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 book of Ruth, vividly portraying Ruth's profound and immediate obedience to Naomi's strategic, albeit unconventional, plan. This verse describes Ruth's complete compliance with her mother-in-law'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, establish her lineage, and contribute significantly to the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes through the line of David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 3:6 serves as the crucial turning point following Naomi's bold and calculated instructions to Ruth in [Ruth 3:1-5](/ruth/3-1-5 "Naomi's Instructions to Ruth"). Having observed Boaz's kindness and recognizing his potential as a kinsman-redeemer, Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach him at the threshing floor. This directive, which involves Ruth preparing herself, going to the threshing floor, waiting for Boaz to sleep, and then uncovering his feet, is highly audacious and culturally sensitive. Ruth 3:6 is Ruth's immediate and unequivocal response, demonstrating her unwavering trust and commitment to Naomi's counsel. Her obedience here is not merely an "action" but the necessary catalyst that propels the narrative forward, leading directly to the pivotal night encounter with Boaz and the subsequent steps toward her redemption and marriage. This verse underscores the deep bond of loyalty and faith between the two women and highlights Ruth's active role in her own destiny, guided by Naomi's wisdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the threshing floor (Hebrew: _goren_) was a vital agricultural site in ancient Israel, typically a large, flat, open, and often elevated area where harvested grain was threshed and winnowed. During harvest season, it was common for landowners or their overseers, like Boaz, to sleep on the threshing floor to guard the valuable grain from theft. The act of uncovering a man's feet (mentioned in the preceding verses, [Ruth 3:4](/ruth/3-4 "Ruth 3:4 - Naomi's Specific Instructions")) was a symbolic, humble, and non-verbal plea for protection, provision, and marriage, often referencing the levirate marriage custom or the broader role of a kinsman-redeemer. For a foreign widow like Ruth to approach a wealthy, prominent man in such a manner, at night, carried significant social risk and demanded immense trust in Naomi's judgment. This act, while unconventional, was understood within the cultural framework of desperate circumstances and the established role of the kinsman-redeemer, making the threshing floor a surprisingly appropriate, albeit vulnerable, stage for this critical appeal.

* **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 and complete compliance with Naomi's potentially risky instructions highlights her deep respect and unwavering faith in her mother-in-law's guidance. This obedience is intrinsically linked to **Faithfulness (Hebrew: _hesed_)**, a foundational theme woven throughout the narrative. Ruth's actions here echo her earlier declaration of loyalty and commitment in [Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Pledge of Loyalty") and are later affirmed by Boaz himself as a testament to her steadfast character in [Ruth 3:10](/ruth/3-10 "Ruth 3:10 - Boaz's Recognition of Ruth's Virtue"). 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 sovereign hand orchestrating events to bring about His purposes, ultimately leading to Boaz's role as the [kinsman-redeemer](/ruth/4-1-12 "Ruth 4:1-12 - Boaz Redeems Ruth at the Gate") and the continuation of the messianic lineage. This interplay between human agency and divine oversight is a recurring motif throughout the book of [Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This verb (H3381) signifies a physical descent, as threshing floors were often located on elevated ground for optimal wind exposure during winnowing. However, beyond the literal movement, "went down" also conveys 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, a descent into a situation that would determine her future.

* **floor (Hebrew, _gôren'_):** The term (H1637) refers to a threshing-floor, an open, level area used for separating grain from chaff. Symbolically, the _gôren_ often represents a place of agricultural labor, harvest, and preparation, but also, in broader biblical contexts, a place of judgment or separation (e.g., [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist on Christ's Winnowing")). In Ruth, it becomes a liminal space—neither fully public nor entirely private—where a significant, almost clandestine, encounter takes place that will determine Ruth's future. It is a place of vulnerability and potential for new beginnings, where the "wheat" of Ruth's life is about to be secured.

* **bade her (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) means "to command," "to instruct," or "to charge." It highlights the authoritative and specific nature of Naomi's instructions and, by extension, the complete and unreserved nature of Ruth's obedience. Ruth did not merely "agree" or "consider"; she acted precisely "according to all" that Naomi commanded. This emphasizes the depth of her trust and submission to her mother-in-law's counsel, underscoring that her obedience was comprehensive and without reservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she went down unto the floor,"**: This clause describes Ruth's immediate and decisive physical action in response to Naomi's instructions. The phrase "went down" indicates a literal movement to the threshing floor, a common location for agricultural work and, in this specific 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 her courage in the face of potential vulnerability.

* **"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 precise and obedient action that directly facilitates the unfolding of the divine plan for her future, leading to the dramatic encounter with Boaz.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Obedience** itself functions as a central motif, highlighting Ruth's exemplary character and serving as the primary 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 impending 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 in the remainder of the chapter. There is also an element of **Paradox** or **Irony**, where Ruth's vulnerable act of obedience in a potentially compromising situation ultimately leads to her security, protection, and redemption, demonstrating how God often works through unconventional or seemingly risky human actions to bring about His good purposes.

### 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, especially when guided by godly wisdom, can be integral to God's larger, redemptive design. It underscores that while God is sovereign and orchestrates all things, He frequently involves His people in the unfolding of His will, honoring their trust and action as co-laborers in His kingdom.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "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, skepticism, and personal comfort, 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, godly guidance, particularly when it asks us to step outside our comfort zones, take a perceived risk, or engage in an unconventional act 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, career, or personal growth, are opportunities for God to unfold His redemptive plan through our surrendered and trusting 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 and complete 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 or perceived risk?**

### 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. The events at the threshing floor in [Ruth 3](/ruth/3 "Ruth 3 - Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor") are crucial to the story's climax.

**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 Specific 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 honorable character and his virtuous response (as seen in [Ruth 3:11](/ruth/3-11 "Ruth 3:11 - Boaz Praises 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 for redemption.

**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 and Marries Her").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth's profound and complete 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 strategic 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 to Death")). 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/2-14-15 "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 eternal kingdom (as alluded to in [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist on Christ's Winnowing") and [Matthew 13:30](/matthew/13-30 "Matthew 13:30 - Parable of the Weeds - Harvest and Separation")).

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.