What does Ruth 3:5 mean?
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
Ruth 3:5 (KJV) states:
And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
The book of Ruth in the Old Testament tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth, who after the death of her husband, chooses to stay loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and ultimately becomes an ancestor of King David. Ruth 3:5 is part of a crucial moment in the narrative, where Ruth expresses her commitment and obedience to Naomi.
In this verse, Ruth responds to the instructions given to her by Naomi, who has devised a plan to secure a future for both Ruth and herself. Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz, a wealthy landowner who is also a close relative. She tells Ruth to go to the threshing floor while Boaz is sleeping and uncover his feet, then lay down and wait for further instructions. Ruth's response in verse 5 is a simple and unwavering declaration of her willingness to carry out Naomi's guidance without question or hesitation.
The theme of loyalty is prominent in this verse and throughout the book of Ruth. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi signifies a loyalty that goes beyond the expectations of the time. As a Moabite, Ruth could have returned to her own people after her husband’s death. Instead, she chooses to stay with Naomi and embrace her mother-in-law's faith and culture, stating famously, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow through with her instructions in Ruth 3:5 demonstrate a deep bond and devotion that transcends the customary expectations of that era.
Another central theme in this verse is obedience. Ruth’s response to Naomi’s instructions reflects her obedience and submission to her guidance. In a broader sense, Ruth’s obedience to Naomi can be seen as an embodiment of her obedience to God. By trusting in Naomi’s plan, Ruth puts her faith in the providence and sovereignty of God, believing that He can work through human agency to bring about His purposes.
The context of Ruth 3:5 is significant in understanding the cultural and social dynamics of the time. In ancient Israel, the role of the kinsman-redeemer was crucial in preserving family inheritance and ensuring the welfare of widows. In this context, Naomi's plan for Ruth to approach Boaz is an appeal to him to act as their kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth to continue the family lineage and secure their future.
Symbolism in this verse can be found in the actions and attitudes of the characters. The act of Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet has been interpreted in various ways, with some scholars suggesting that it was a symbolic way for Ruth to ask Boaz to claim his duty as her kinsman-redeemer. Additionally, the willingness of Ruth to carry out Naomi’s plan can be seen as a symbolic representation of faith and trust in God’s providence and guidance.
In summary, Ruth 3:5 is a pivotal verse in the account of Ruth and Naomi, showcasing the themes of loyalty, obedience, and trust. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and her readiness to follow through with her instructions reflect her deep devotion and faith. Furthermore, the verse illustrates the cultural and social context of the narrative and offers rich symbolism in the actions and attitudes of the characters. Ruth's unwavering declaration, “All that thou sayest unto me I will do,” serves as a powerful reminder of the profound and transformative impact of faithfulness and obedience in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
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Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
Ruth 4:5 - "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 1:5 - "And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
"Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?" - Ruth 2:5
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
"And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;" - Matthew 1:5
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9