RUT front intro f68r 0 # Introduction to Ruth<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Ruth<br><br>1. How Ruth came to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:1–22)<br>1. Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)<br>1. Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)<br>1. How Ruth became the wife of Boaz (4:1–16)<br>1. Obed born to Ruth and Boaz; the genealogy of David (4:13–22)<br><br>### What is the Book of Ruth about?<br><br>This book is about a non-Israelite woman named Ruth. It tells how she came to join the people of Yahweh. The book also explains how Ruth became an ancestor of King David.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>This book traditionally has the title **Ruth** because she is the main person in it. Translators can use a title such as ***The Book about Ruth***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>### When did the events in the Book of Ruth occur?<br><br>The story of Ruth is set during the time when there were **judges** in Israel. These were men and women whom God chose to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. These leaders usually continued to help the people by deciding disputes among them. They also helped them make important decisions. Many of these leaders served all the people of Israel, but some of them may have served only certain tribes.<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### Why does Scripture include a book about a woman from the foreign land of Moab?<br><br>In a period when Israel was often unfaithful to Yahweh, a woman from Moab shows great faith in him. The Israelites’ frequent lack of faith in Yahweh is contrasted with the faith of this woman from a foreign land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])<br><br>### What important marriage custom is found in the Book of Ruth?<br><br>Israelites practiced what is called ***levirate marriage***. This was a custom for the closest male relative to provide for a childless widow by marrying her. Any children born to them were to be regarded as children of the dead man. They did this so that the dead man would still have descendants. If the closest relative did not marry the woman, another relative could.<br><br>### What was a **kinsman-redeemer**?<br><br>A person’s close relative or relatives were expected to act as ***kinsmen-redeemers*** (2:20 ULT) for him or her. They were responsible to provide for a relative in need. They were also responsible to practice ***levirate marriage***. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz is one such kinsman-redeemer.<br><br>### What was **gleaning** in the Book of Ruth?<br><br>Poor people were allowed to follow after the men who harvested a field. These **gleaners** picked up sheaves of grain that the harvesters missed or dropped. In this way, poor people were able to find some food. Ruth became a gleaner in a field belonging to Boaz.<br><br>### What is covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty?<br><br>A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill. Covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty is when a person does what they said they would do, according to a covenant they had with someone else. God promised that he would love and be faithful to the Israelites. The Israelites were to do the same toward him and toward each other.<br><br>The Book of Ruth shows that what kinsmen-redeemers do for their relatives are part of Israel’s duties in God’s covenant with them. The story of Boaz, Ruth and Naomi gives good examples to all of Israel of the good effects of covenant faithfulness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]])<br><br>### What function did city gates have in the ancient Near East?<br><br>City gates in the time of Boaz were natural meeting places for the city elders. Elders were honored men who decided business matters and legal matters together. The city walls were large, perhaps two to three meters in width. Therefore the gateway opening provided a shady area for public meetings. For this reason, Boaz and the other elders sat in the gateway.<br><br
RUT 1 intro irf4 0 # Ruth 01 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>### **It happened in the days when the judges ruled**<br><br>The events of this book occur during the period of Judges. The book is concurrent with the book of Judges. To understand the historical context of the book, the translator may wish to review the book of Judges.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Women without a husband or children<br><br>In the ancient Near East, if a woman lacked a husband or sons, she was considered to be in a dire circumstance. She would not have been able to provide for herself. This is why Naomi told her daughters to remarry.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Contrast<br><br>The actions of Ruth the Moabite are intended to contrast with the actions of Naomi the Jew. Ruth shows great faith in Naomi’s god, while Naomi does not trust in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])<br>
RUT 1 1 sb2j וַיְהִ֗י 1 It happened that ***It was*** or ***This is what happened***. This is a common way of beginning a historical story.
RUT 1 1 m9nl בִּימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַשֹּׁפְטִ֔ים 1 in the days when the judges ruled ***during the time when judges led and governed Israel***
RUT 1 1 nm13 figs-explicit בָּאָ֑רֶץ 1 in the land This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: ***in the land of Israel*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 1 1 mmb4 writing-participants אִ֜ישׁ 1 a certain man ***a man***. This is a common way of introducing a character into a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
RUT 1 2 e53a אֶפְרָתִ֔ים מִבֵּ֥ית לֶ֖חֶם יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 who were Ephrathites of Bethlehem of Judah They were people from the tribe of Ephraim who settled at Bethlehem in the region of Judah.
RUT 1 3 rxb1 הִ֖יא וּשְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽיהָ׃ 1 she was left with her two sons ***Naomi had only her two sons with her***
RUT 1 4 pk7g figs-idiom וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם נָשִׁים֙ 1 They took wives for themselves ***married women***. This is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 4 aee6 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙…וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖י 1 the name of one was…and the name of the other was ***the name of one woman was…the name of the other woman was***
RUT 1 4 rt4c כְּעֶ֥שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים 1 for about ten years About ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died.
RUT 1 5 dbr3 וַתִּשָּׁאֵר֙ הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה מִשְּׁנֵ֥י יְלָדֶ֖יהָ וּמֵאִישָֽׁהּ 1 leaving the woman without her two children or her husband Naomi was widowed and both her sons died.
RUT 1 6 sa4z figs-explicit שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב 1 she had heard in the country of Moab **she had heard in the country of Moab**. It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: ***she heard from Israel while she was in the region of Moab*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 1 6 ser2 יְהוָה֙ 1 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
RUT 1 6 v86z פָקַ֤ד…אֶת־עַמּ֔וֹ 1 had visited his people God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. Alternate translation: ***had helped the Israelites***
RUT 1 7 w7ti figs-idiom וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ 1 and they walked down the road ***and they walked along the road***. To walk down a road is an expression for walking away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 8 fu39 לִשְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ 1 her two daughters-in-law ***her two sons’ wives*** or ***the widows of her two sons
RUT 1 8 lxs2 figs-you אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 each of you Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of **you** would use that throughout her talk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
RUT 1 8 hsf7 לְבֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑הּ 1 to the house of your mother ***to the home of each of your mothers***
RUT 1 8 i262 חֶ֔סֶד 1 in loving kindness **loving kindness** includes the ideas of love, kindness, and faithfulness.
RUT 1 8 g4r8 figs-idiom עִם־הַמֵּתִ֖ים 1 with the dead ***to your husbands, who died***. Naomi was referring to her two sons that had died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 8 acb4 figs-nominaladj הַמֵּתִ֖ים 1 the dead ***your husbands, who died*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
RUT 1 9 pm6y יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לָכֶ֔ם 1 May Yahweh grant to you ***May Yahweh give you*** or ***May Yahweh allow you to have***
RUT 1 9 c74v וּמְצֶ֣אןָ מְנוּחָ֔ה 1 that you find rest **Rest** here includes security in marriage.
RUT 1 9 v2vx figs-metonymy בֵּ֣ית אִישָׁ֑הּ 1 in the house of her husband This means with their new husbands, not with someone else’s husband. This refers to both a physical house that belongs to the husband, and to the protection from shame by being married. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT 1 9 t69w figs-idiom וַתִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖ן וַתִּבְכֶּֽינָה 1 and they lifted up their voices and cried To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 10 mag8 figs-exclusive נָשׁ֖וּב 1 we will return When Orpah and Ruth said **we,** they were referring to themselves and not Naomi. So languages that have inclusive and exclusive **we** would use the exclusive form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
RUT 1 10 bq4j figs-you אִתָּ֥ךְ 1 with you Here **you** is the singular form referring to Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
RUT 1 11 ggi3 figs-rquestion לָ֥מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑י 1 Why will you go with me? This is a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: ***It does not make sense for you to go with me.*** or ***You should not go with me.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 1 11 q2hn figs-rquestion הַֽעֽוֹד־לִ֤י בָנִים֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔י וְהָי֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם לַאֲנָשִֽׁים 1 Are there still sons in my womb, that they may become your husbands? Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: ***Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 1 12 dyc4 figs-explicit זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִהְי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 I am too old to have a husband The reason a husband would be important can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: ***I am too old to marry again and bear more children*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 1 12 abc1 figs-rquestion כִּ֤י אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ יֶשׁ־ לִ֣י תִקְוָ֔ה גַּ֣ם הָיִ֤יתִי הַלַּ֨יְלָה֙ לְאִ֔ישׁ וְגַ֖ם יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 If I said I have hope, if I also had a husband tonight, and also would give birth to sons, This rhetorical question begins here and continues into the next verse. Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: ***Even if it was possible that I would expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons,…*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 1 12 kh9g יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 would give birth to sons ***bear children*** or ***deliver baby boys***
RUT 1 13 gmc2 figs-rquestion אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲלָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְבִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you keep yourselves from having a husband? Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse, and asks a second question which emphasizes the same meaning. Alternate translation: ***…you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would choose to marry a husband before then.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 1 13 gh99 figs-metaphor מַר־לִ֤י מְאֹד֙ 1 It is exceedingly bitter to me Bitterness is a metaphor for grief, and what grieves her can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: ***It greatly grieves me that you have no husbands*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] or [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 1 13 z9u3 figs-metonymy יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me The word **hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or influence. Alternate translation: ***Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT 1 14 n47v figs-idiom וַתִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔ן וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה 1 Then they lifted up their voices and cried This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 14 t4sl figs-explicit וְר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽהּ 1 but Ruth held on to her ***Ruth clung to her***. Alternate translation: ***Ruth refused to leave her*** or ***Ruth would not leave her*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 1 15 ld6g הִנֵּה֙ 1 Listen ***Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important***
RUT 1 15 nqm3 יְבִמְתֵּ֔ךְ 1 your sister-in-law ***the wife of your husband’s brother*** or ***Orpah***
RUT 1 15 man4 אֱלֹהֶ֑יהָ 1 her gods Before Orpah and Ruth married Naomi’s sons, they worshiped the gods of Moab. During their marriage, they began to worship Yahweh. Now, Orpah was going to worship the gods of Moab again.
RUT 1 16 z5ug וּבַאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ 1 where you stay ***where you live***
RUT 1 16 b518 figs-explicit עַמֵּ֣ךְ עַמִּ֔י 1 your people will be my people Ruth is referring to Naomi’s people, the Israelites. Alternate translation: ***I will consider the people of your country as being my own people*** or ***I will consider your relatives as my own relatives*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 1 17 lql7 figs-idiom בַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּמ֨וּתִי֙ אָמ֔וּת 1 Where you die, I will die This refers to Ruth’s desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 17 sje3 figs-idiom יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה יְהוָ֥ה לִי֙ וְכֹ֣ה יֹסִ֔יף כִּ֣י 1 May Yahweh do to me, and even more, if This refers to Ruth asking God to punish her if she does not do what she said like the English idiom ***God forbid, if***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 1 17 abc2 כִּ֣י הַמָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֵֽךְ 1 except death separates between me and between you ***If anything other than death separates us from each other*** or ***if I leave you while you and I are both still alive***
RUT 1 18 rsq2 וַתֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽיהָ 1 she stopped arguing with her ***Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth***
RUT 1 19 j9wa writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 It happened that ***It came about***. This marks a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
RUT 1 19 y3us figs-metonymy כָּל־הָעִיר֙ 1 the entire town The ***town*** refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: ***everyone in the town*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT 1 19 abc3 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָעִיר֙ 1 the entire town Here ***entire*** is as generalization. Some of the residents of the town may not have been excited by this news. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
RUT 1 19 xnb3 הֲזֹ֥את נָעֳמִֽי 1 Is this Naomi? Since it has been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely the women were expressing doubt as to if this woman was actually Naomi. Treat as a real question, not rhetorical.
RUT 1 20 stw5 אַל־תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖י נָעֳמִ֑י 1 Do not call me Naomi The name ***Naomi*** means ***my delight***. Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels her life matches her name.
RUT 1 20 swe9 translate-names מָרָ֔א 1 Bitter This is a translation of the meaning of the name. It is also often translated according to its sound as ***Mara***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
RUT 1 21 n9zc אֲנִי֙ מְלֵאָ֣ה הָלַ֔כְתִּי וְרֵיקָ֖ם הֱשִׁיבַ֣נִי יְהוָ֑ה 1 I went out full, but Yahweh has caused me to return empty When Naomi left Bethlehem, her husband and two sons were living, and she was happy. Naomi blames Yahweh for the death of her husband and sons, saying that he has caused her to return to Bethlehem without them, and now she is bitter and unhappy.
RUT 1 21 jqx5 עָ֣נָה בִ֔י 1 has testified against me ***has judged me guilty***
RUT 1 21 t1p8 הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽי 1 has afflicted me ***has brought calamity on me*** or ***has brought tragedy to me***
RUT 1 22 cx7g writing-endofstory וַתָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְר֨וּת 1 So Naomi returned, with Ruth This begins a summary statement. English marks this by the word **So**. Determine how your language marks concluding or summary statements and do the same. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
RUT 1 22 bgy3 figs-abstractnouns בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 at the beginning of the harvest of barley ***the barley harvest***. The phrase **the harvest of barley** can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: ***when the farmers were just beginning to harvest barley*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
RUT 2 intro ld2v 0 # Ruth 02 General Notes<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **Do not go to glean in another field**<br><br>Boaz said this because he could not guarantee their safety in another person’s field. It is assumed that not everyone was as gracious and obedient to the law of Moses as Boaz. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
RUT 2 1 t2sn writing-background וּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י מידע לְאִישָׁ֗הּ 1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband This phrase introduces new information before the story continues. Your language may have a way to introduce new information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
RUT 2 1 b4q7 אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל 1 a man of great wealth ***a prominent, wealthy man***. This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation.
RUT 2 2 am6a ר֨וּת הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 Ruth, the Moabite woman Here the story resumes. You need to see how your language restarts a story after a break.
RUT 2 2 c7rk הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 the Moabite woman This is another way of saying the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab.
RUT 2 2 qt4q וַאֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַשִׁבֳּלִ֔ים 1 and glean heads of grain ***and gather kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters*** or ***and pick up kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters***
RUT 2 2 abc5 figs-metonymy אֲשֶׁ֥ר…בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 in whose eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: ***who will decide*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 2 2 j59b figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֖ן 1 I will find favor The phrase **will find favor** is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: ***to be kind to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 2 2 ed93 בִתִּֽי 1 my daughter Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother. Make sure it is possible in your language to use this word for someone who is not an actual daughter.
RUT 2 4 vys2 writing-participants וְהִנֵּה־בֹ֗עַז 1 Behold, Boaz The word ***behold*** alerts us to the important event of Boaz arriving at the field. Your language may also have a specific way of introducing important events or characters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
RUT 2 5 a5ht לְמִ֖י הַנַּעֲרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת 1 Whose is this young woman? Possible meanings are 1) Boaz was asking about Ruth’s husband or 2) Boaz was asking about Ruth’s parents or current guardians.
RUT 2 5 sdf9 הַנִּצָּ֖ב עַל 1 who was set over ***who was in charge of*** or ***who was managing***
RUT 2 7 kj7a הַבַּ֖יִת 1 the house ***the hut*** or ***the shelter***. This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun.
RUT 2 8 ltk3 figs-rquestion הֲל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗י 1 Will you not listen to me, my daughter? This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: ***Listen to me, my daughter!*** or ***Note well what I am telling you, my daughter!*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 2 8 ke9b figs-idiom בִּתִּ֗י 1 my daughter This was a kind way of addressing a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, so make sure the translation of this does not make it sound like she was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 2 9 jq6n figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִךְ בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 Keep your eyes on the field The eyes represent watching something or paying attention to something. Alternate translation: ***Watch only the field*** or ***Pay attention only to the field*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT 2 9 xc6u figs-rquestion הֲל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ 1 Have I not instructed the young men not to touch you? Boaz used this question to emphasize what he had already done to help Ruth. Alternate translation: ***I have given the men strict instructions not to harm you.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 2 9 ub62 אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים 1 the young men ***young male workers*** or ***servants***. The words ***young men*** are used three times to refer to the young men who are harvesting in the field.
RUT 2 9 v5e4 לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ 1 not to touch you Possible meanings are 1) the men were not to harm Ruth or 2) the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field.
RUT 2 9 ahr7 מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּן הַנְּעָרִֽים 1 from what the young men have drawn To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.
RUT 2 10 az6y וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָה 1 Then she fell on her face and bowed down to the ground These are acts of respect and reverence. She was showing honor to Boaz out of gratefulness for what he had done for her. It was also a posture of humility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
RUT 2 10 ug7p מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי וְאָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner? Ruth is asking a real question.
RUT 2 10 abc7 figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן 1 have I found favor The phrase **found favor** is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: ***been kind to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 2 10 abc8 figs-metonymy בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 in your eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: ***that you decided*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 2 10 x6f8 נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 foreigner Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, but she was known publicly as ***the Moabitess***.
RUT 2 11 app6 figs-activepassive הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד לִ֗י 1 It has surely been reported to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: ***People have reported to me*** or ***People have told me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
RUT 2 11 abc9 figs-idiom הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד 1 It has surely been reported Here two specific forms of the word for **report** are repeated in the original Hebrew text to emphasize the certainty of the statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 2 11 r44n figs-metonymy וַתֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם 1 and have come to a people Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion she did not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT 2 12 x5ct יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ 1 May Yahweh reward your deed ***May Yahweh repay you*** or ***May Yahweh pay you back***
RUT 2 12 s2vm פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ 1 your deed This is an act of faith, choosing to leave her family and country and instead to live with Naomi in Bethlehem and trust Naomi’s God.
RUT 2 12 gnn5 figs-parallelism וּתְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵעִ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 may full payment be given to you by Yahweh This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: ***May Yahweh give back to you even more than you have given*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT 2 12 eh86 figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַחֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽיו 1 under whose wings you have come for refuge Boaz uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them, in order to describe God’s protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: ***in whose safe care you have placed yourself*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 2 13 abc6 figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֨ן 1 Let me find favor Here ***find favor*** is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Alternate translation: ***Please be kind to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 2 13 v2q1 figs-metonym בְּעֵינֶ֤יךָ 1 in your eyes Here ***eyes*** are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: ***and accept me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 2 13 abc4 אֲדֹנִי֙ 1 my master Boaz is not Ruth's master, but he is the owner of the field where she is gleaning. He is also a Jew and a prominent man in the city. Therefore, Ruth is honoring him by calling him her **master**, and speaking of herself as his servant. Alternate translation: ***Sir*** or ***my lord***
RUT 2 13 zc5n וְאָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּאַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ 1 though I am not like one of your female servants Possible meanings are 1) Ruth was not one of Boaz’s female servants or 2) Ruth did not think her marriage to Naomi’s son granted her any privilege in Bethlehem.
RUT 2 14 p256 וְטָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖ךְ בַּחֹ֑מֶץ 1 dip your piece of bread in the wine vinegar This was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and plates of broken bread. They would dip their bread in the vinegar bowl to wet it and add flavor before they ate it.
RUT 2 14 xr6s בַּחֹ֑מֶץ 1 the wine vinegar The **wine vinegar** was a sauce into which they dipped bread. The Israelites further fermented some of their wine to make vinegar.
RUT 2 15 v6wr figs-explicit וַתָּ֖קָם לְלַקֵּ֑ט וַיְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜יו 1 When she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men In the context of the commands, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away not to hear Boaz’s instructions. Alternate translation: ***And when Ruth got up to gather up grain, Boaz privately told his young men*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 2 15 rct9 וַתָּ֖קָם 1 When she got up ***After she stood up***
RUT 2 15 a5z9 גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים 1 even among the bundles Here ***even*** denotes ***above and beyond what one normally does***. Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean around the bundles of grain. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working that close to the harvested grain for fear that they might steal from the grain.
RUT 2 16 u6hv שֹׁל־תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖הּ מִן־הַצְּבָתִ֑ים 1 pull out for her some grain from the bundles ***take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her*** or ***leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect***
RUT 2 16 nn9l וְלֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽהּ 1 do not rebuke her ***do not cause her shame*** or ***do not dishonor her***
RUT 2 17 h3ap וַתַּחְבֹּט֙ 1 Then she beat out She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away.
RUT 2 17 mq6b translate-bvolume כְּאֵיפָ֥ה שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 about an ephah of barley An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: ***about 22 liters of barley*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])
RUT 2 18 etn8 figs-explicit וַתִּשָּׂא֙ וַתָּב֣וֹא הָעִ֔יר 1 She lifted it up and went into the city It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 2 18 r6sz וַתֵּ֥רֶא חֲמוֹתָ֖הּ 1 Then her mother-in-law saw ***Then Naomi saw***
RUT 2 19 bg28 figs-parallelism אֵיפֹ֨ה לִקַּ֤טְתְּ הַיּוֹם֙ וְאָ֣נָה עָשִׂ֔ית 1 Where have you gleaned today, and where did you work? Naomi asked almost the same thing in two different ways to show that she was very interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT 2 20 ur7z figs-doublenegatives אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔וֹ 1 who has not forsaken his loving kindness ***who has continued to be loyal***. Possible meanings are 1) Boaz remembered his obligations to Naomi as a family member or 2) Naomi is referring to Yahweh, who was acting through Boaz or 3) Yahweh has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
RUT 2 20 ljz3 figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַחַיִּ֖ים 1 to the living Naomi and Ruth were the ***living***. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective ***the living***. Alternate translation: ***to the people who are still living***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
RUT 2 20 wjr4 figs-nominaladj וְאֶת־הַמֵּתִ֑ים 1 and to the dead Naomi’s husband and sons were the ***dead***. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective ***the dead***. Alternate translation: ***the people who have already died*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
RUT 2 20 cyy2 figs-parallelism קָר֥וֹב לָ֨נוּ֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ הֽוּא 1 That man is our relative, one of our kinsman-redeemers The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT 2 20 zu5f מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ 1 kinsman-redeemers A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who could rescue a childless widow from financial ruin by marrying her and having a child with her. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery.
RUT 2 21 k2lz גַּ֣ם׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗י 1 Indeed, he also aid to me ***He even said to me***. This indicates that what follows is the most important part of Boaz’s words to Ruth.
RUT 2 21 g585 עִם־הַנְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִי֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין 1 You should keep close to the young men who are mine Boaz was referring to the physical protection his men can provide her.
RUT 2 22 f2tw תֵֽצְאִי֙ עִם 1 you go out with ***you work with***
RUT 2 22 bcc4 וְלֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖ךְ 1 so that they do not harm you Possible meanings are 1) other workers might abuse Ruth or try to seize her and sleep with her or 2) in another field, the owner might interfere or stop her from gleaning until the end of the harvest.
RUT 3 intro t4y5 0 # Ruth 03 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Boaz’s integrity<br><br>Boaz showed great integrity in this chapter by not having sexual relations with Ruth. He was also concerned with how people would see Ruth if they caught her in this position. Boaz’s character is important for this story.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **So that it may be well with you**<br><br>Naomi attempted to make Ruth desirable to Boaz so that he would want to marry her. Even though she was a Gentile by birth, Boaz could marry her because she was, by marriage, Naomi’s daughter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
RUT 3 1 r7ar חֲמוֹתָ֑הּ 1 her mother-in-law Naomi is the mother of Ruth’s dead husband.
RUT 3 1 f1uc בִּתִּ֞י 1 My daughter Ruth became Naomi’s daughter by marrying her son and further by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem.
RUT 3 1 nxr8 figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־ לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־ לָֽךְ 1 should I not seek rest for you, so that it may be well with you? Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she planned to do. Alternate translation: ***I must look for a place for you to rest, so that you will be taken care of.*** or ***I must find a husband to care for you, so that you can live without worry.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 3 1 uw2p figs-metaphor לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ 1 rest for you Possible meanings are 1) literally in finding a house for her to live in or 2) figuratively in finding a husband to care for her. Naomi probably had both senses in mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 3 2 j31t figs-explicit הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יו 1 young female workers you were with The translation can make explicit that she was working in the fields with these female workers. Alternate translation: ***female workers you have been with in the fields*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 3 2 b4h8 figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּ 1 is Boaz not our kinsman? Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate translation: ***Boaz is our relative.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT 3 2 ms25 זֹרֶ֛ה 1 is winnowing To winnow means to separate grain from the unwanted chaff by tossing both the grain and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow the chaff away.
RUT 3 3 ru6z וָסַ֗כְתְּ 1 and anoint yourself This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, much as women put on perfume today.
RUT 3 3 e92h figs-idiom וירדתי הַגֹּ֑רֶן 1 and go down to the threshing floor This refers to leaving the city and heading to the threshing area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 3 4 ln1m translate-symaction וְגִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 and uncover his feet This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet so that they would be exposed to the cold air. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
RUT 3 4 l4we ושכבתי 1 and lie down ***and lie down at his feet***
RUT 3 4 w1u5 וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂין 1 Then he will tell you what you should do The specific custom of that time is unclear, but this is usually understood as a culturally acceptable way for a woman to tell a man that she was willing to marry him. Boaz would understand the custom and accept or reject her offer.
RUT 3 4 nn4g וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד 1 Then he will tell ***When he wakes up, he will tell***
RUT 3 7 fz7e figs-synecdoche וַיִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔וֹ 1 and his heart was merry Here Boaz is referred to by his heart. It does not imply Boaz was overly drunk. Alternate translation: ***and he was satisfied*** or ***and he was in a good mood*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
RUT 3 7 y6gk וַתָּבֹ֣א בַלָּ֔ט 1 Then she came quietly ***Then she sneaked in*** or ***Then she came in quietly so no one would hear her***
RUT 3 7 eq2u וַתְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 and uncovered his feet ***and removed his blanket from his feet***
RUT 3 7 pb6l וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב 1 and lay down ***and lay down at his feet***
RUT 3 8 pz92 וַיְהִי֙ 1 It came about This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
RUT 3 9 wj9e אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ -1 your female servant Ruth spoke with humility to Boaz.
RUT 3 9 xp1b figs-idiom וּפָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ 1 Spread your cloak over your female servant This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: ***Marry me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 3 9 l5g4 גֹאֵ֖ל 1 a kinsman-redeemer See how you translated this term in [Ruth 2:20](../02/20.md).
RUT 3 10 bjw9 הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 for you have showed more kindness at the end than from the beginning ***even more kindness now than before***
RUT 3 10 e7ka הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן 1 you have showed more kindness at the end This refers to Ruth asking Boaz to marry her. By marrying Naomi’s relative, Ruth would provide for Naomi and demonstrate great kindness to Naomi.
RUT 3 10 cbd3 הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 from the beginning This refers to the way Ruth had earlier provided for her mother-in-law by staying with her and gleaning grain for food for them.
RUT 3 10 n84d figs-idiom לְבִלְתִּי־לֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵי֙ 1 because you have not gone after ***you have not pursued marriage with***. Ruth could have ignored Naomi’s need and looked for a husband for herself outside of Naomi’s relatives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 3 12 fvq5 גֹּאֵ֖ל קָר֥וֹב מִמֶּֽנִּי 1 a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I It was the duty of the closest male relative to help the widow. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [Ruth 2:20](../02/20.md).
RUT 3 13 gcl8 figs-explicit אִם־יִגְאָלֵ֥ךְ 1 if he will redeem you Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth’s dead husband would marry her and help carry on his family name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 3 13 tkz9 חַי־יְהוָ֑ה 1 as Yahweh lives ***as surely as Yahweh lives***. This was a common Hebrew vow.
RUT 3 14 vn8p וַתִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מרגלתו 1 So she lay at his feet Ruth slept at Boaz’ feet. They did not have sex.
RUT 3 14 dwx1 בטרום יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 before anyone could recognize another person This time of day can be spoken of in terms of darkness. Alternate translation: ***while it was still dark***
RUT 3 15 hj1e הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת 1 the shawl a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders for warmth
RUT 3 15 f5zg שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙ 1 six ephahs of barley The actual amount is not stated. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Some think it was about 30 kilograms.
RUT 3 15 aj7u וַיָּבֹ֖א הָעִֽיר 1 Then he went into the city Most ancient copies have **he went**, but some have **she went**. There are English versions with both. The better choice is **he went**.
RUT 3 16 s7dr figs-idiom מִי־אַ֣תְּ בִּתִּ֑י 1 How did it go, my daughter? The meaning of this question is not clear. The literal Hebrew idiom is **Who are you?** It may mean 1) ***What happened, my daughter?*** or 2) ***Did Boaz agree to marry you?*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 3 16 w9p9 אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָֽשָׂה־לָ֖הּ הָאִֽישׁ 1 all that the man had done for her ***all that Boaz had done for her***
RUT 3 17 e9xx אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם 1 Do not go empty-handed ***Do not go empty-handed*** or ***Do not go with nothing*** or ***Be sure to take something***
RUT 3 17 abca שֵׁשׁ־ הַשְּׂעֹרִ֥ים 1 six measures of barley See how you translated this in [Ruth 3:15](../03/15.md).
RUT 3 18 u5rn אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר 1 he has finished this thing This refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi’s property and marry Ruth.
RUT 4 intro pz6m 0 # Ruth 04 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### King David<br><br>Despite being a Moabitess, Ruth became an ancestor of David. David was Israel’s greatest king. It is shocking a Gentile would become a part of such an important lineage. She had great faith in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **You must also acquire Ruth the Moabite woman**<br><br>Because Naomi had no son, her daughter-in-law Ruth needed to be provided for. Therefore, the relative who wanted to use her land had to also help Ruth to have a son who would come to provide for her.<br><br>### **This was the custom in former times**<br><br>This is a comment made by the writer of the text. He functions as a narrator in this instance. It indicates that there was a considerable period of time between the events that occurred and the time they were written down.
RUT 4 1 m4by הַשַּׁעַר֮ 1 to the gate ***to the gate of the city*** or ***to the gate of Bethlehem***. This was the main entrance to the walled town of Bethlehem. There was an open area by the gate that was used as a meeting place to discuss community matters.
RUT 4 1 kz1g הַגֹּאֵ֤ל 1 the kinsman-redeemer This was the closest living relative to Elimelek. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [Ruth 2:20](../02/20.md).
RUT 4 2 bf74 מִזִּקְנֵ֥י הָעִ֖יר 1 from the elders of the city ***from the leaders of the city***
RUT 4 3 es9g חֶלְקַת֙ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה…מָכְרָ֣ה נָעֳמִ֔י 1 Naomi…is selling the parcel of land It was the responsibility of the kinsman to buy back his relative’s land and to care for his family. In this case, it meant the man must buy Naomi’s land, marry Ruth, and care for Naomi.
RUT 4 5 ut23 בְּיוֹם־קְנוֹתְךָ֥…וּ֠מֵאֵת…קניתי 1 On the day that you buy…you must also acquire Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land.
RUT 4 5 ymn8 figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י 1 from the hand of Naomi Here the word **hand** represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: ***from Naomi*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
RUT 4 5 dya3 figs-idiom וּ֠מֵאֵת ר֣וּת…קניתי 1 you must also acquire Ruth ***you must also marry Ruth*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 4 5 b3ps אֵֽשֶׁת־ הַמֵּת֙ 1 the wife of the dead man ***the widow of Elimelek’s son who died***
RUT 4 5 b3sy לְהָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֖ת 1 to raise up the name of the dead ***that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on the name of her dead husband***
RUT 4 5 figs-nominaladj הַמֵּ֖ת 1 the dead Ruth's husband was the ***dead***. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective ***the dead***. Alternate translation: ***the man who died*** of ***her husband who died*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
RUT 4 6 sx9k אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑י 1 damaging my own inheritance If he married Ruth, he would have to give some of his own wealth to the children that Ruth might bear.
RUT 4 6 sa7h גְּאַל־לְךָ֤ אַתָּה֙ אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתִ֔י 1 You redeem for yourself my right of redemption ***You yourself redeem it instead of me***
RUT 4 7 wga9 writing-background וְזֹאת֩ 1 Now it was thus ***Now this was the custom ***. The writer of the book explains of the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
RUT 4 7 lgf5 writing-background לְפָנִ֨ים 1 in former times ***in earlier times***. This implies that the customs had changed from when the story took place until the book was written. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
RUT 4 7 d46w לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 to the other This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his sandal.
RUT 4 9 zz42 figs-hyperbole לַזְּקֵנִ֜ים וְכָל־הָעָ֗ם 1 to the elders and to all the people This is a generalization. It refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
RUT 4 9 img5 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽאֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְאֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְכִלְי֖וֹן וּמַחְל֑וֹן 1 all that was Elimelek’s and all that was Kilion’s and Mahlon’s This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi’s dead husband and sons.
RUT 4 9 lwx9 figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי 1 from the hand of Naomi The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. She was responsible for the money exchange. Alternate translation: ***from Naomi*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
RUT 4 10 nm32 לְהָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ 1 to raise up the name of the dead man through his inheritance The first son that Ruth bore would be legally considered Mahlon’s son and would inherit the land that Boaz bought from Naomi. Alternate translation: ***so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man’s property***
RUT 4 10 gg1m figs-metaphor וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֛ת מֵעִ֥ם אֶחָ֖יו 1 so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place Being forgotten is spoken of as if one’s name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate translation: ***so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers’ descendants and the people of this town*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 4 10 xpu5 וּמִשַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑וֹ 1 and from the gate of his place The gate of the town is where important legal decisions were made, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land.
RUT 4 11 ua2a הָעָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּשַּׁ֛עַר 1 the people who were in the gate ***people who were meeting together near the gate***
RUT 4 11 hg6q figs-metaphor הַבָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗ךָ 1 who is coming into your house This has literal and figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his house. House can also refer to becoming part of Boaz’s family by being his wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 4 11 cz4t בָּנ֤וּ…אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 built up the house of Israel ***bore many children who became the nation of Israel***
RUT 4 11 abcb figs-parallelism וַעֲשֵׂה־ חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה וּקְרָא־ שֵׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT 4 11 uk9q וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה 1 may you prosper in Ephrathah Ephrathah was the name of the wife of Caleb, from whom the inhabitants of Bethlehem descended. It is another name for the town of Bethehem.
RUT 4 12 fn52 figs-metaphor וִיהִ֤י בֵֽיתְךָ֙ כְּבֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־ יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה 1 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah God abundantly blessed Judah through his son Perez. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth’s children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT 4 12 a433 יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה 1 Tamar bore to Judah Tamar, like Ruth, was also a widow. Judah fathered a son with Tamar, which continued the family name.
RUT 4 12 xym8 מִן־הַזֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְךָ֔ 1 through the offspring whom Yahweh will give you Yahweh would give Boaz children through Ruth.
RUT 4 12 abcc figs-parallelism וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־ רוּת֙ וַתְּהִי־ ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֔ה 1 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT 4 13 u21g וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ 1 So Boaz took Ruth ***So Boaz married Ruth*** or ***So Boaz took Ruth as a wife***
RUT 4 13 gw77 figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑יהָ 1 He went in to her This is a euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: ***He had sexual relations with her*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
RUT 4 14 qj8v figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַיּ֑וֹם 1 who has not left you today without a kinsman-redeemer This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: ***who has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
RUT 4 15 hz3e לְמֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ 1 one who restores life This phrase probably refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having a new grandson. Alternate translation: ***one who brings joy to you again*** or ***one who will make you feel young again***
RUT 4 15 z5lw וּלְכַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑ךְ 1 ane a nourisher of your old age ***and he will take care of you when you become old***
RUT 4 15 rpc3 figs-idiom ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔ךְ מִשִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים 1 better to you than seven sons ***Seven*** was the Hebrew number of completeness. Naomi’s sons both died before they produced any offspring, but Ruth bore a grandson to Naomi by Boaz. Alternate translation: ***better to you than any son*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT 4 16 k1w4 וַתִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַיֶּ֨לֶד֙ 1 Naomi took the child This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth.
RUT 4 16 jn29 וַתְּשִׁתֵ֣הוּ בְחֵיקָ֔הּ 1 laid him in her bosom ***held him close against her chest***. This is a statement of love and affection for the child.
RUT 4 17 fkf2 יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְנָעֳמִ֑י 1 A son has been born to Naomi ***The child is like a son to Naomi***. It was understood that the child was Naomi’s grandson, not her physical son.
RUT 4 17 f9ha figs-explicit אֲבִ֥י דָוִֽד 1 the father of David ***father of King David***. Though ***King*** is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that David was King David. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT 4 18 mzm1 תּוֹלְד֣וֹת פָּ֔רֶץ 1 the generations of Perez ***the successive descendants***. Because it was mentioned earlier that Perez was the son of Judah, the writer continues listing the family line that came from Perez.
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