Definition: And he said, Who [art] thou? And she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the story of Ruth. It's a really interesting and surprisingly touching part of the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about grace and acceptance . Ruth was a Moabite woman – she came from a background that wasn't considered good by the Israelites. But God sees her potential, and he chooses to accept her into his family. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And he said, Who [art] thou?” - This is a question directed at Ruth. It's a bit mysterious – why is God asking this question? It suggests that He recognizes her and sees something special in her. “And she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman.” - This is the crucial part! Ruth responds with a simple, but powerful answer: "I am Ruth." The word “handmaid” means a servant. She also says, "spread your skirt over mine". “thy skirt” : She’s saying that she's offering to help her in some way. “over thine handmaid” : This is the key part! It means to cover her with a shawl or piece of cloth. It's a gesture of kindness, comfort, and acknowledging her position as a servant. “for thou [art] a near kinsman.” - This is where it gets really significant. “Near kinsman” means she’s a relative – a daughter (or descendant) of Boaz, the man who later becomes a stepfather to Ruth. It’s a sign that God sees her as someone worthy of his favor and care. So, what's the overall message? This verse highlights God's compassion and mercy . He doesn't just look at Ruth as a servant; he recognizes her worthiness through her connection to Boaz. It’s about being accepted because of who you are – not just based on your background or status. It shows that God loves everyone, even those who are different. In essence, it's a beautiful example of grace and the idea that God values people for their character and potential. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible story?