Definition: Also he said, Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid [it] on her: and she went into the city.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ruth 3:15. It’s a really important part of the story and has a surprising meaning! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a woman, likely a Moabite (a people often associated with being displaced), being offered a cloak (the “vail”) to protect her from the elements. She accepts it and then, as part of the process, she measures out six measures of barley – which is about 3 cups – and lays it on her. Let’s unpack it further: “Also he said…” : This indicates that someone was instructing or commanding this woman to do something. “…Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it.” : This is a bit tricky. “Thou hast” is a formal way of saying "you have." So, essentially, the man is asking her to cover yourself with the cloak. He’s emphasizing that she needs to protect herself. “…and when she held it, he measured…” : This is where it gets interesting. As she holds the cloak, he carefully measures out six cups of barley. "...and laid [it] on her: and she went into the city.” : She then lays the barley on her for safekeeping. She goes into the city – meaning she leaves behind her home and finds a place to rest or find shelter. The Significance & What it Means: This story is rich with symbolism. It's about: Kindness and Hospitality: The man is offering this woman kindness, protection, and a temporary refuge. Justice and Mercy: It’s a bit like a demonstration of God’s mercy – he isn’t just giving her a cloak; he’s providing her with a chance to survive and potentially find a new life. Overall Interpretation: This verse illustrates a moment of profound generosity and protection. It highlights the idea that even in difficult circumstances, someone can offer a small act of kindness that leads to a larger opportunity for survival and hope. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss the context of the story (where it comes from)?