Bible Strands
Ruth 3:4
When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Naomi delivers these instructions to Ruth prior to Ruth washing, applying perfume, and descending to the threshing floor. The dialogue occurs during their preparatory conversation before Ruth executes the nighttime plan.
The words — The Hebrew וִ/יהִ֣י (vi./Hi) translates literally as "and let it be," establishing the directive as a conditional outcome. אֶת\־ ('et-) functions as the direct object marker introducing הַ/מָּקוֹם֙ (ha./ma.kOm), "the place," specifying where Ruth must focus her attention.
The thread — The emphasis on careful adherence to a prescribed boundary aligns with the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 to abstain from every form of evil. Both texts present obedience to clear instruction as the mechanism for avoiding misstep.
Why it lands — The text records Ruth receiving exact procedural steps before acting, requiring her to follow them without alteration. It asks the reader to treat explicit instruction as the necessary foundation for subsequent action rather than relying on personal initiative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.