Ruth 3:6
And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֖רֶד
And she went down
H3381
וַתֵּ֖רֶד
And she went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 7
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הַגֹּ֑רֶן
unto the floor
H1637
הַגֹּ֑רֶן
unto the floor
Strong's:
H1637
Word #:
2 of 7
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
וַתַּ֕עַשׂ
and did
H6213
וַתַּ֕עַשׂ
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכֹ֥ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Threshing floors during harvest were busy places during day but quieter at night, with owners and perhaps some workers sleeping there guarding grain. Ruth's nighttime approach allowed private conversation without public spectacle. Archaeological evidence shows ancient threshing floors were flat, hard-packed circular areas, often near fields. The setting provided appropriate venue for discussing redemption rights without formal legal proceedings but still maintaining propriety through semi-public location.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ruth's obedience demonstrate that faith requires action, not merely intellectual assent?
- What does this passage teach about God using human initiative and obedience to accomplish His sovereign purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ruth's execution: 'And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her'. The narrative confirms Ruth's complete obedience—she followed instructions precisely. This repetition emphasizes her faithfulness and the plan's proper execution. Her actions set in motion events leading to redemption, demonstrating how God works through human obedience to accomplish His purposes. What appeared risky became the mechanism for divine provision and covenant fulfillment.