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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Naomi tells Ruth to lie at Boaz's feet and let him direct her next steps.
What Does Ruth 3:4 Mean?
Naomi completes her instructions. When Boaz lies down for the night, Ruth is to note the place, go quietly, uncover his feet, and lie down there, then wait, for he will tell her what to do. The gesture was a recognized appeal: by lying at his feet, Ruth would be humbly placing herself under his protection and inviting him, as kinsman, to act on her behalf. It was a request, offered in humility, for him to take responsibility.
The plan entrusts the outcome to Boaz's integrity and to God's leading; he will tell thee what thou shalt do. Ruth is to make her appeal and then submit the matter into worthier hands. There is great trust in this, a humble laying of one's need before another and waiting for his response. It mirrors how the soul approaches its Redeemer, coming low, making its plea, and trusting Him to direct the way forward. Ruth's quiet posture at Boaz's feet is the posture of faith, vulnerable, hopeful, and willing to be led.