A common misinterpretation of Ruth 3:16 takes Naomi's question 'Who art thou, my daughter?' literally, suggesting she fails to recognize Ruth due to darkness, disguise, or some scandalous transformation from the threshing floor events, implying impropriety or Ruth's promiscuity; in reality, this is a Hebrew idiomatic expression akin to 'How did it go?' or 'What news?', focusing on the situation's progress rather than identity, and the passage emphasizes Boaz's honorable conduct without any hint of immorality.
Ruth 3:16
King James Version (1769)
16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
Ruth 3:16 captures a pivotal moment of transparency and trust as Ruth returns to Naomi after her bold nighttime encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, recounting his protective kindness in giving her grain and instructing her to leave early to avoid gossip, which underscores themes of redemption, divine providence, and the kinsman-redeemer's role; Naomi's inquiring 'Who art thou, my daughter?' idiomatically seeks details on the outcome, affirming Ruth's obedience and setting the stage for Boaz's pursuit of their family's restoration through lawful means.