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.

RUTH 3:15KJV
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Ruth 3:15 (KJV)

What does Ruth 3:15 mean?

Ruth 3:15 describes Boaz telling Ruth to bring the outer garment she is wearing and hold it out, so he can fill it with six measures of barley for her to take back into the city. This act shows Boaz providing for Ruth in a practical way after their private conversation at the threshing floor.

In this scene, Boaz is speaking to Ruth early in the morning before anyone else is awake. The "vail" mentioned is likely a large outer cloak or shawl Ruth was wearing. Boaz measures out a generous amount of barley, places it on Ruth, and she returns to the city, likely to Naomi. This exchange is part of the careful and respectful way Boaz cares for Ruth while also protecting her reputation.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 3:15

  • "vail" (מִטְפַּחַת, mitpachat): This word refers to a large outer garment or shawl, not a small veil over the face. It emphasizes the practical, everyday clothing Ruth used to carry the barley.
  • "measured" (מָדַד, madad): This word means to measure out or allot. Boaz is not just giving Ruth a handful, but carefully measuring a specific, generous amount, showing intentional provision.
  • "city" (עִיר, ir): The word for "city" here refers to the town of Bethlehem, connecting this private act of kindness to the wider community where Ruth and Naomi live.

Why Ruth 3:15 matters

  • Ruth 3:15 shows Boaz’s generosity and carefulness, highlighting his respect for Ruth and his desire to provide for her and Naomi without drawing attention.
  • The verse connects the private threshing floor encounter to Ruth’s daily life and responsibilities, showing that faithfulness and kindness play out in ordinary, practical ways.
  • This act of giving barley is a sign to Naomi that Boaz is serious about his intentions, setting up the next steps in Ruth and Boaz’s relationship and the unfolding story.

Where else these words appear

“vail” Hebrew H4304 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 3:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

“Bring” Hebrew H3051 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
  • Job 6:22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

“barley” Hebrew H8184 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 9:31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
  • 2 Samuel 14:30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

“measured” Hebrew H4058 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • Ezekiel 40:13 He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.
  • Ezekiel 41:13 So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;