Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” New Living Translation and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” English Standard Version saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” Berean Standard Bible And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Berean Literal Bible And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go in empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” King James Bible And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. New King James Version And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’ ” New American Standard Bible She also said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” NASB 1995 She said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” NASB 1977 And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Legacy Standard Bible She said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty.’” Amplified Bible She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, and he said to me, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Berean Annotated Bible And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed. Christian Standard Bible She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, because he said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, because he said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” American Standard Version And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law. Contemporary English Version She also said, "Boaz gave me this grain, because he didn't want me to come back without something for you." English Revised Version And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. GOD'S WORD® Translation She said, "He gave me these six measures of barley and told me not to come back to you empty-handed." Good News Translation She added, "He told me I must not come back to you empty-handed, so he gave me all this barley." International Standard Version Ruth also said, "He gave me these six units of barley and told me, 'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'" NET Bible She said, "He gave me these sixty pounds of barley, for he said to me, 'Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'" New Heart English Bible She said, "He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said to me, 'Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.'" Webster's Bible Translation And she said, These six measures of barley he gave me; for he said to me, Go not empty to thy mother-in-law. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” World English Bible She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she says, “These six [measures] of barley he has given to me, for he said, You do not go in empty to your mother-in-law.” Berean Literal Bible And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go in empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” Young's Literal Translation And she saith, 'These six measures of barley he hath given to me, for he said, Thou dost not go in empty unto thy mother-in-law.' Smith's Literal Translation And she will say, These six of barley he gave to me; for he said, Thou shalt not go empty to thy mother-in-law. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd she said: Behold he hath given me six measures of barley: for he said: I will not have thee return empty to thy mother in law. Catholic Public Domain Version And she said, “Behold, he gave me six measures of barley, for he said, ‘I am not willing to have you return empty to your mother-in-law.’ ” New American Bible and concluded, “He gave me these six measures of barley and said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty.’ ” New Revised Standard Version saying, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd how he had given her six measures of barley, and had said to her, Go not empty-handed to your mother-in-law. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And that he gave her six measures of barley and that he said to her, “You shall not enter to your mother in law with nothing” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And she said: 'These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me: Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And she said to her, He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said to me, Go not empty to thy mother-in-law. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ruth Claims Boaz as Kinsman…16When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked her, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her all that Boaz had done for her. 17And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” 18“Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today.”… Cross References And she said, Ruth 2:18 She picked up the grain and went into the town, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi. Genesis 24:28 The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. 1 Samuel 1:26-28 “Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. / I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, / I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there. “He gave me these six measures of barley, Ruth 2:17 So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. And when she beat out what she had gleaned, it was about an ephah of barley. Ruth 2:23 So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law. 2 Kings 4:42-44 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. for he said, 1 Samuel 25:18-19 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. Genesis 32:13-21 Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: / 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, / 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. … Genesis 43:11-14 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds. / Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. / Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. … ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Ruth 1:21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? After all, the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me.” Genesis 31:42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.” 1 Samuel 6:3 They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.” Ruth 2:14-16 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over. / When Ruth got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, do not insult her. / Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.” Ruth 4:10 Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” Proverbs 31:10-31 A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. … Genesis 24:22 And after the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring weighing a beka, and two gold bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels. Treasury of Scripture And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty to your mother in law. Jump to Previous Added Barley Empty Empty-Handed Hands Law Measures Mother Mother-In-Law SixJump to Next Added Barley Empty Empty-Handed Hands Law Measures Mother Mother-In-Law SixRuth 3 1. By Naomi's instruction5. Ruth lies at Boaz's feet 8. Boaz acknowledges the right of a kinsman 14. He sends her away with six measures of barley And she said, This phrase introduces Ruth's report to Naomi, highlighting the importance of communication and accountability in relationships. It reflects the cultural norm of sharing news and developments with family members, especially in matters of provision and protection. “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem to seek refuge and provision. 2. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons, and is seeking security for Ruth. 3. Boaz A wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband, who is a kinsman-redeemer and has shown kindness and protection to Ruth. 4. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth have returned, and where Boaz's fields are located. 5. Threshing Floor The place where Boaz was winnowing barley, and where Ruth approached him to seek his protection and provision. Teaching Points Generosity and ProvisionBoaz's actions demonstrate the importance of generosity and provision for those in need. As Christians, we are called to be generous and to care for the vulnerable in our communities. Faithfulness and Loyalty Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her faithfulness in seeking Boaz's protection reflect the virtues of commitment and trust in God's provision. We are encouraged to remain faithful in our relationships and trust in God's plan for our lives. God's Sovereignty and Redemption The account of Ruth and Boaz illustrates God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes. It reminds us that God is at work in our lives, even in difficult circumstances, and that He is our ultimate Redeemer. Cultural and Legal Context Understanding the cultural and legal context of the kinsman-redeemer helps us appreciate the depth of Boaz's actions and the significance of Ruth's request. It challenges us to understand and apply biblical principles in our own cultural context. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ruth 3:17?2. How does Ruth 3:17 demonstrate Boaz's generosity and provision for Ruth's needs? 3. What cultural significance does the "six measures of barley" have in Ruth 3:17? 4. How does Ruth 3:17 connect to God's provision in Philippians 4:19? 5. How can we emulate Boaz's generosity in our daily interactions with others? 6. What does Ruth 3:17 teach about God's faithfulness through human actions? 7. What does Ruth 3:17 reveal about the cultural significance of gifts in ancient Israelite society? 8. How does Ruth 3:17 illustrate the theme of provision and protection in the Book of Ruth? 9. What theological implications does Ruth 3:17 have regarding God's providence and human agency? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 3? 11. What are the Five Festival Scrolls in Judaism? 12. What guidance does the Bible provide about widows? 13. Why does Matthew's genealogy of Jesus list different names than Luke's genealogy? 14. Who was Naomi in the Bible? What Does Ruth 3:17 Mean And she saidRuth immediately shares the news with Naomi. - Speaking out loud affirms God’s kindness; silence would have left Naomi in the dark. Psalm 107:2 urges, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” - Testimony multiplies faith. Luke 8:39 records Jesus telling a healed man, “Return home and describe what God has done for you.” Ruth follows the same pattern, letting Naomi see the Redeemer’s hand at work. He gave me these six measures of barley Boaz’s gift is concrete, plentiful, and personal. - Provision shows character. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous soul will prosper.” - Earlier, Boaz ordered extra bundles for Ruth (Ruth 2:15-16), proving generosity is his habit, not a one-time gesture. - Gifts often accompany covenant moments. Genesis 24:53 notes the servant showering Rebekah with gifts before a marriage agreement. Boaz’s barley hints at a coming covenant while meeting present needs. for he said The grain is linked to Boaz’s spoken word. - Boaz ties his actions to explicit instruction, underlining his authority and intentional care. Ruth 2:8-9 shows him giving protective commands in the fields; he has been consistent. - Obedience to a redeemer’s words brings blessing. John 2:5: “Do whatever He tells you.” Boaz speaks; Ruth obeys; everyone is blessed. Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed Boaz remembers Naomi as well as Ruth. - Naomi once mourned, “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21). Boaz’s words purposely reverse that emptiness. - God often insists His people not send others away lacking. Exodus 3:21: Israel would not leave Egypt empty-handed. Deuteronomy 15:13-14 commands generous supply when releasing a servant. - True faith meets tangible needs. James 2:15-16 warns against sending the needy away “without giving them anything.” Boaz behaves as the righteous man Scripture commends. summary Ruth’s report turns a midnight encounter into shared worship. Her speech testifies, Boaz’s barley provides, his words guide, and Naomi’s emptiness begins to be reversed. The verse showcases a redeemer who acts generously, speaks purposefully, and ensures that no one under his care is left empty—foreshadowing the ultimate Redeemer who does the same on a grander scale. Verse 17. - And she said, These six measures of barley he gave to me; for he said, Thou must not go empty to thy mother-in-law. The C'tib omission of "to me" after "for he said" is most likely to be the original reading. A fastidious Rabbi would rather originate this insertion than the omission.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And she said,וַתֹּ֕אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “He gave נָ֣תַן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set me these הָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those six שֵׁשׁ־ (šêš-) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number) measures of barley, הַשְּׂעֹרִ֥ים (haś·śə·‘ō·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8184: Barley for כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he said, אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Do not אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 408: Not go back תָּב֥וֹאִי (tā·ḇō·w·’î) Pd | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to your mother-in-law חֲמוֹתֵֽךְ׃ (ḥă·mō·w·ṯêḵ) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 2545: Husband's mother empty-handed.’” רֵיקָ֖ם (rê·qām) Adverb Strong's 7387: Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly Links Ruth 3:17 NIVRuth 3:17 NLT Ruth 3:17 ESV Ruth 3:17 NASB Ruth 3:17 KJV Ruth 3:17 BibleApps.com Ruth 3:17 Biblia Paralela Ruth 3:17 Chinese Bible Ruth 3:17 French Bible Ruth 3:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Ruth 3:17 She said These six measures of barley (Ru Rut.) |
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