The Church Fathers on this verse

Ruth 3:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And when he shall go to sleep, mark the place wherein he sleepeth: and thou shalt go in, and lift up the clothes wherewith he is covered towards his feet, and shalt lay thyself down there: and he will tell thee what thou must do.

Douay-Rheims

וִיהִ֣י בְשָׁכְב֗וֹ וְיָדַ֙עַתְּ֙ אֶת־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִשְׁכַּב־שָׁ֔ם וּבָ֛את וְגִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו ושכבתי וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂין׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Upon hearing this counsel, Naomi advises her to lay down at the feet of Boaz, emphasizing the importance of not compromising her virtue. The manner in which this guidance is provided signifies the opposite intent. She said: “that thou mayest come in, and open thyself at his feet, and lie down: and he shall tell thee what thou canst do.” In this way, she placed her confidence in her husband’s purity and integrity. The actions that followed affirmed her words. In another translation, Naomi, upon hearing the advice, encourages her to recline at Boaz's feet, while cautioning her not to trade her beauty. The phrasing of this counsel points to a deeper truth. Thus, she relied on the uprightness and fidelity of her husband, and the subsequent events validated her trust.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.