Ruth 3:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And she went down {H3381} unto the floor {H1637}, and did {H6213} according to all that her mother in law {H2545} bade {H6680} her.

Complete Jewish Bible

She went down to the threshing-floor and did everything as her mother-in-law had instructed her.

Berean Standard Bible

So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 3:6 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, portraying Ruth's profound obedience and trust in her mother-in-law Naomi's unconventional plan. This verse describes Ruth's immediate and complete compliance with Naomi's instructions to go to the threshing floor, setting the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated encounter with Boaz that will ultimately secure her future and contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verses immediately preceding Ruth 3:6 detail Naomi's bold and strategic plan for Ruth's future. Having observed Boaz's kindness and recognizing his potential role as a kinsman-redeemer, Naomi instructs Ruth to prepare herself, go down to the threshing floor where Boaz would be winnowing barley, and uncover his feet while he slept (Ruth 3:3-4). This seemingly audacious directive, given the cultural norms, underscores Naomi's desperation and her deep love for Ruth, seeking "rest" (security, home, husband) for her daughter-in-law. Ruth 3:6 serves as the immediate response to these instructions, demonstrating Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi's counsel and her willingness to act, even in a vulnerable situation. This act of obedience is the crucial hinge upon which the subsequent dramatic events of the chapter turn, leading directly to Boaz's discovery of Ruth and the initiation of the redemption process.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the threshing floor (Hebrew: _goren_) was a common and essential part of Israelite agricultural life, typically a flat, open, elevated area where grain was separated from chaff. While primarily a workspace, it could also serve as a temporary sleeping place during harvest season to guard the valuable grain. The act of uncovering a man's feet (Ruth 3:4) was a symbolic gesture, likely a humble and non-verbal plea for protection and marriage, possibly referencing a levirate-like custom or a plea for a kinsman-redeemer to fulfill his duty. For a foreign widow like Ruth to approach a wealthy landowner in such a manner, at night, carried significant social risk and required immense trust in Naomi's wisdom. The harvest season itself was a time of both hard labor and celebration, often associated with prosperity and the potential for new beginnings, making it a fitting backdrop for Naomi's plan to secure Ruth's future.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 3:6 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ruth. Foremost is **Obedience and Trust**, as Ruth's immediate compliance with Naomi's potentially risky instructions highlights her deep respect and unwavering faith in her mother-in-law's guidance. This obedience is intertwined with **Faithfulness (Hebrew: _hesed_)**, a foundational theme seen throughout the book. Ruth's actions here echo her earlier declaration of loyalty in [Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Pledge of Loyalty") and Boaz's recognition of her steadfastness in [Ruth 2:11](/ruth/2-11 "Ruth 2:11 - Boaz's Recognition of Ruth's Faithfulness"). Furthermore, the verse underscores **Divine Providence working through Human Action**. While Naomi devises the plan and Ruth executes it, the narrative subtly suggests God's guiding hand orchestrating events to bring about His purposes, ultimately leading to Boaz's role as the [kinsman-redeemer](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1 - Boaz at the Gate with the Kinsman-Redeemer") and the continuation of the lineage that would include King David and, eventually, the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went down (Hebrew, _yarad'_):** This verb signifies a physical descent, as threshing floors were often on elevated ground for wind exposure. However, it also carries a sense of purposeful action and commitment. Ruth "went down" not just geographically, but into the heart of Naomi's plan, embracing the vulnerability and potential risk associated with the threshing floor encounter. It implies a deliberate and determined movement towards the appointed place and task.
* **floor (Hebrew, _goren'_):** The threshing floor was a place of agricultural labor, where grain was separated from chaff. Symbolically, it often represents a place of judgment, separation, and preparation (e.g., Matthew 3:12). In Ruth, it becomes a liminal space – neither fully public nor private – where a significant, almost clandestine, encounter takes place that will determine Ruth's future. It is a place of harvest, but also of vulnerability and potential for new beginnings.
* **bade her (Hebrew, _tzavah'_):** This verb means "to command," "to instruct," or "to charge." It highlights the authoritative nature of Naomi's instructions and, by extension, the complete and unreserved nature of Ruth's obedience. Ruth did not merely "agree" or "consider," but she acted precisely "according to all" that Naomi commanded, emphasizing the depth of her trust and submission to her mother-in-law's counsel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she went down unto the floor,"**: This clause describes Ruth's immediate and decisive action in response to Naomi's instructions. The phrase "went down" indicates a physical movement to the threshing floor, a common location for agricultural work and, in this context, a place of significant personal risk and opportunity. It signifies Ruth's willingness to leave the relative safety of her home and venture into an uncertain situation, demonstrating her commitment to Naomi's plan.
* **"and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."**: This second clause emphasizes the completeness and exactness of Ruth's obedience. The phrase "according to all" highlights that Ruth omitted nothing and added nothing to Naomi's specific directives. This unqualified compliance is central to the narrative, showcasing Ruth's unwavering trust in Naomi's wisdom and her deep loyalty. It is this obedient action that directly facilitates the unfolding of the divine plan for her future.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices. **Obedience** itself functions as a central motif, highlighting Ruth's character and serving as the catalyst for the narrative's progression. The **Setting** of the threshing floor is crucial; it is a liminal space, neither fully domestic nor entirely public, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and subtle tension for the encounter between Ruth and Boaz. The narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as Ruth's obedient descent to the threshing floor clearly signals that the pivotal moment of the story is at hand, preparing the reader for the dramatic events that will unfold. There is also an element of **Irony** or **Paradox**, where Ruth's vulnerable act of obedience in a potentially compromising situation ultimately leads to her security and redemption, demonstrating how God often works through unconventional means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:6 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God often works through human obedience and wise counsel to bring about His divine purposes. Ruth's unwavering trust in Naomi's unconventional plan, coupled with her diligent execution of it, serves as a testament to the spiritual fruitfulness of humble submission. This verse reminds believers that faithfulness in seemingly small or risky steps can be integral to God's larger, redemptive design. It underscores that while God is sovereign, He frequently involves His people in the unfolding of His will, honoring their trust and action.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [James 2:18](/james/2-18 "James 2:18 - Faith Without Works is Dead")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, emphasizing the transformative power of humble obedience and trust in wise counsel. In a world that often prioritizes self-reliance and skepticism, Ruth's immediate and complete compliance with Naomi's instructions stands as a powerful counter-cultural example. Her willingness to step into an uncertain and potentially vulnerable situation, simply because her trusted mentor bade her, demonstrates a deep faith not only in Naomi but implicitly in the God of Israel, whom Naomi served. This verse challenges us to consider where we might be resisting wise guidance, particularly when it asks us to step outside our comfort zones or take a perceived risk for a greater good. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of ready obedience, recognizing that God often works through our diligent and faithful actions, even when the path ahead is not entirely clear. Our "going down to the floor" moments, whether in ministry, relationships, or personal growth, are opportunities for God to unfold His redemptive plan through our surrendered lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to exercise humble obedience, even when the path seems uncertain or unconventional?**
* **Who are the "Naomis" in your life – wise, godly mentors whose counsel you should trust and follow?**
* **How does Ruth's immediate action challenge your own tendencies towards hesitation or overthinking when faced with a clear directive?**
* **What "threshing floor" moments in your life might God be using to bring about His greater purposes, even if they involve vulnerability?**

### FAQ

**Why was the threshing floor a significant location for this encounter?**

Answer: The threshing floor (Hebrew: _goren_) was significant for several reasons. Agriculturally, it was a place of hard labor and the culmination of the harvest, where valuable grain was separated from chaff. Symbolically, it could represent a place of judgment, separation, or preparation. For the narrative of Ruth, it was a liminal space—neither fully public nor private—where Boaz would be present and resting to guard his harvest. This made it a strategic location for Naomi's plan, allowing for a private, yet culturally understood, appeal from Ruth to Boaz, away from the bustling town gate but still within a context of legitimate activity. It was a place of vulnerability for Ruth, but also a place of potential for new life and provision, mirroring the process of separating the valuable grain from the waste.

**Did Ruth's actions at the threshing floor put her reputation at risk?**

Answer: Yes, Ruth's actions at the threshing floor, particularly going there at night and uncovering Boaz's feet (as instructed in [Ruth 3:4](/ruth/3-4 "Ruth 3:4 - Naomi's Instructions to Ruth")), carried significant social risk. For a foreign widow to approach a man, especially a wealthy landowner, in such a manner could easily be misinterpreted as immodest or even scandalous. However, Naomi's careful instructions (e.g., waiting until Boaz had eaten and drunk, lying at his feet rather than directly approaching him) and Ruth's precise obedience to them were designed to mitigate this risk. Furthermore, Boaz's character and his honorable response (as seen in [Ruth 3:11](/ruth/3-11 "Ruth 3:11 - Boaz's Praise for Ruth's Virtue")) confirm that Ruth's virtue remained intact and was even praised. The success of the plan depended not only on Ruth's obedience but also on Boaz's integrity and the community's understanding of the desperate circumstances and the symbolic nature of the appeal.

**What does Ruth's "doing according to all" teach us about obedience?**

Answer: Ruth's "doing according to all that her mother in law bade her" teaches us about the nature of true obedience: it is complete, immediate, and trusting. It's not partial or selective obedience but a full surrender to the wisdom and authority of the one giving the instruction. This level of obedience, especially in a situation that might have seemed strange or risky, demonstrates profound trust in Naomi's intentions and judgment. For believers, this highlights that genuine faith often manifests in actions that align perfectly with God's commands or the wise counsel of godly mentors, even when the outcome is not fully apparent. It underscores that God blesses and works through such faithful, comprehensive obedience, as seen in the ultimate positive resolution for Ruth in [Ruth 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth's profound obedience in [Ruth 3:6](/ruth/3-6 "Ruth 3:6 - Ruth's Obedience to Naomi") serves as a beautiful foreshadowing of the ultimate obedience of Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Ruth fully submitted to Naomi's plan, which led to her redemption and security, so too did Christ perfectly submit to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Ruth's journey to the threshing floor, a place of vulnerability and destiny, mirrors Christ's willing descent into the human condition, taking on flesh to accomplish our salvation. He "went down" from heaven to earth, becoming obedient to death, so that through His sacrifice, we might find true "rest" and redemption from the curse of sin (as seen in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Incarnation to Deliver Us") and [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Ruth's trust in Naomi's plan, which involved a redeemer, points directly to our trust in Christ, who alone is able to redeem us from our spiritual poverty and bring us into His rich inheritance, just as Boaz brought Ruth into his family and lineage. The threshing floor, a place of separation of wheat from chaff, subtly prefigures Christ's work of gathering His elect and separating them for His kingdom (as alluded to in [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist on Christ's Winnowing")).

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

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.