Ruth 3 5

Ruth 3:5 kjv

And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

Ruth 3:5 nkjv

And she said to her, "All that you say to me I will do."

Ruth 3:5 niv

"I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered.

Ruth 3:5 esv

And she replied, "All that you say I will do."

Ruth 3:5 nlt

"I will do everything you say," Ruth replied.

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 5 Meaning

Ruth 3:5 portrays Ruth's immediate, full, and trusting obedience to her mother-in-law, Naomi. This verse serves as a pivotal point, signifying Ruth's resolute commitment to Naomi's seemingly audacious plan, which involves approaching Boaz at the threshing floor to secure a future for herself and, by extension, the continuance of Naomi's family line. Ruth's simple affirmation, "All that you say to me I will do," encapsulates profound faith, humility, and dedication to Naomi, showcasing a virtue vital to the unfolding divine plan within the narrative.

Ruth 3 5 Context

Ruth 3:5 occurs at a pivotal moment in the book of Ruth, following Naomi's bold and calculated plan to secure a "resting place" or security for Ruth by approaching Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. Earlier, in Ruth 3:1-4, Naomi provides explicit, detailed instructions to Ruth: wash, anoint herself, dress, and go down to the threshing floor discreetly, uncover Boaz's feet, and lie down. This was an unconventional, potentially risky, and culturally sensitive proposal. The threshing floor was a place of significant economic activity, often bustling during the day but potentially secluded and vulnerable at night. It also carried a cultural association with courtship and even proposal, making Naomi's instructions even more delicate. Ruth's response in verse 5, therefore, is crucial, indicating her complete trust in Naomi's wisdom and willingness to participate in a plan that carries significant social implications for her reputation and future. It reflects Ruth's ongoing loyalty and commitment, qualities highlighted throughout the book.

Ruth 3 5 Word analysis

• And she said: This introduces Ruth's direct, simple, yet profound response to Naomi's detailed and potentially shocking instructions. It signifies a transition from instruction to consent.
• to her: Refers to Naomi. This reinforces the relational dynamic, a younger, dependent woman accepting the wisdom and authority of her elder, mother-in-law. The Hebrew phrase 'eleyha (אֵלֶיהָ) literally means "to her."
• All: Hebrew kol (כֹּל), signifying absolute completeness and without exception. Ruth pledges unconditional compliance, not partial or selective obedience. This conveys the depth of her trust.
• that you say to me: Hebrew 'asher tomri 'elai (אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמְרִי אֵלַי). This phrase explicitly points to Naomi as the source of the counsel. It emphasizes that Ruth's actions stem directly from Naomi's instruction, highlighting her submission to Naomi's wisdom and plan for her welfare. It is an act of respectful heeding.
• I will do: Hebrew 'e'eseh (אֶעֱשֶׂה), a first-person singular imperfect verb form, indicating a firm, deliberate commitment to future action. It signifies resolve and an immediate willingness to obey without question or hesitation. This is a powerful declaration of intention, signaling a ready heart and hand to execute the plan, regardless of its unusual nature or perceived risks.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And she said to her": This opening phrase sets the scene for a direct exchange between two central figures. It frames Ruth's response as a direct answer to Naomi's prior discourse, showing their close relationship and the continuation of their dialogue, critical to the unfolding plot.
• "All that you say to me": This grouping underlines the comprehensive scope of Ruth's submission. It's not just the general idea, but every single instruction, every detail given by Naomi, no matter how unusual or demanding. This reveals an astonishing level of trust in Naomi’s judgment and character, considering the culturally delicate nature of the instructions given earlier (Ruth 3:3-4). This also highlights Naomi's active role in shaping Ruth's destiny.
• "I will do": This concise, definitive statement confirms Ruth's immediate and unequivocal compliance. It shows a virtuous determination. Ruth's actions will perfectly align with Naomi's words, serving as a model of faithful execution of counsel. This promise is key to the entire plot's progression, demonstrating Ruth's agency through obedience.

Ruth 3 5 Bonus section

• Ruth's response demonstrates her 'hesed' (loyal love/kindness) not only towards Naomi but also towards the preservation of Naomi's family line, a commitment that goes beyond conventional social expectations for a Moabite widow.
• This act of obedience, despite its inherent risk, parallels the faith-filled actions of biblical figures like Abraham, who obeyed God's call to an unknown land (Heb 11:8), trusting in a promise greater than his immediate understanding.
• The narrative subtly contrasts Ruth's humble obedience with any potential for pride or self-reliance, showing that following the path of wise counsel, even when challenging, is a virtue.
• The threshing floor, a place of harvest and grain separation, ironically becomes a place where destinies are entwined and the line of a redeemer is secured, showing God's providence at work in seemingly ordinary or even risky settings.

Ruth 3 5 Commentary

Ruth 3:5 is a pinnacle moment of humble obedience and unwavering trust in the narrative of Ruth. Having received highly unconventional and potentially scandalous instructions from Naomi regarding an encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, Ruth's immediate and unqualified response "All that you say to me I will do" exemplifies her profound loyalty and exceptional character. This is not a hesitant or reluctant assent but a firm declaration of total commitment. Ruth's actions are motivated by her enduring love for Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17) and her faithfulness, which Boaz himself commends (Ruth 3:10-11). Her willingness to place herself in a vulnerable situation, trusting Naomi’s wisdom for their future security, highlights a crucial biblical principle: blessed outcomes often spring from radical obedience and faith in wise, divinely-guided counsel, even when the path is unclear or culturally challenging. This verse sets the stage for God's provision and Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer, which hinges upon Ruth's courageous act of obedience.