Tag Archives: Ruth 3:4

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.… Learn Hebrew