King James Version

What Does Ruth 3:5 Mean?

Ruth 3:5 in the King James Version says “And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do. — study this verse from Ruth chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ruth 3:5 · KJV


Context

3

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

4

And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. uncover: or, lift up the clothes that are on

5

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

6

And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

7

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ruth's obedience: 'And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do'. Ruth's complete submission to Naomi's plan demonstrates trust in her mother-in-law's wisdom and God's providence working through godly counsel. She doesn't question, modify, or hesitate but commits to full obedience despite the plan's unusual nature and potential for misunderstanding. This models biblical submission to wise counsel and willingness to step out in faith-based action when God's purposes require bold initiative.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient family structures emphasized filial obedience and respect for elders' wisdom. Ruth's obedience wasn't blind but trust-based—she knew Naomi's character, recognized God's providence in bringing her to Boaz's field, and trusted that Naomi's plan aligned with God's purposes. Her previous covenant loyalty (Ruth 1:16-17) now expressed itself in obedient action. Biblical obedience often requires acting on faith when outcomes are uncertain but counsel comes from godly sources aligned with Scripture's principles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's obedience without argument model trust in godly counsel?
  2. What does this teach about when believers should step out in faith-based action versus when to wait for more clarity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תֹּֽאמְרִ֥י1 of 6

And she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֑יהָ2 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֛ל3 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 6
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּֽאמְרִ֥י5 of 6

And she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה׃6 of 6

unto me I will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 3:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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