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, 'He gave me these six measures of barley, because he told me, "Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed."'
Ruth is telling Naomi that Boaz was so generous and thoughtful that he made sure she wouldn't return home without a gift to share.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel during the time of the Judges, Ruth was a Moabite widow who had faithfully followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem after losing her husband. After Ruth approaches Boaz, a relative and potential kinsman-redeemer, at the threshing floor as Naomi instructed, he gives her six measures of barley as a gesture of his generosity and commitment to their welfare. This act highlights the cultural values of hospitality, family obligation, and the levirate customs that were essential for widows' protection in Israelite society.
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