New International Version“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
New Living Translation“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”
English Standard VersionHe said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
Berean Standard Bible“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionAnd he said, “Who are you?” So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.”
New American Standard BibleSo he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your slave. Now spread your garment over your slave, for you are a redeemer.”
NASB 1995He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.”
NASB 1977And he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maidservant. So spread your wing over your maidservant, for you are a kinsman redeemer.”
Amplified BibleSo he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. Spread the hem of your garment over me, for you are a close relative and redeemer.”
Christian Standard BibleSo he asked, “Who are you? ” “I am Ruth, your servant,” she replied. “Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo he asked, “Who are you?"” I am Ruth, your slave,” she replied. “Spread your cloak over me, for you are a family redeemer.”
American Standard VersionAnd he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Contemporary English Version"Who are you?" he asked. "Sir, I am Ruth," she answered, "and you are the relative who is supposed to take care of me. So spread the edge of your cover over me."
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Who are you?" he asked. She answered, "I am Ruth. Spread the corner of your garment over me because you are a close relative who can take care of me."
Good News Translation"Who are you?" he asked. "It's Ruth, sir," she answered. "Because you are a close relative, you are responsible for taking care of me. So please marry me."
International Standard VersionHe asked her, "Who are you?" She answered, "I'm only Ruth, your servant. Spread the edge of your garment over your servant, because you are my related redeemer."
NET BibleHe said, "Who are you?" She replied, "I am Ruth, your servant. Marry your servant, for you are a guardian of the family interests."
New Heart English BibleHe said, "Who are you?" She answered, "I am Ruth your handmaid. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your handmaid; for you are a redeeming kinsman."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
World English BibleHe said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “Who [are] you?” And she says, “I [am] Ruth your handmaid, and you have spread your skirt over your handmaid, for you [are] a redeemer.”
Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'Who art thou?' and she saith, 'I am Ruth thy handmaid, and thou hast spread thy skirt over thy handmaid, for thou art a redeemer.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say, Who art thou? And she will say, I am Ruth thy servant: and spread thy wing over thy servant, for thou a blood relation. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to her: Who art thou? And she answered: I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread thy coverlet over thy servant, for thou art a near kinsman.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he said to her, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your handmaid. Spread your covering over your servant, for you are a near relative.”
New American Bible“Who are you?” he asked. She replied, “I am your servant Ruth. Spread the wing of your cloak over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
New Revised Standard VersionHe said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next-of-kin.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to her, Who are you? And she answered, I am Ruth, your handmaid; cover therefore your maidservant with the end of your robe, for you are a near kinsman.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he said to her: “Who are you?”, and she said to him: “I am Ruth your Maid Servant, but cover your Maid Servant with the skirt of your cloak, because you are a Redeemer of Inheritance” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'Who art thou?' And she answered: 'I am Ruth thine handmaid; spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he said, Who art thou? and she said, I am thine handmaid Ruth; spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid, for thou art a near relation.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman8At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! 9“Whoare you?”he asked.“I amyour servantRuth,”she replied.“Spreadthe corner of your garmentoverme,foryouare a kinsman-redeemer.”10Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.…
Cross References Deuteronomy 25:5-10When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. / But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” ...
Genesis 38:8Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”
Leviticus 25:25If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold.
Ruth 2:20Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”
Ezekiel 16:8Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.
Isaiah 54:5For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
Genesis 24:60And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”
1 Kings 2:19So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.
Genesis 19:32-36Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.” / So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. / The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Look, I slept with my father last night. Let us get him drunk with wine again tonight so you can go in and sleep with him and we can preserve our father’s line.” ...
Matthew 22:24-28“Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. ...
Luke 20:28-33“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. / Then the second ...
Galatians 3:13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Ephesians 5:25-27Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.
1 Corinthians 6:20you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
1 Peter 1:18-19For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
Treasury of Scripture And he said, Who are you? And she answered, I am Ruth your handmaid: spread therefore your skirt over your handmaid; for you are a near kinsman. Ruth Ruth 2:10-13 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing Iam a stranger? … 1 Samuel 25:41 And she arose, and bowed herself onher face to the earth, and said, Behold,let thine handmaidbe a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Ezekiel 16:8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy timewas the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. a near kinsman. Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that Iam thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessedbe he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The manis near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. Jump to Previous CloseCornerCoveringHandmaidKinKinsmanKinsman-RedeemerMaidMaidservantRedeemerRedemptionRelationRelativeRightRuthServantSkirtSpreadWifeJump to Next CloseCornerCoveringHandmaidKinKinsmanKinsman-RedeemerMaidMaidservantRedeemerRedemptionRelationRelativeRightRuthServantSkirtSpreadWifeRuth 3 1.By Naomi's instruction5.Ruth lies at Boaz's feet8.Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman14.He sends her away with six measures of barley“Who are you?” he asked.This question is posed by Boaz, who is startled awake in the middle of the night. The setting is the threshing floor, a place where grain was processed, and it was not uncommon for landowners to sleep there to protect their harvest. The question reflects the darkness and uncertainty of the moment, as well as Boaz's initial lack of recognition of Ruth. This moment is significant in the narrative, as it sets the stage for Ruth's bold request. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied.
Ruth identifies herself humbly as a servant, which is consistent with her character throughout the book. Her humility is notable, especially given her Moabite background, which would have made her an outsider in Israel. This self-identification also reflects her willingness to submit to Boaz's authority and protection, aligning with the cultural norms of the time where women often sought security through marriage or kinship ties. “Spread the corner of your garment over me,
This phrase is a culturally loaded request for protection and provision. In ancient Near Eastern customs, spreading one's garment over another symbolized a pledge of marriage or a commitment to protect. The act is akin to a marriage proposal, where Ruth is asking Boaz to take her under his care as a husband would. This request also echoes the imagery of God's protection over Israel, as seen in passages likeEzekiel 16:8, where God spreads His garment over Jerusalem as a sign of covenantal relationship. for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
The term "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: go'el) is central to the narrative. It refers to a close relative who has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, whether by buying back land, marrying a widow to preserve the family line, or avenging blood. This concept is rooted in Levitical law (Leviticus 25:25-55) and is a picture of God's redemption. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, is a type of Christ, who redeems humanity. The role of the kinsman-redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus, who takes on the responsibility to restore and protect His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem. Her actions in this chapter demonstrate her faith and courage. 2. BoazA wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. He is a man of integrity and kindness, and he plays a crucial role as a kinsman-redeemer. 3. Threshing FloorThe location where Boaz is sleeping after winnowing barley. It is a place of work and harvest, symbolizing provision and blessing. 4. NaomiRuth's mother-in-law, who guides Ruth in seeking Boaz's protection and provision as a kinsman-redeemer. 5. Kinsman-RedeemerA cultural and legal role in ancient Israel where a close relative has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, often by marrying a widow to preserve the family line. Teaching Points Faith and InitiativeRuth's approach to Boaz demonstrates a balance of faith in God's provision and personal initiative. Believers are encouraged to trust God while also taking steps of faith in their circumstances. God's ProvisionThe account illustrates how God provides for His people through ordinary means and relationships. We should be attentive to how God might be working in our lives through others. Integrity and HonorBoaz's response to Ruth shows the importance of maintaining integrity and honoring others. Christians are called to act with righteousness and respect in all relationships. Redemption and RestorationThe role of the kinsman-redeemer points to the ultimate redemption found in Christ. Believers can find hope in Jesus, who redeems and restores us to God. Courage and ObedienceRuth's actions required courage and obedience to Naomi's guidance. We are encouraged to be courageous in following God's leading, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Ruth 3:9?
2.What does Ruth's request in Ruth 3:9 reveal about her faith and character?
3.How does Ruth 3:9 demonstrate the concept of redemption in biblical terms?
4.In what ways does Ruth 3:9 connect to the theme of God's providence?
5.How can Ruth's actions in Ruth 3:9 inspire our own faith journey today?
6.What cultural customs in Ruth 3:9 can inform our understanding of biblical relationships?
7.What does Ruth 3:9 reveal about the cultural practices of ancient Israel?
8.How does Ruth 3:9 illustrate the concept of redemption in the Bible?
9.Why does Ruth refer to Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer" in Ruth 3:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 3?
11.What does the Bible say about spiritual covering?
12.Ruth 3:9 records a phrase about “spreading a garment” over Ruth—how does this align with or contradict marriage traditions documented in other ancient Near Eastern sources?
13.What does spreading your garment over someone signify?
14.What is the significance of redemption in the Bible?What Does Ruth 3:9 Mean Who are you?“Who are you?” (Ruth 3:9) • Boaz wakes in the dark on the threshing floor, startled to find someone at his feet. • His simple question highlights the need for clear identity before any covenant action can follow—similar toGenesis 3:9, where God asks, “Where are you?” inviting honest disclosure, and toJohn 1:38, where Jesus asks seekers, “What do you seek?” • The moment underscores God’s order: recognition must precede relationship. Ruth approaches in faith but still must be known and acknowledged.
I am your servant Ruth“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. (Ruth 3:9) • Ruth identifies herself with humility, using “servant,” not “Moabitess.” She stresses devotion over ethnicity, echoingRuth 1:16–17 where she pledged loyalty to Naomi and Israel’s God. • Her posture mirrors other willing servants: –1 Samuel 25:41, Abigail: “Here is your maidservant.” –Luke 1:38, Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant.” • By naming herself, she invites Boaz to see her covenant faith, not her foreign past, illustratingGalatians 3:28’s truth that in God’s family, faith eclipses former distinctions.
Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer“Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9) • Request for protection and marriage: the gesture recallsEzekiel 16:8, where God covers Israel with His garment as a marriage covenant. • “Kinsman-redeemer” (goel) roots inLeviticus 25:25 andDeuteronomy 25:5–10—family duty to rescue, restore, and perpetuate a relative’s line. • Practical implications: – Security: Ruth seeks Boaz’s legal covering (Psalm 91:4, “under His wings you will find refuge”). – Redemption: land and lineage would pass from loss to restoration (Isaiah 54:5, “your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel”). – Foreshadowing: Boaz prefigures Christ, our ultimate Redeemer (Ephesians 1:7), who covers believers with righteousness. • Ruth’s bold faith steps beyond custom; she trusts God’s provision through His ordained redeemer.
summaryRuth 3:9 moves from anonymity to covenant. Boaz’s “Who are you?” invites disclosure; Ruth responds as a humble servant, then petitions redemption through a symbolic covering that points to marriage and Messiah. The verse reveals identity acknowledged, humility expressed, and redemption sought—assuring readers that God honors faith that seeks His protective, saving embrace. (9) Skirt.--Literally wing;Heb. canaph,as in Ruth 2:12. The Targum treats this as in itself the claim to espousal on her part. The metaphor may be illustrated from Ezekiel 16:8, and more generally from Matthew 23:37. Verse 9. - And he said, Who art thou? And she said, I am Ruth, thy handmaid; and thou hast spread thy wings over thy handmaid, for thou art kinsman. The Syriac translator spoils the question of Boaz by metamorphosing it from " Who art thou?" into " What is thy message?" Tremulous would be the voice of Ruth as she replied, "I am Ruth, thy handmaid." What she said in continuance has been very generally, and by Driver, among others ('Hebrew Tenses,' p. 135), misapprehended. Not by Raabe, however. It has been regarded as a petition presented to Boaz - "Spread thy wings (or, thy wing) over thy handmaid, for thou art kinsman." The literal translation, however, and far the more delicate idea, as also far the more effective representation, is, "And thou hast spread thy wings over thy handmaid, for thou art kinsman." Ruth explains her position under Boaz's coverlet as if it were his own deliberate act. Such is her felicitous way of putting the case. It is as if she had said, "The position in which thy handmaid actually is exhibits the true relation in which thou standest to thy handmaid. She is under thy wings. Thou hast benignantly spread them over her, for thou art kinsman." The Masorites have correctly regarded כנפ as a scriptio defectiva for the dual of the noun, and hence have punctuated it כְּנָפֶך, "thy wings." The majority of interpreters, however, have assumed that the word is singular, and have hence translated it as if it had been punctuated כְּנָפְך. The dual reading is to be preferred. Boaz himself had represented Ruth as having come trustfully under the wings of Yahveh (see Ruth 2:12). She accepted the representation. It was beautifully true. But, as she was well aware that God often works through human agency, she now recognized the Divine hand in the kindness of Boaz. " Thou hast spread thy wings over thine handmaid." She was under his wings because she had come under the wings of Yahveh. She felt like a little timid chicken; but she had found a refuge. It is the wings of tender, gentle, sheltering care that are referred to. There is only indirect allusion to the typical coverlet under which she lay. For thou art kinsman (see Ruth 2:20). The native modesty of Ruth led her to account for her position by a reference to the law of kinship. She had rights, and she stood upon them. She conceived that Boaz had correlative duties to discharge; but we may be sure that she would never have made the least reference to her rights, or to the correlative duties which she regarded as devolving on Boaz, had she not known that his heart was already hers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Whoמִי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixare you?”אָ֑תּ(’āt)Pronoun - second person feminine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youhe asked.וַיֹּ֖אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“I [am]אָנֹכִי֙(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Iyour servantאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ(’ă·mā·ṯe·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 519:A maidservant, female slaveRuth,”ר֣וּת(rūṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7327:Ruth -- 'friendship', a Moabite ancestress of Davidshe replied.וַתֹּ֗אמֶר(wat·tō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Spreadוּפָרַשְׂתָּ֤(ū·p̄ā·raś·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6566:To break apart, dispersethe corner of your garmentכְנָפֶ֙ךָ֙(ḵə·nā·p̄e·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3671:An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacleoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstme,אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔(’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 519:A maidservant, female slaveforכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyouאָֽתָּה׃(’āt·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youare a kinsman-redeemer.”גֹאֵ֖ל(ḡō·’êl)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1350:To redeem, act as kinsman
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OT History: Ruth 3:9 He said Who are you? She answered (Ru Rut.) |
