Ruth – Chapter 3

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

Ruth 3 opens with the words: "After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will provide that it may be…" The chapter centers on Boaz, Naomi and Ruth. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God feeding His people. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will provide that it may be well with thee.

2This Booz, with whose maids thou wast joined in the field, is our near kinsman, and behold this night he winnoweth barley in the threshingfloor.

3Wash thyself therefore and anoint thee, and put on thy best garments, and go down to the barnfloor: but let not the man see thee, till he shall have done eating and drinking.

4And 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.

5She answered: Whatsoever thou shalt command, I will do.

6And she went down to the barnfloor, and did all that her mother in law had bid her.

7And when Booz had eaten, and drunk, and was merry, he went to sleep by the heap of sheaves, and she came softly, and uncovering his feet, laid herself down.

8And behold, when it was now midnight the man was afraid, and troubled: and he saw a woman lying at his feet,

9And he said to her: Who art thou ? And she answered: I am Ruth, thy handmaid: spread thy coverlet over thy servant, for thou art a near kinsman.

10And he said: Blessed art thou of the Lord, my daughter, and thy latter kindness has surpassed the former: because thou hast not followed young men either poor or rich.

11Fear not therefore, but whatsoever thou shalt say to me I will do to thee. For all the people that dwell within the gates of my city, know that thou art a virtuous woman.

12Neither do I deny myself to be near of kin, but there is another nearer than I.

13Rest thou this night: and when morning is come, if he will take thee by the right of kindred, all is well: but if he will not, I will undoubtedly take thee, so the Lord liveth: sleep till the morning.

14So she slept at his feet till the night was going off. And she arose before men could know one another, and Booz said: Beware lest any man know that thou camest hither.

15And again he said: Spread thy mantle, wherewith thou art covered, and hold it with both hands. And when she spread it and held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it upon her. And she carried it, and went into the city,

16And came to her mother in law; who said to her: What hast thou done, daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

17And 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.

18And Noemi said: Wait, my daughter, till we see what end the thing will have. For the man will not rest until he have accomplished what he hath said.

Important Verses in Ruth 3

After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will provide that it may be well with thee.

Ruth 3:1

And he said: Blessed art thou of the Lord, my daughter, and thy latter kindness has surpassed the former: because thou hast not followed young men either poor or rich.

Ruth 3:10

Rest thou this night: and when morning is come, if he will take thee by the right of kindred, all is well: but if he will not, I will undoubtedly take thee, so the Lord liveth: sleep till the morning.

Ruth 3:13

And Noemi said: Wait, my daughter, till we see what end the thing will have. For the man will not rest until he have accomplished what he hath said.

Ruth 3:18

Historical Context

Ruth addresses israel, reminded that God's mercy embraces the foreigner who seeks Him within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 3 of 4 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Boaz, Naomi and Ruth, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will…" The final verse reads: "And Noemi said: Wait, my daughter, till we see what end the thing will have. For the man will not rest until he have…" Read against its original backdrop, Ruth is a Moabite widow whose loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi brings her into the people of God and into the ancestry of King David—and therefore of Jesus Christ. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Set in the period of the judges (12th-11th century BC); written during or after the monarchy.

Who Wrote It

Unknown; traditionally linked to the time of Samuel

When It Was Written

Set in the period of the judges (12th-11th century BC); written during or after the monarchy

Catholic Commentary

This chapter presents divine statutes and cultic norms that shaped Israel's worship and moral life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will provide that it may be well with thee." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1324). Here, Ruth, a Gentile, becomes an ancestor of Christ, showing God's universal plan (CIC 64). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God's love extends to all peoples. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Ruth 3 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

Boaz3 mentionsNaomi2 mentionsRuth1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of Ruth—Chapter 3 of 4—opens a particular moment in the story of loyalty, redemption, and inclusion in God's people.

According to Catholic teaching, Ruth, a Gentile, becomes an ancestor of Christ, showing God's universal plan (CIC 64). This chapter especially highlights sacrificial love modeled on Christ, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1095).

Let Ruth Chapter 3 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruth Chapter 3 about?

Ruth 3 contains 18 verses. It opens with "After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will…" and closes with "And Noemi said: Wait, my daughter, till we see what end the thing will have. For the man will not rest until he have…". The book as a whole is historical short story.

What is a key verse in Ruth 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will provide that it may be well with thee." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Ruth Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Boaz, Naomi, Ruth.

Who wrote Ruth and when?

Unknown; traditionally linked to the time of Samuel. Set in the period of the judges (12th-11th century BC); written during or after the monarchy.

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