provision can lead to unexpected blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
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Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: At the Threshing Floor (Ruth 3:1–18)
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Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Ruth 3:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ruth
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ruth 3:2 mean?
Ruth 3:2 highlights Naomi's guidance to Ruth about Boaz, their relative, who is winnowing barley at the threshing floor. This setting is significant as it presents an opportunity for Ruth to approach Boaz for protection and provision as a kinsman-redeemer.
What is the significance of the threshing floor in Ruth 3:2?
The threshing floor in Ruth 3:2 symbolizes a time of harvest and blessing. It is where grain is separated from chaff, marking an important agricultural task that sets the stage for Ruth's bold actions to secure her future.
Who is Boaz in Ruth 3:2?
Boaz is a relative of Naomi and Ruth, known for his kindness towards Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields. He plays a crucial role as a kinsman-redeemer, which is central to the story of Ruth.
What does kinsman-redeemer mean in Ruth 3:2?
A kinsman-redeemer is a family member who has the responsibility to protect and provide for relatives in need, particularly in situations of widowhood or loss of property. In Ruth 3:2, Boaz is identified as this figure for Ruth and Naomi.
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