Misinterpretations of this verse often wrongly portray the barley as payment for sexual favors or a bribe to silence Ruth about her threshing-floor encounter, twisting Boaz's honorable character into something illicit despite the pure context of redemption customs; others dismiss it as random charity, ignoring its symbolic pledge of provision and commitment under Levitate law, or view Ruth as manipulative, overlooking her obedience and vulnerability in a patriarchal society.
Ruth 3:17
King James Version (1769)
17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
Ruth 3:17 reveals Boaz's compassionate provision as he sends Ruth home with six measures of barley, instructing her not to return empty to Naomi, which symbolizes his intent to redeem her as kinsman-redeemer and care for the vulnerable widows. This act of generosity highlights God's providential care, cultural customs of family redemption, and foreshadows the ultimate Redeemer in Christ through Ruth's lineage, emphasizing themes of abundance, faithfulness, and restoration in times of uncertainty.