Ruth 3:6
What does Ruth 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 3:6 means
Ruth executes the plan precisely, going to the threshing floor and following Naomi’s instructions. The verse underscores her faithfulness in action, not only in word. Her compliance also maintains the meaning of the gesture to come; any deviation might cloud Boaz’s understanding. Ruth’s courage is evident—she places herself in a vulnerable situation out of loyalty and hope, trusting Boaz’s character and God’s care. The narrative’s restraint invites the reader to admire her steadiness without sensationalizing the setting. Obedience here is not passive; it is active faith moving within the bounds of known righteousness and communal custom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And she went down unto the threshing-floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And she went down unto the threshing-floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So she went down to the grain-floor and did all her mother-in-law had said to her.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And she goeth down <FI>to<Fi> the threshing-floor, and doth according to all that her mother-in-law commanded her
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she went down to the barnfloor, and did all that her mother in law had bid her.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And she went down to the floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law had bidden her.
Context
Having consented, Ruth now enters the scene where the decisive encounter will take place. This verse transitions from Naomi’s house to the threshing floor. Next, the storyteller sets the atmosphere: Boaz’s contentment after work, his resting place at the grain heap’s end, and Ruth’s quiet approach. The stage is set for the critical midnight moment when the meaning of Ruth’s presence will be revealed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:14
Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.
- Exodus 20:12
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
- 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.
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