Ruth 3:17 Meaning: Boaz's Gift of Barley and a Promise
She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’”
And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.
And she saith, `These six measures of barley he hath given to me, for he said, Thou dost not go in empty unto thy mother-in-law.'
And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty to thy mother-in-law.
Meaning in one sentence
Why did Boaz send Ruth home with six measures of barley? In Ruth 3:17, his care for Naomi's emptiness points to God's provision and the hope of redemption.
Context
Ruth has just come home from a risky but faithful night at Boaz's threshing floor. Naomi, her mother-in-law, asks what happened. Ruth tells her everything Boaz said and did, and then she shows the proof: six measures of barley he sent for Naomi. Boaz had made it clear: she should not return to Naomi empty-handed. This gift is more than kindness, it is a sign that he will act as their kinsman-redeemer. He has promised to settle the matter with the nearer relative. The barley is an advance on that promise, a tangible assurance that God has not forgotten these two widows.
Key Words
Two words in this verse carry the story's weight. The first is empty (reikam in Hebrew). Earlier in the book, Naomi lamented that she went out full but returned empty. Now Boaz sends Ruth back with this very word reversed, not empty. The emptiness that marked Naomi's grief is being filled, one grain at a time.
The second is gave (natan). Throughout Ruth, God's giving is shown through human hands. Boaz gives generously, not just a handful but a heavy load. His giving echoes the way God gives: with purpose and more than enough. This barley is no random gift. It is a pledge that the redeemer is on his way.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this verse in different ways. Some, like the Geneva Bible notes, see it as a simple confirmation of Boaz's kindness and a practical gift. Others, like Gill's Exposition, find allegorical meaning: the six measures representing six blessings or six great figures who would descend from Ruth, including King David and ultimately the Messiah. Matthew Henry focused on Boaz's care for Naomi and how Ruth's honesty in reporting everything reflected her virtue. Across these views, Christians agree that the gift of barley is a quiet but powerful sign that God's redemption is already at work through ordinary acts of generosity.
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to think Ruth brought the barley as payment for her night visit, as if Boaz was compensating her. In fact, Boaz specifically told her not to go empty to her mother-in-law. The gift was for Naomi, not a wage for Ruth. It was a provision of care and a sign that Boaz intended to fulfill the role of redeemer. The barley assured Naomi that their emptiness was being seen and addressed.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to notice who in your life is coming empty, exhausted, grieving, short on hope. And then to give something that signals, 'I see you, and you are not forgotten.' It might be a meal, a visit, a practical gift. Boaz didn't just give Ruth enough for herself; he gave for her mother-in-law too. Think of someone connected to the person you serve. Your small act of provision can be a tangible sign of God's larger promise that He will not leave anyone empty-handed.
Main takeaway: God uses small, tangible gifts to assure us that He sees our emptiness and is already working to fill it with redemption.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Boaz gave Ruth six bags of barley for Naomi. He didn't want Naomi to be hungry. God used Boaz to take care of them.
For ages 9, 12
Ruth brought home six measures of barley, a heavy gift from Boaz. He told her not to come back empty to her mother-in-law. This showed he cared for both women and was serious about being their family protector. Even a gift of food can be a promise that God is working out a bigger plan.
Questions People Ask
Why did Boaz give Ruth six measures of barley?
Boaz gave the barley as a practical gift to sustain Naomi and Ruth. It was a sign of his commitment to act as their kinsman-redeemer and a pledge that he would settle the matter of redemption. The quantity was generous, about 30 liters or more, showing his care.
What does 'empty' mean in Ruth 3:17?
The Hebrew word 'reikam' means empty-handed, without provision. It echoes Naomi's earlier complaint that she went out full but came back empty (Ruth 1:21). Boaz's command reverses that emptiness, providing for Naomi and symbolizing God's filling of their loss.
How does this verse show Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer?
A kinsman-redeemer was a relative who would protect the family line and property. By sending barley and telling Ruth not to go empty to Naomi, Boaz shows he is already caring for their needs and acting on his promise to redeem them. The gift is a down payment on that role.
Did Ruth marry Boaz because of the barley?
No, the barley was not payment or a bride price. It was a gift of provision while Boaz arranged the legal redemption with the nearer kinsman. Ruth and Boaz's marriage came later as part of God's plan, but the barley was a sign of his care, not the reason for the marriage.
Why did Boaz send the barley specifically for Naomi?
Boaz knew that Naomi was the one who had lost everything, her husband and sons. Ruth had found favor with him, but he wanted to ensure Naomi was not forgotten. Telling Ruth not to go empty to her mother-in-law showed his concern for the family unit and his understanding of their need.
For pastors & researchers
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