8 In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned-and there was a woman lying at his feet!
8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned
8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet!
8 In the middle of the night the man was suddenly startled and sat up. Surprise! This woman asleep at his feet!
8 Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet.
8 Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 3:8
Commentary on Ruth 3:6-13
(Read Ruth 3:6-13)
What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attempted not to take advantage of Ruth; he did not disdain her as a poor, destitute stranger, nor suspect her of any ill intentions. He spoke honourably of her as a virtuous woman, made her a promise, and as soon as the morning arrived, sent her away with a present to her mother-in-law. Boaz made his promise conditional, for there was a kinsman nearer than he, to whom the right of redemption belonged.