King James Version
What Does Ruth 3:6 Mean?
“And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.”
Ruth 3:6 · KJV
Context
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.
8
And it came to pass at midnight , that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. turned: or, took hold on
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryRuth's execution: 'And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her'. The narrative confirms Ruth's complete obedience—she followed instructions precisely. This repetition emphasizes her faithfulness and the plan's proper execution. Her actions set in motion events leading to redemption, demonstrating how God works through human obedience to accomplish His purposes. What appeared risky became the mechanism for divine provision and covenant fulfillment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Threshing floors during harvest were busy places during day but quieter at night, with owners and perhaps some workers sleeping there guarding grain. Ruth's nighttime approach allowed private conversation without public spectacle. Archaeological evidence shows ancient threshing floors were flat, hard-packed circular areas, often near fields. The setting provided appropriate venue for discussing redemption rights without formal legal proceedings but still maintaining propriety through semi-public location.
Reflection Questions
- How does Ruth's obedience demonstrate that faith requires action, not merely intellectual assent?
- What does this passage teach about God using human initiative and obedience to accomplish His sovereign purposes?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוַתֵּ֖רֶד1 of 7
“And she went down”
H3381to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
כְּכֹ֥ל4 of 7
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר5 of 7
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge