Introduction: Hidden Proposals and Grammatical Strategy
Ruth 3:4 is part of Naomi’s carefully crafted plan for Ruth to approach Boʿaz on the threshing floor, initiating a potential levirate marriage (or go’el obligation). The verse reflects tactful agency, conveyed through conditional sequencing, coordinated verbs, and future-oriented clauses. The grammar underscores a mixture of obedience, initiative, and suspense in this intimate but socially dangerous moment:
וִיהִ֣י בְשָׁכְבֹ֗ו וְיָדַ֨עַתְּ֙ אֶת־הַמָּקֹום֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִשְׁכַּב־שָׁ֔ם וּבָ֛את וְגִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂין׃
And when he lies down, you shall observe the place where he lies. Then go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you shall do.
This verse employs a delicate balance of verbs, many in sequential form, to describe a carefully timed approach. The syntactic arrangement plays a crucial role in modulating tone—respectful yet bold, passive yet initiating.
Grammatical Feature Analysis: Sequential Verbs and Imperative Coordination
The verse begins with the conditional clause וִיהִי בְשָׁכְבֹו (“and when he lies down”), with וִיהִי (wayyiqtol of הָיָה, “it shall happen”) functioning idiomatically to introduce a circumstance. The infinitive construct בְשָׁכְבֹו (“in his lying down”) uses a temporal prepositional phrase with a 3ms suffix—“when he lies down.”
The next clause וְיָדַעַתְּ אֶת־הַמָּקֹום אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב־שָׁם (“you shall observe the place where he lies”) uses the perfect 2fs יָדַעַתְּ (from י־ד־ע, “to know”) with a direct object marker אֶת and a relative clause אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב שָׁם (“where he lies”). The form emphasizes careful observation and awareness, highlighting Ruth’s attentiveness and agency.
Then follows a sequence of wayyiqtol commands: וּבָאת (“and you shall come”), וְגִלִּית מַרְגְּלֹתָיו (“and uncover his feet”), and וְשָׁכָבְתְּ (“and lie down”). These verbs are grammatically consecutive, but narratively escalating. Each action increases the intimacy and the risk, with גִלִּית (piel perfect 2fs) intensifying the tone through direct interaction with Boʿaz’s body.
The final clause provides reassurance through grammar: וְהוּא יַגִּיד לָךְ אֵת אֲשֶׁר תַּעַשִׂין (“and he will tell you what you should do”). The verb יַגִּיד (hiphil imperfect 3ms of נ־ג־ד, “to declare”) reassures the listener that responsibility shifts to Boʿaz at this critical juncture. The relative clause אֲשֶׁר תַּעַשִׂין (“what you shall do”) uses the 2fs imperfect, framing Ruth’s role as one of obedience to a future response.
Exegetical Implications: Female Initiative Within Cultural Boundaries
The structure of this verse reveals Naomi’s tactical wisdom. While she instructs Ruth to act, the commands are framed in such a way that ultimate direction comes from Boʿaz. This protects Ruth from the appearance of impropriety while enabling her to initiate a culturally appropriate marriage claim.
Jewish commentators such as Rashi interpret the uncovering of feet as a symbolic gesture to awaken and prompt action, not a sexual act. The grammar supports this: the use of מַרְגְּלֹתָיו (“his feet”) instead of a euphemism suggests a gesture of submission and clarity of intent, not seduction.
The assurance clause וְהוּא יַגִּיד לָךְ places final decision-making with Boʿaz, framing the encounter not as coercion but as covenantal engagement. Ruth acts, but she also waits—her grammar reflects both initiative and receptivity.
Cross-Linguistic and Literary Parallels
Ancient Near Eastern betrothal customs involved ritual gestures to signal intention. In Akkadian texts, symbolic actions near a sleeping figure often signified pleas for redemption or protection. Here, the Hebrew grammar condenses a ritualistic approach into poetic narrative flow.
The Septuagint retains the layered syntax: καὶ ἐπειδὰν κοιμηθῇ, καὶ γνώσῃ τὸν τόπον οὗ κοιμᾶται, καὶ εἰσελεύσῃ καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις τὰ ἔσχατα αὐτοῦ καὶ κοιμηθήσῃ, mirroring the sequence of perceived, approached, revealed, rested.
Theological and Literary Significance: Hidden in the Grammar, Revealed in the Covenant
This verse delicately balances risk, strategy, and social order. Through its verb sequence, it gives Ruth initiative within the bounds of propriety. The grammatical choreography—observe, approach, act, and wait—constructs not just a plan, but a pattern of faithfulness and humility.
Literarily, the verse is a turning point. The threshing floor becomes the place where covenant begins, not merely where grain is processed. And the grammar—not merely the action—preserves both Ruth’s honor and Naomi’s wisdom.
Uncovering and Waiting: Syntax of Agency in Ruth 3:4
Ruth 3:4 masterfully uses grammar to stage a scene of humble initiative and strategic waiting. Through sequential verbs, conditional timing, and a final passive assurance, the verse portrays covenantal pursuit without presumption. Ruth acts, not out of seduction, but out of trust—and grammar tells the story with restraint and grace.
