Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:16 in Multiple Translations
When 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.
And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
And when she came back her mother-in-law said to her, How did it go with you, my daughter? And she gave her an account of all the man had done to her.
Ruth went to her mother-in-law, who asked her, “How did it go for you, my daughter?” So Ruth told her everything that Boaz had done for her.
And when she came to her mother in law, she sayd, Who art thou, my daughter? And she tolde her all that the man had done to her,
And she cometh in unto her mother-in-law, and she saith, 'Who [art] thou, my daughter?' and she declareth to her all that the man hath done to her.
When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” She told her all that the man had done for her.
And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
And 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.
When Ruth arrived home, her mother-in-law asked her, “My daughter, how did ◄things go/Boaz act toward you►?” Then Ruth told her everything that Boaz had done for her and said to her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 3:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תָּבוֹא֙
אֶל
חֲמוֹתָ֔/הּ
וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר
מִי
אַ֣תְּ
בִּתִּ֑/י
וַ/תַּ֨גֶּד
לָ֔/הּ
אֵ֛ת
כָּל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עָֽשָׂה
לָ֖/הּ
הָ/אִֽישׁ
וַ/תָּבוֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חֲמוֹתָ֔/הּ
chămôwth
H2545
mother-in-law
N-fs | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אַ֣תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בִּתִּ֑/י
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
וַ/תַּ֨גֶּד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
לָ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָֽשָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ֖/הּ
Prep | Suff
הָ/אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 3:16
וַ/תָּבוֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חֲמוֹתָ֔/הּ
chămôwth
H2545
"mother-in-law"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a mother-in-law, the husband's mother, a family relationship. It appears in various biblical contexts.
Definition: mother-in-law, husband's mother
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: mother in law. See also: Ruth 1:14; Ruth 3:1; Micah 7:6.
וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אַ֣תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בִּתִּ֑/י
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וַ/תַּ֨גֶּד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לָ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָֽשָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ֖/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
הָ/אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — Ruth 3:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Ruth 3:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:16
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
Context — Ruth’s Redemption Assured
14So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
15And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured in six measures of barley and placed it on her. Then he went into the city.
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.”Ruth 3:16 Summary
[This verse shows that Naomi cared about Ruth and wanted to know if Boaz would help them. Ruth told Naomi everything that Boaz had done for her, which shows that Ruth trusted Naomi and that Boaz was a kind and generous man. This is similar to how God cares for us and wants to help us, as seen in Psalm 23:1-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. As we read this verse, we can remember to trust God and be kind to those around us, just like Boaz was to Ruth.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Naomi ask Ruth about her encounter with Boaz?
Naomi asked Ruth about her encounter with Boaz because she was concerned about their well-being and wanted to know if Boaz would be a potential husband for Ruth, as seen in Ruth 3:1-5, and also because of the cultural customs of the time, similar to those described in Genesis 29:1-14 and Exodus 2:15-22.
What does it mean that Ruth told Naomi all that Boaz had done for her?
When Ruth told Naomi all that Boaz had done for her, it shows that Ruth trusted Naomi and valued her opinion, similar to the trust seen between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:1-42, and also highlights Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth, as seen in Ruth 2:8-13.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Ruth?
This verse is a turning point in the story of Ruth, as it shows that Boaz is a potential suitor for Ruth and that Naomi is invested in their relationship, which ultimately leads to their marriage and the birth of Obed, as seen in Ruth 4:13-22, and is also a part of the larger story of God's redemption, as seen in Matthew 1:1-17.
What can we learn from Naomi's question to Ruth?
Naomi's question to Ruth shows that she cares about Ruth's well-being and is invested in her life, which is an example of the kind of love and concern that we should have for one another, as seen in John 13:34-35 and 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Ruth, trust God to work out the details of my life and wait patiently for His timing?
- What are some ways that I can show kindness and generosity to those around me, like Boaz did for Ruth?
- How can I, like Naomi, be a source of encouragement and support for those around me, especially those who are going through difficult times?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principles of trust, kindness, and generosity seen in this verse to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:16
And when she came to her mother in law,.... To Naomi, in Bethlehem: she said, who art thou, my daughter?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:16
And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
Who art thou, my daughter? either, first, She did not distinctly know who she was, because it was dark, and so calls her daughter only in general, as elder women call the younger. But she could as easily have discerned who she was, as what her age was. Or, secondly, This is not a question of doubting, but of wonder, as if she had said, Art thou in very deed my daughter? I can hardly believe it. How comest thou hither in this manner, and thus early?
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
Rth 3:16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who [art] thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.Ver. 16. And when she came to her mother-in-law.] To whom she now made haste for three reasons, as is well observed: (1.) For the danger of the way, being so early before day; (2.) The burden she bare, to be eased thereof; (3.) Her joy, to impart to her mother her happy success. The same reasons should prevail with us, to flee home to heaven: (1.) The danger we are in while in this dark world; (2.) The burden of sin; (3.) The joy we conceive of our future happiness. Who art thou, my daughter?] Poor folk fear no robbing. It is bootless, we say, to rob a spittle. All that the man had done unto her.] That is, Said unto her. Dei (sic et bonorum) dicere est facere. A good man’ s promise is a done thing, as we call it. Bernard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
(16) who art thou?—We can hardly view this as a simple question as to Ruth’s identity, but rather as meaning, how hast thou fared?
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:16
16. Who art thou] i.e. how art thou? how hast thou fared? Cf. Genesis 27:18.
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:16
Who art thou, my daughter? - In the dim twilight Rth 3:14 her mother was not sure at first who the young woman was, who sought admittance into the house.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:16
16. Who art thou, my daughter — That is, In what character dost thou return — as the espoused of Boaz, or only still a desolate widow?