Ruth 3:9
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
Note Or Spread your wing; the word for wing can also mean corner of a garment; see Ruth 2:12.
Note The Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer or guardian-redeemer is a legal term for the kinsman who redeems or vindicates a relative; similarly in verses 12 and 13; see Leviticus 25:25–55.
And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Note a near…: or, one that hath right to redeem
He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”
And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Related passages
From the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, grouped by the word they explain.
- Ruth
- Ruth 2:10–13; 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 14:11
- spread therefore
- Hebrew "spread thy wing;" the emblem of protection; and a metaphor taken from the young of fowls, which run under the wings of their mother from birds of prey. Even to the present day, when a Jew marries a woman, he throws the skirts of his {talith} over her, to signify that he has taken her under his protection.
- Ezekiel 16:8
- a near kinsman
- or, one that has right to redeem.
- Ruth 3:12; Ruth 2:20