Definition: And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ruth 3:2. It's a really important and slightly surprising sentence! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Ruth is telling Boaz that she’s married to Naomi’s son, Obed. But, she’s not marrying him because she’s married to a man named David. She’s explaining why she’s hesitant to take this new marriage. Let's unpack it word by word: “And now is not…” – This phrase sets up the context. It’s like saying “Now, let me explain…” or “This is important.” “…Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?” - "Our kin" means someone who shares a common family line. "With whose maidens thou wast?" – This is the key part. It's asking if Boaz is married to someone Ruth’s family is related to. “Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.” - This describes what Boaz is actually doing. He’s carefully sorting and separating barley grain (the harvest) from the chaff. He's doing this at night – he's working hard and quietly. “Winnoweth” means to separate and sift through grains. "To night" emphasizes it's a focused, private activity. Putting it all together: Ruth is saying that she’s not marrying Boaz because he’s married to someone else (David’s maid). She’s explaining that he’s not pursuing her romantically. He's focusing on his work - sorting grain – and this seems like a very serious, private commitment. Why is this important? This verse shows that Ruth is incredibly strong-willed and doesn't want to be pressured into a marriage. It highlights her independence and her refusal to be controlled by others. It’s a really powerful moment in the story – it demonstrates her self-respect and determination. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ruth 3? Discuss what this verse might suggest about Ruth's character or situation?