TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Ruth 3 verses 1–5
Here is, I. Naomi's care for her daughter's comfort is without doubt very commendable, and is recorded for imitation. She had no thoughts of marrying herself, Rut 1:12. But, though she that was old had resolved upon a perpetual widowhood, yet she was far from the thoughts of confining her daughter-in-law to it, that was young. Age must not make itself a standard to youth. On the contrary, she is full of contrivance how to get her well married. Her wisdom projected that for her daughter which her daughter's modesty forbade her to project for herself, Rut 3:1. This she did 1. In justice to the dead, to raise up seed to those that were gone, and so to preserve the family from being extinct. 2. In kindness and gratitude to her daughter-in-law, who had conducted herself very dutifully and respectfully to her. "My daughter" (said she, looking upon her in all respects as her own), "shall I not seek rest for thee," that is, a settlement in the married state; "shall I not get thee a good husband, that it may be well with thee," that is, "that thou mayest live plentifully and pleasantly, and not spend all thy days in the mean and melancholy condition we now live in?" Note, (1.) A married state is, or should be, a state of rest to young people. Wandering affections are then fixed, and the heart must be at rest. It is at rest in the house of a husband, and in his heart, Rut 1:9. Those are giddy indeed that marriage does not compose. (2.) That which should be desired and designed by those that enter into the married state is that it may be well with them, in order to which it is necessary that they choose well; otherwise, instead of being a rest to them, it may prove the greatest uneasiness. Parents, in disposing of their children, must have this in their eye, that it may be well with them. And be it always remembered that is best for us which is best for our souls. (3.) It is the duty of parents to seek this rest for their children, and to do all that is fit for them to do, in due time, in order to it. And the more dutiful and respectful they are to them, though they can the worse spare them, yet they should the rather prefer them, and the better.
II. The course she took in order to her daughter's preferment was very extraordinary and looks suspicious. If there was any thing improper in it, the fault must lie upon Naomi, who put her daughter upon it, and who knew, or should know, the laws and usages of Israel better than Ruth. 1. It was true that Boaz, being near of kin to the deceased, and (for aught that Naomi knew to the contrary) the nearest of all now alive, was obliged by the divine law to marry the widow of Mahlon, who was the eldest son of Elimelech, and was dead without issue (Rut 3:2): "Is not Boaz of our kindred, and therefore bound in conscience to take care of our affairs?" This may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ, that he is our near kinsman; having taken our nature upon him, he is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. 2. It was a convenient time to remind him of it, now that he had got so much acquaintance with Ruth by her constant attendance on his reapers during the whole harvest, which was now ended; and he also, by the kindness he had shown to Ruth in smaller matters, had encouraged Naomi to hope that he would not be unkind, much less unjust, in this greater. And she thought it was a good opportunity to apply to him when he made a winnowing-feast at his threshing-floor (Rut 3:2), then and there completing the joy of the harvest, and treating his workmen like a kind master: He winnoweth barley tonight, that is, he makes his entertainment tonight. As Nabal and Absalom had feasts at their sheep-shearing, so Boaz at his winnowing. 3. Naomi thought Ruth the most proper person to do it herself; and perhaps it was the usage in that country that in this case the woman should make the demand; so much is intimated by the law, Deu 25:7-9. Naomi therefore orders her daughter-in-law to make herself clean and neat, not to make herself fine (Rut 3:3): "Wash thyself and anoint thee, not paint thee (as Jezebel), put on thy raiment, but not the attire of a harlot, and go down to the floor," whither, it is probable, she was invited to the supper there made; but she must not make herself known, that it, not make her errand known (she herself could not but be very well known among Boaz's reapers) till the company had dispersed and Boaz had retired. And upon this occasion she would have an easier access to him in private than she could have at his own house. And thus far was well enough. But, 4. Her coming to lie down at his feet, when he was asleep in his bed, had such an appearance of evil, was such an approach towards it, and might have been such an occasion of it, that we know not well how to justify it. Many expositors think it unjustifiable, particularly the excellent Mr. Poole. We must not to evil that good may come. It is dangerous to bring the spark and the tinder together; for how great a matter may a little fire kindle! All agree that it is not to be drawn into a precedent; neither our laws nor our times are the same that were then; yet I am willing to make the best of it. If Boaz was, as they presumed, the next kinsman, she was his wife before God (as we say), and there needed but little ceremony to complete the nuptials; and Naomi did not intend that Ruth should approach to him any otherwise than as his wife. She knew Boaz to be not only an old man (she would not have trusted to that alone in venturing her daughter-in-law so near him), but a grave sober man, a virtuous and religious man, and one that feared God. She knew Ruth to be a modest woman, chaste, and a keeper at home, Tit 2:5. The Israelites had indeed been once debauched by the daughters of Moab (Num 25:1), but this Moabitess was none of those daughters. Naomi herself designed nothing but what was honest and honourable, and her charity (which believeth all things and hopeth all things) banished and forbade all suspicion that either Boaz or Ruth would attempt any thing but what was likewise honest and honourable. If what she advised had been then as indecent and immodest (according to the usage of the country) as it seems now to us, we cannot think that if Naomi had had so little virtue (which yet we have no reason to suspect) she would also have had so little wisdom as to put her daughter upon it, since that alone might have marred the match, and have alienated the affections of so grave and good a man as Boaz from her. We must therefore think that the thing did not look so ill then as it does now. Naomi referred her daughter-in-law to Boaz for further directions. When she had thus made her claim, Boaz, who was more learned in the laws, would tell her what she must do. Thus must we lay ourselves at the feet of our Redeemer, to receive from him our doom. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Act 9:6. We may be sure, if Ruth had apprehended any evil in that which her mother advised her to, she was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to promise as she did (Rut 3:5): All that thou sayest unto me I will do. Thus must the younger submit to the elder, and to their grave and prudent counsels, when they have nothing worth speaking of to object against it.
Continue studying Ruth 3:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Ruth 3:5 captures Ruth's immediate, unwavering, and complete assent to Naomi's audacious yet divinely inspired plan for securing her future. This concise declaration of obedience and profound trust is a pivotal moment in the narrative, signaling Ruth's deep loyalty and practical faith, which sets in motion the providential events leading to her marriage to Boaz and her integration into the lineage of Israel's greatest king, David, and ultimately, the Messiah.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Conciseness and Direct Speech to profound effect. Ruth's brief, unambiguous declaration, "All that thou sayest unto me I will do," stands in stark contrast to the detailed and somewhat elaborate instructions given by Naomi, highlighting the immediate and unhesitating nature of her obedience. This brevity amplifies the force of her commitment. The use of Foreshadowing is also powerfully present; Ruth's simple "I will do" immediately suggests the successful execution of the plan and the subsequent positive developments in the narrative, building suspense and anticipation for the reader. The verse also functions as a crucial Turning Point, marking Ruth's active and decisive participation in securing her own future under Naomi's guidance, shifting the narrative from Naomi's strategic planning to Ruth's courageous and faithful action, thereby setting the stage for the dramatic encounter with Boaz.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth's unwavering obedience in this verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and action. It illustrates that trust in divine providence often requires human cooperation, where diligent and obedient steps are taken in response to wise counsel. Her willingness to act on Naomi's unconventional instructions, despite potential social awkwardness or risk, demonstrates a practical faith that is ready to step out of comfort zones and embrace God's leading through human instruments. This active trust is a recurring theme in biblical narratives, where God often works through the faithful obedience of His people to accomplish His purposes, even when the path seems unclear or challenging. Ruth's response embodies the principle that true faith is always active and finds expression in concrete deeds.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:5 offers a compelling model of humble submission, active trust, and courageous obedience for believers today. In a world that often prizes radical independence and self-reliance, Ruth's example reminds us of the profound value in seeking and heeding godly counsel, especially from those who genuinely care for our well-being and possess spiritual wisdom. Her immediate and unqualified "I will do" challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to divine leading, whether it comes through the clear directives of Scripture, the wise counsel of trusted mentors, or the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, God's path for us may seem unconventional, risky, or beyond our immediate comfort zone, yet Ruth's story reassures us that obedience, even in uncertainty, can open doors to unforeseen blessings and align us with God's perfect, redemptive plan. It encourages us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to active, trusting engagement with God's purposes for our lives, demonstrating a faith that is willing to act.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Naomi's plan for Ruth at the threshing floor so unconventional or risky?
Answer: Naomi's plan was unconventional because it involved Ruth, a young, vulnerable widow, approaching a man (Boaz) discreetly at night in a relatively isolated location (the threshing floor). While not inherently immoral, such an act could be gravely misinterpreted and potentially compromise Ruth's reputation if not handled with extreme care and according to the unwritten social codes of the time. The act of uncovering Boaz's feet and lying down was a symbolic, humble appeal to his kinsman-redeemer duty (the go'el), rather than a direct or immodest proposition. It was a bold move that required immense trust from Ruth and a clear understanding of Boaz's character and the customs surrounding the go'el (Ruth 2:20). The primary risk lay in potential misinterpretation or scandal, which could have ruined Ruth's chances for marriage and security, and potentially dishonored Boaz.
What does Ruth's "I will do" reveal about her character?
Answer: Ruth's concise declaration, "All that thou sayest unto me I will do," profoundly reveals several facets of her exceptional character. It highlights her deep loyalty and devotion to Naomi, her humility in submitting to Naomi's wisdom and authority, and her unwavering trust in her mother-in-law's guidance, even when the instructions were unusual or potentially risky. Furthermore, it demonstrates her courage and practical faith, as she was willing to act boldly and step out of her comfort zone to secure her future and honor Naomi. This verse encapsulates the essence of Ruth's character as a woman of remarkable virtue, faithfulness, and proactive obedience, a theme consistent throughout the entire Book of Ruth.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth's unqualified obedience in Ruth 3:5 beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect obedience of Christ. Just as Ruth fully committed to Naomi's plan for her redemption and security, so too did Jesus perfectly submit to the Father's will for the redemption of humanity. From His incarnation, where He declared, "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7), to His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42), Jesus' entire life was an embodiment of "I will do." His obedience, unlike ours, was flawless and complete, leading Him to the cross to become our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, securing for us not merely earthly rest but eternal salvation, adoption into God's family, and an imperishable inheritance in the kingdom of God (Ephesians 1:7 and 1 Peter 1:3-4). Ruth's faithful action, guided by Naomi's wisdom, points to the divine wisdom and perfect obedience of Christ, through whom all true "rest" and redemption are found (Matthew 11:28-30). He is the true Boaz, who covers us with His garment of righteousness.