4. After he eats, he will lie down to rest. Watch him so that you will know where he lies down. Go there and lift the cover off his feet. Then lie down there with Boaz. He will tell you what you should do about marriage.”
5. Then Ruth answered, “I will do what you say.”
6. So Ruth went down to the threshing floor and did everything that her mother-in-law told her to do.
7. After eating and drinking, Boaz was very satisfied. He went to lie down near the pile of grain. Then Ruth went to him very quietly and lifted the cover from his feet and lay down by his feet.
8. About midnight, Boaz rolled over in his sleep and woke up. He was very surprised. There was a woman lying near his feet.
9. Boaz said, “Who are you?” She said, “I am Ruth, your servant girl. Spread your cover over me. You are my protector.”
10. Then Boaz said, “May the Lord bless you, young woman. You have been very kind to me. Your kindness to me is greater than the kindness you showed to Naomi in the beginning. You could have looked for a young man to marry, rich or poor. But you did not.
11. Now, young woman, don’t be afraid. I will do what you ask. All the people in our town know that you are a very good woman.
12. And it is true that I am a close relative. But there is a man who is a closer relative to you than I am.
13. Stay here tonight. In the morning we will see if he will help you. If he decides to help you, that is fine. If he refuses to help, I promise, as surely as the Lord lives, I will marry you and buy back Elimelech’s land for you. So lie here until morning.”