Ruth 3:5
What does Ruth 3:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:5 means
Ruth’s simple reply, “All that thou sayest I will do,” displays trust in Naomi’s wisdom and a willingness to submit to Israel’s ways. She does not argue or hesitate, though the plan is unusual and risky. Her obedience flows from covenant loyalty to Naomi and from faith in the God under whose providence they have come to Bethlehem. Ruth’s consent also shows her humility: she does not seize opportunities on her own terms but receives direction. This readiness to follow righteous counsel positions her to receive Boaz’s favor and to see God’s purposes unfold through ordinary, faithful steps.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And she said unto her, All that thou sayest I will do.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And she said unto her, All that thou sayest I will do.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And she said, I will do all you say.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And she saith unto her, `All that thou sayest--I do.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752She answered: Whatsoever thou shalt command, I will do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And she said to her, All that thou sayest will I do.
Context
After detailed instructions, the narrative pauses on Ruth’s obedient heart. This verse marks the hinge between plan and action. Immediately afterward, Ruth carries out Naomi’s directions at the threshing floor. Her obedience will be matched by Boaz’s integrity, producing a meeting filled with both tension and hope, which the next verses describe in vivid, midnight detail.
v.4And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
v.5This passage
v.6And she went down unto the threshing-floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ruth 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ruth 3.