And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

RUTH 3:7KJV
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Ruth 3:7 (KJV)

What does Ruth 3:7 mean?

Ruth 3:7 describes Boaz eating and drinking until he is content, then lying down at the end of a pile of harvested grain. Ruth quietly approaches, uncovers his feet, and lies down near him, following Naomi’s instructions as part of a cultural custom.

In this scene, Boaz is resting after a day of work during the harvest, and Ruth is carrying out a careful plan to seek his protection as a close relative (a "kinsman-redeemer"). The verse sets up a moment of vulnerability and trust, showing Ruth’s humility and Boaz’s unsuspecting state, which leads to their important conversation in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 3:7

  • "His heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to Boaz’s inner self or feelings. The phrase "his heart was merry" means he was in good spirits, likely satisfied and relaxed, not drunk.
  • "Softly" (לָט, lat): This word means Ruth approached quietly or secretly. The text emphasizes her careful, respectful approach so as not to startle Boaz or draw attention.
  • "Uncovered his feet" (מַרְגְּלוֹתָיו, margelotav): This phrase literally means the area around his feet or legs. Uncovering his feet was a symbolic gesture in that culture, signaling a request for protection or marriage, not anything improper.

Why Ruth 3:7 matters

  • This verse can be misunderstood as something scandalous, but the original language and context show Ruth’s actions were respectful and culturally meaningful, not inappropriate.
  • The details about Ruth’s quiet approach and uncovering Boaz’s feet highlight her humility and the risk she was taking, which sets the stage for Boaz’s honorable response.
  • Ruth 3:7 connects to the wider story by showing the careful, step-by-step process through which Ruth seeks security for herself and Naomi, following the customs of ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“feet” Hebrew H4772 · used in 5 verses

  • Ruth 3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
  • Ruth 3:8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
  • Ruth 3:14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

“softly” Hebrew H3909 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
  • Exodus 8:7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Samuel 18:22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law.

“corn” Hebrew H6194 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 31:6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
  • Song of Solomon 7:2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.

“Boaz” Hebrew H1162 · used in 22 verses

  • Ruth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
  • Ruth 2:15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
  • Ruth 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.