What does Ruth 3:15 mean?

Ruth has asked Boaz to marry her. Boaz wants to, but as Ruth wants an heir for Naomi, and there is a man who is more closely related, Boaz must confer with that man, first (Ruth 3:9–13). Ruth has been gleaning in Boaz's fields for the last two months, first barley and then wheat (Ruth 2:23). Between Boaz's generosity and her own industry, she likely has enough grain to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law for the year.

If the other man agrees to marry Ruth, Boaz won't have an opportunity to bless Ruth anymore. If the man refuses to marry Ruth, Boaz may want to offer Naomi a dowery for Ruth. Either way, Boaz is so impressed by the sacrifices Ruth has made for Naomi (Ruth 1:16–17; 2:11–12) that he continues to take the responsibility to make sure the women have what they need.

Scholars are unclear as to what a "measure" is. It can't be an ephah, because that would make Ruth's load weigh more than a typical person. It's more likely a seah, which would make the entire load between sixty and one hundred pounds, or between twenty-seven and forty-five kilograms. The "garment" is most likely Ruth's shawl.