# It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

# at midnight

"in the middle of the night"

# was startled

It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet.

# He turned over

He looked to see what startled him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# a woman was lying at his feet

The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness.

# your female servant

Ruth spoke with humility to Boaz.

# Spread your cloak over your female servant

This was a cultural idiom for marriage. AT: "Marry me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# near kinsman

a close relative with special responsibilities toward their extended family

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/ruth]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/servant]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/kin]]