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Ruth 3:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Ruth 3:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.
Ruth 3:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Ruth 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And she lay at his feet until the morning. And she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing-floor.
15And he said, Bring the mantle that is upon thee, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city.
16And 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.
17And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.
18Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And she said, these six measures of barley gave he me, etc.] Which she laid down before her, which was a proof of his kindness to her, that she was acceptable to him, and had well sped; of these six measures, (see <080315>Ruth 3:15) which by some are allegorically interpreted of six blessings that should be bestowed upon her, as the spirit of wisdom, understanding, etc. as (<231102>Isaiah 11:2) so Jarchi; or of six persons that should spring from her, as David, Daniel, and his companions, and the King Messiah, as the Targum: for he said unto me, go not empty unto thy mother in law; which, as it expressed a regard to Naomi, and a compassionate concern for her support, so would give her…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“six measures of barley--Hebrew, "six seahs," a seah contained about two gallons and a half, six of which must have been rather a heavy load for a woman. Next: Ruth Chapter 4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification