Interpretation of Ruth 3:13

Bible Verse: "Stay this night, and it shall be, in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not perform the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I perform the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning." (Ruth 3:13, KJV)

Summary of Biblical Context

The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges and tells the story of a Moabite woman who became part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Ruth, after losing her husband, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and works to glean in the fields of Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. Ruth's actions show loyalty and determination, reflecting God's providence in difficult times.

Meaning of Ruth 3:13

This verse captures a pivotal moment where Boaz assures Ruth of his commitment to fulfill the role of the kinsman-redeemer if need be. The kinsman-redeemer is a family member who has the obligation to protect the family lineage, which includes marrying a widow to preserve her deceased husband's name and property.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes Boaz's honor and integrity. He does not want to rush the proceedings but respects the rightful kinsman, showcasing the moral and social obligations within Israelite law.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes points to the significance of the "kinsman" role in Israel. He highlights the interplay of duty, love, and faithfulness as central themes in Ruth's story, illustrating how divine providence operates through human relationships.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the cultural context, noting that Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth is not only a matter of duty but also reflects God’s overarching plan for redemption through family connections.

Bible Verse Cross-References

Ruth 3:13 connects with numerous other scriptures that reveal similar themes of redemption and providence:

• Leviticus 25:25 - Describes the laws regarding redemption of property and family.
• Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Outlines the duty of a brother to marry the widow of a deceased relative.
• Matthew 1:5 - Details Ruth's place in the genealogy of Jesus, linking her story to the New Testament.
• Isaiah 54:4-5 - Speaks of the Lord as the Redeemer, reflecting the themes of renewal and hope.
• Lamentations 3:22-23 - Emphasizes God's faithfulness, paralleling the loyalty seen in Ruth's life.
• John 10:14-15 - Jesus as the Good Shepherd understanding the concept of redeeming and caring for the flock.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 - Illustrates the concept of being redeemed, connecting to the idea of Christ as our ultimate Redeemer.

Thematic Connections

This verse not only speaks of Boaz’s desire to redeem Ruth but also highlights God’s greater narrative of redemption which unfolds throughout the Bible. By recognizing the connections between these verses, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan:

• Faithfulness: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is mirrored by God's faithfulness to His people.
• Redemption: The kinsman-redeemer concept foreshadows Christ's redeeming work for humanity.
• Obedience: Ruth’s adherence to Boaz’s instruction is a reminder of our call to trust and follow God's guidance.

Insights on Cross-Referencing

Understanding how to perform comparative Bible verse analysis enhances our interpretation skills. By utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing, one can delve into the interconnectedness of scripture. Here are some methods:

• Bible Concordance: Utilize a concordance to find terms related to the theme of redemption.
• Bible Cross-reference Guide: Use thematic guides to trace motifs, such as loyalty and providence.
• Cross-reference Bible Study: Join groups that focus on studying cross-referenced verses for communal insights.

User Intent Keywords

When studying Ruth 3:13, you might find the following questions arise:

• What verses are related to Ruth 3:13?
• Find cross-references for Ruth 3:13 to understand its place within the biblical narrative.
• How do Ruth 3:13 and Leviticus 25:25 connect in terms of redemption?
• What similarities exist between Ruth's story and the New Testament teachings about redemption?

Conclusion

Ruth 3:13 serves as a crucial piece in the narrative of redemption, not only illuminating the character of Boaz and Ruth's commitment but also linking to larger biblical themes. A thorough cross-referencing of this verse reveals a cohesive message of God’s faithfulness, the duty of love, and the hope of redemption that resonates throughout scripture.