Ruth 3:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And she said {H559} unto her, All that thou sayest {H559} unto me I will do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She responded, "I will do everything you tell me."

Berean Standard Bible

“I will do everything you say,” Ruth answered.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:5 captures Ruth's immediate, unwavering, and complete assent to Naomi's audacious plan for securing her future. This concise declaration of obedience and trust is a pivotal moment, signaling Ruth's profound 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Naomi's detailed and unconventional instructions to Ruth regarding how to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, as outlined in [Ruth 3:3-4](/ruth/3-3 "Ruth 3:3-4 - Naomi's Instructions to Ruth"). Naomi's motivation, expressed earlier in [Ruth 3:1](/ruth/3-1 "Ruth 3:1 - Naomi's Desire for Ruth's Rest"), is to find "rest" (security, a home, a husband) for Ruth. Ruth's simple, unqualified affirmation here highlights her deep respect and trust in Naomi, despite the potential social risks involved in such a bold maneuver. This response is crucial for the narrative's progression, as it demonstrates Ruth's willingness to act on Naomi's wisdom, setting the stage for the dramatic encounter with Boaz in the subsequent verses, specifically [Ruth 3:6-9](/ruth/3-6 "Ruth 3:6-9 - Ruth's Encounter with Boaz").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene takes place during the barley harvest, a time of communal labor and celebration, but also vulnerability, as threshing floors were often isolated and used at night. Naomi's plan leverages the Israelite custom of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: _go'el_), a relative obligated to protect the family's interests, including buying back land or marrying a widow to raise up an heir, as prescribed in [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage Law"). While Naomi's instructions might seem scandalous by modern standards, they were a symbolic appeal to Boaz's _go'el_ duty, performed discreetly to preserve honor. Ruth's obedience reflects the cultural expectation of respect for elders and the importance of securing a male protector and provider in a patriarchal society.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth's response powerfully underscores the themes of **loyalty** and **devotion** that define her character throughout the book, particularly her steadfast commitment to Naomi, vividly expressed in [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow to Naomi"). It also highlights the theme of **wise counsel** and **obedience**, showing how human agency, guided by wisdom and faith, interacts with divine **providence**. Naomi's strategic planning and Ruth's trusting action are instrumental in facilitating God's overarching plan to provide for them and to bring about the lineage of David, a theme that resonates throughout the [book of Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth - A Story of Loyalty and Redemption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **All (Hebrew, כֹּל, _kol_):** This word emphasizes the totality and completeness of Ruth's commitment. It signifies an unreserved acceptance of Naomi's instructions, without question or hesitation. It's not "some" or "most," but "all," indicating absolute trust and obedience.
* **I will do (Hebrew, אֶעֱשֶׂה, _'e'eseh_):** This verb, a first-person singular imperfect form of _'asah_ (to do, make, act), conveys Ruth's immediate and firm intention to carry out the instructions. It's an active, decisive commitment, not a passive agreement. It speaks to her resolve and readiness for action, demonstrating a faith that translates into tangible deeds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she said unto her":** This simple introductory phrase sets the scene for Ruth's direct response to Naomi. It emphasizes the personal nature of their interaction and the direct communication between them, highlighting the intimate bond and trust that has developed between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
* **"All that thou sayest unto me":** This clause refers back to the entirety of Naomi's detailed and potentially risky instructions given in [Ruth 3:3-4](/ruth/3-3 "Ruth 3:3-4 - Naomi's Instructions to Ruth"). It encompasses the preparation, the timing, the discreet approach to Boaz at the threshing floor, and the symbolic act of uncovering his feet and lying down. Ruth's acknowledgment of "all" indicates her full comprehension and acceptance of the entire, unconventional plan.
* **"I will do":** This concluding declaration is the heart of Ruth's response. It is a powerful statement of unreserved obedience and active commitment. It signifies her willingness to put Naomi's potentially audacious plan into action, trusting in her mother-in-law's wisdom and the potential for a positive outcome, even if the path is unconventional or socially precarious.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** and **Direct Speech** to powerful effect. Ruth's brief, unambiguous declaration stands in stark contrast to the detailed instructions given by Naomi, highlighting the immediate and unhesitating nature of her obedience. The use of **Foreshadowing** is also present; Ruth's simple "I will do" foreshadows 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 **Turning Point**, marking Ruth's active participation in securing her own future under Naomi's guidance, shifting the narrative from Naomi's planning to Ruth's decisive action.

### 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. 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.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience of Faith")

### 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 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 "I will do" challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to divine leading, whether it comes through Scripture, the counsel of wise mentors, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, God's path for us may seem unconventional, risky, or beyond our comfort zone, but Ruth's story reassures us that obedience, even in uncertainty, can open doors to unforeseen blessings and align us with God's perfect plan. It encourages us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to active, trusting engagement with God's purposes for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to trust and obey, even when the path seems unclear or unconventional?**
* **Who are the "Naomis" in your life—godly mentors or wise counselors—whose advice you should consider more deeply?**
* **How does Ruth's immediate "I will do" challenge your own tendency to hesitate or question when faced with a call to action?**

### 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 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 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, rather than a direct 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](/ruth/2-20 "Ruth 2:20 - Boaz, a Kinsman-Redeemer")). The risk lay in potential misinterpretation or scandal, which could have ruined Ruth's chances for marriage and security.

**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 her character. It highlights her deep **loyalty** and **devotion** to Naomi, her **humility** in submitting to Naomi's wisdom, and her unwavering **trust** in her mother-in-law's guidance, even when the instructions were unusual. It also 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 exceptional virtue and faithfulness, a theme consistent throughout the [Book of Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth - A Story of Loyalty and Redemption").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth's unqualified obedience in [Ruth 3:5](/ruth/3-5 "Ruth 3:5 - Ruth's Obedience to Naomi") beautifully foreshadows the ultimate 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](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")), to His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), 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 and an inheritance in the kingdom of God ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). 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](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:20

Children, obey [your] parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.