Ruth
Ruth front
Introduction to Ruth
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Ruth
- How Ruth came to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:1–22)
- Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)
- Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)
- How Ruth became the wife of Boaz (4:1–16)
- Obed born to Ruth and Boaz; the genealogy of David (4:13–22)
What is the Book of Ruth about?
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.
How should the title of this book be translated?
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: How to Translate Names)
When did the events in the Book of Ruth occur?
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.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Why does Scripture include a book about a woman from the foreign land of Moab?
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: faithful, faithfulness, unfaithful, unfaithfulness, trustworthy)
What important marriage custom is found in the Book of Ruth?
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.
What was a kinsman-redeemer?
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.
What was gleaning in the Book of Ruth?
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.
What is covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty?
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.
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: covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, loving kindness, unfailing love)
What function did city gates have in the ancient Near East?
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.
Some English Bible versions speak of Boaz sitting at the city gate. It may be best for translators to make clear that Boaz sat in the city gateway.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How does the Book of Ruth change from one topic to another topic?
The Book of Ruth often changes to new topics or new parts of the story. The ULT uses various words to indicate these changes, such as so, then, and now. Translators should use the ways most natural in their own languages to signal these changes.
Ruth 1
Ruth 01 General Notes
Structure and formatting
It happened in the days when the judges ruled
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.
Special concepts in this chapter
Women without a husband or children
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.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Contrast
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: faith and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Ruth 1:1
וַיְהִ֗י
It was or This is what happened. This is a common way of beginning a historical story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
בִּימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַשֹּׁפְטִ֔ים
during the time when judges led and governed Israel (See: Connect - Simultaneous Time Relationship)
בָּאָ֑רֶץ
This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
אִ֜ישׁ
a man. This is a common way of introducing a character into a story. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)
Ruth 1:2
אֶפְרָתִ֔ים מִבֵּ֥ית לֶ֖חֶם יְהוּדָ֑ה
They were people from the tribe of Ephraim who settled at Bethlehem in the region of Judah.
Ruth 1:3
הִ֖יא וּשְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽיהָ׃
Naomi had only her two sons with her
Ruth 1:4
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם נָשִׁים֙
married women. This is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married. (See: Idiom)
מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת
Naomi’s sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods.
שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙…וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖י
the name of one woman was…the name of the other woman was
כְּעֶ֥שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים
About ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died.
Ruth 1:5
וַתִּשָּׁאֵר֙ הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה מִשְּׁנֵ֥י יְלָדֶ֖יהָ וּמֵאִישָֽׁהּ
Naomi was widowed and both her sons died.
Ruth 1:6
וְכַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ
the women who married Naomi’s sons
שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
יְהוָה֙
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.
פָקַ֤ד…אֶת־עַמּ֔וֹ
God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. Alternate translation: “had helped the Israelites”
Ruth 1:7
וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
and they walked along the road. To walk down a road is an expression for walking away. (See: Idiom)
Ruth 1:8
לִשְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ
her two sons’ wives or *the widows of her two sons
אִשָּׁ֖ה
Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of you would use that throughout her talk. (See: Forms of You)
לְבֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑הּ
to the home of each of your mothers
חֶ֔סֶד
loving kindness includes the ideas of love, kindness, and faithfulness.
עִם־הַמֵּתִ֖ים
to your husbands, who died. Naomi was referring to her two sons that had died. (See: Idiom)
הַמֵּתִ֖ים
your husbands, who died (See: Nominal Adjectives)
Ruth 1:9
יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לָכֶ֔ם
May Yahweh give you or May Yahweh allow you to have
וּמְצֶ֣אןָ מְנוּחָ֔ה
Rest here includes security in marriage.
בֵּ֣ית אִישָׁ֑הּ
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: Metonymy)
וַתִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖ן וַתִּבְכֶּֽינָה
To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: Idiom)
Ruth 1:10
נָשׁ֖וּב
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: Exclusive and Inclusive 'We')
אִתָּ֥ךְ
Here you is the singular form referring to Naomi. (See: Forms of You)
Ruth 1:11
לָ֥מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑י
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: Rhetorical Question)
הַֽעֽוֹד־לִ֤י בָנִים֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔י וְהָי֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם לַאֲנָשִֽׁים
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: Rhetorical Question)
Ruth 1:12
זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִהְי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
כִּ֤י אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ יֶשׁ־ לִ֣י תִקְוָ֔ה גַּ֣ם הָיִ֤יתִי הַלַּ֨יְלָה֙ לְאִ֔ישׁ וְגַ֖ם יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים
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: Rhetorical Question)
יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים
bear children or deliver baby boys
Ruth 1:13
אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲלָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְבִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ
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: Rhetorical Question)
מַר־לִ֤י מְאֹד֙
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: Metaphor or Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖י יַד־יְהוָֽה
The word hand refers to Yahweh’s power or influence. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me” (See: Metonymy)
Ruth 1:14
וַתִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔ן וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה
This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: Idiom)
וְר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽהּ
Ruth clung to her. Alternate translation: “Ruth refused to leave her” or “Ruth would not leave her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ruth 1:15
הִנֵּה֙
Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important
יְבִמְתֵּ֔ךְ
the wife of your husband’s brother or Orpah
אֱלֹהֶ֑יהָ
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.
Ruth 1:16
וּבַאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙
where you live
עַמֵּ֣ךְ עַמִּ֔י
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ruth 1:17
בַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּמ֨וּתִי֙ אָמ֔וּת
This refers to Ruth’s desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi. (See: Idiom)
יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה יְהוָ֥ה לִי֙ וְכֹ֣ה יֹסִ֔יף כִּ֣י
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: Idiom)
כִּ֣י הַמָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֵֽךְ
If anything other than death separates us from each other or if I leave you while you and I are both still alive
Ruth 1:18
וַתֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽיהָ
Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth
Ruth 1:19
וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה שְׁתֵּיהֶ֔ם עַד־בֹּאָ֖נָה בֵּ֣ית לָ֑חֶם וַיְהִ֗י
This sentence introduces a new event in the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה שְׁתֵּיהֶ֔ם עַד־בֹּאָ֖נָה בֵּ֣ית לָ֑חֶם
This is a background clause, explaining that the new event took place after Naomi had returned to Bethlehem with Ruth. (See: Connect - Background Information)
כָּל־הָעִיר֙
The town refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “everyone in the town” (See: Metonymy)
כָּל־הָעִיר֙
Here entire is as generalization. Some of the residents of the town may not have been excited by this news. (See: Hyperbole)
הֲזֹ֥את נָעֳמִֽי
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.
Ruth 1:20
אַל־תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖י נָעֳמִ֑י
The name Naomi means my delight. Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels her life matches her name.
מָרָ֔א
This is a translation of the meaning of the name. It is also often translated according to its sound as Mara. (See: How to Translate Names)
Ruth 1:21
אֲנִי֙ מְלֵאָ֣ה הָלַ֔כְתִּי וְרֵיקָ֖ם הֱשִׁיבַ֣נִי יְהוָ֑ה
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.
עָ֣נָה בִ֔י
has judged me guilty
הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽי
has brought calamity on me or has brought tragedy to me
Ruth 1:22
וַתָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְר֨וּת
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: End of Story)
וְהֵ֗מָּה בָּ֚אוּ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים׃
The sentence gives background information, explaining that Naomi and Ruth had arrived in Bethlehem around the time when the Israelites were starting to harvest their barley. (See: Background Information)
בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים
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: Abstract Nouns)
Ruth 2
Ruth 02 General Notes
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Do not go to glean in another field
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: grace, gracious and law of Moses, God’s law, law of Yahweh, the law and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ruth 2:1
וּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י מידע לְאִישָׁ֗הּ
This sentence introduces the next part of the story, in which Ruth meets Boaz. Boaz is introduced here as a new participant in the story. Your language may also have a specific way to introduce new events or new characters in a story. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)
אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל
a prominent, wealthy man. This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation.
Ruth 2:2
ר֨וּת הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה
Here the story resumes. You need to see how your language restarts a story after a break.
הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה
This is another way of saying the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab.
וַאֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַשִׁבֳּלִ֔ים
and gather kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters or and pick up kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters
אֲשֶׁ֥ר…בְּעֵינָ֑יו
The eyes are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: “who will decide” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)
אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֖ן
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: Idiom)
בִתִּֽי
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.
Ruth 2:3
וַיִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔הָ
Ruth was not aware that the field she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi’s relative Boaz.
Ruth 2:4
וְהִנֵּה
The word Behold alerts us to the important event of Boaz arriving at the field and seeing Ruth for the first time. Your language may also have a specific way of alerting someone to pay careful attention to what happens next in the story. (See: Phrases that Inform or Remind)
בָּ֚א מִבֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם
The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem.
יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֽה
May Yahweh give you good things or May Yahweh make you happy
Ruth 2:5
לְמִ֖י הַנַּעֲרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת
Possible meanings are 1) Boaz was asking about Ruth’s husband or 2) Boaz was asking about Ruth’s parents or current guardians.
הַנִּצָּ֖ב עַל
who was in charge of or who was managing
Ruth 2:7
הַבַּ֖יִת
the hut or the shelter. This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun.
Ruth 2:8
הֲל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗י
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: Rhetorical Question)
בִּתִּ֗י
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: Idiom)
Ruth 2:9
עֵינַ֜יִךְ בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה
The eyes represent watching something or paying attention to something. Alternate translation: “Watch only the field” or “Pay attention only to the field” (See: Metonymy)
הֲל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ
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: Rhetorical Question)
אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים
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.
לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ
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.
מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּן הַנְּעָרִֽים
To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.
Ruth 2:10
וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָה
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: Symbolic Action)
מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי וְאָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה
Ruth is asking a real question.
מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן
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: Idiom)
בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙
The eyes are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: “that you decided” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)
נָכְרִיָּֽה
Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, but she was known publicly as the Moabitess.
Ruth 2:11
הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד לִ֗י
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: People have reported to me or People have told me (See: Active or Passive)
הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד
Here two specific forms of the word for report are repeated in the original Hebrew text to emphasize the certainty of the statement. (See: Idiom)
וַתֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם
Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion she did not know. (See: Metonymy)
Ruth 2:12
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ
May Yahweh repay you or May Yahweh pay you back
פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ
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.
וּתְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵעִ֤ם יְהוָה֙
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: Parallelism)
אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַחֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽיו
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: Metaphor)
Ruth 2:13
אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֨ן
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: Idiom)
בְּעֵינֶ֤יךָ
Here eyes are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “and accept me” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)
אֲדֹנִי֙
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”
וְאָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּאַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ
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.
Ruth 2:14
לְעֵ֣ת הָאֹ֗כֶל
This refers to the noontime meal.
וְטָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖ךְ בַּחֹ֑מֶץ
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.
בַּחֹ֑מֶץ
The wine vinegar was a sauce into which they dipped bread. The Israelites further fermented some of their wine to make vinegar.
Ruth 2:15
וַתָּ֖קָם לְלַקֵּ֑ט וַיְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜יו
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
וַתָּ֖קָם
After she stood up
גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים
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.
Ruth 2:16
שֹׁל־תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖הּ מִן־הַצְּבָתִ֑ים
take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her or leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect
וְלֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽהּ
do not cause her shame or do not dishonor her
Ruth 2:17
וַתַּחְבֹּט֙
She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away.
כְּאֵיפָ֥ה שְׂעֹרִֽים
An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 22 liters of barley” (See: Biblical Volume)
Ruth 2:18
וַתִּשָּׂא֙ וַתָּב֣וֹא הָעִ֔יר
It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
וַתֵּ֥רֶא חֲמוֹתָ֖הּ
Then Naomi saw
Ruth 2:19
אֵיפֹ֨ה לִקַּ֤טְתְּ הַיּוֹם֙ וְאָ֣נָה עָשִׂ֔ית
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: Parallelism)
Ruth 2:20
בָּר֥וּךְ הוּא֙ לַיהוָ֔ה
Naomi is asking God to reward Boaz for his kindness to Ruth and herself.
אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔וֹ
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: Double Negatives)
אֶת־הַחַיִּ֖ים
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: Nominal Adjectives)
וְאֶת־הַמֵּתִ֑ים
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: Nominal Adjectives)
קָר֥וֹב לָ֨נוּ֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ הֽוּא
The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: Parallelism)
מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ
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.
Ruth 2:21
גַּ֣ם׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗י
He even said to me. This indicates that what follows is the most important part of Boaz’s words to Ruth.
עִם־הַנְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִי֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין
Boaz was referring to the physical protection his men can provide her.
Ruth 2:22
תֵֽצְאִי֙ עִם
you work with
וְלֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖ךְ
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.
Ruth 2:23
וַתִּדְבַּ֞ק
Ruth worked in Boaz’s fields with his workers during the day, so she would be safe.
וַתֵּ֖שֶׁב אֶת־חֲמוֹתָֽהּ
Ruth went to Naomi’s home to sleep at night.
Ruth 3
Ruth 03 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Boaz’s integrity
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.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
So that it may be well with you
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ruth 3:1
וַתֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ נָעֳמִ֣י
This sentence introduces the next part of the story, in which Ruth asks Boaz to perform the role of kinsman-redeemer for her and Naomi. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
חֲמוֹתָ֑הּ
Naomi is the mother of Ruth’s dead husband.
בִּתִּ֞י
Ruth became Naomi’s daughter by marrying her son and further by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem.
הֲלֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־ לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־ לָֽךְ
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: Rhetorical Question)
לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ
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: Metaphor)
Ruth 3:2
וְעַתָּ֗ה
This phrase indicates that Naomi advises Ruth because she desires to find a resting place for Ruth (3:1). (See: Connect - Reason-and-Result Relationship)
הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יו
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
הֲלֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּ
Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate translation: “Boaz is our relative.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
הִנֵּה
The word Look indicates that the following statement is very important. (See: Phrases that Inform or Remind)
זֹרֶ֛ה
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.
Ruth 3:3
וָסַ֗כְתְּ
This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, much as women put on perfume today.
וירדתי הַגֹּ֑רֶן
This refers to leaving the city and heading to the threshing area. (See: Idiom)
Ruth 3:4
וִיהִ֣י בְשָׁכְב֗וֹ
This is a background clause, explaining when Ruth should watch to see where Boaz sleeps. (See: Connect - Background Information)
וְגִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו
This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet so that they would be exposed to the cold air. (See: Symbolic Action)
ושכבתי
and lie down at his feet
וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂין
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.
וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד
When he wakes up, he will tell
Ruth 3:7
וַיִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔וֹ
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: Synecdoche)
וַתָּבֹ֣א בַלָּ֔ט
Then she sneaked in or Then she came in quietly so no one would hear her
וַתְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו
and removed his blanket from his feet
וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב
and lay down at his feet
Ruth 3:8
וַיְהִי֙ בַּחֲצִ֣י הַלַּ֔יְלָה
This clause introduces a new event in the story, explaining when Boaz woke up. (See: Connect - Simultaneous Time Relationship)
וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד
It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet.
וַיִּלָּפֵ֑ת
He looked to see what startled him. (See: Idiom)
אִשָּׁ֔ה שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת מַרְגְּלֹתָֽיו
The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness.
Ruth 3:9
אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ
Ruth spoke with humility to Boaz.
וּפָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔
This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: “Marry me” (See: Idiom)
גֹאֵ֖ל
See how you translated this term in 2:20.
Ruth 3:10
הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן
even more kindness now than before
הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן
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.
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן
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.
לְבִלְתִּי־לֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵי֙
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: Idiom)
Ruth 3:11
וְעַתָּ֗ה
This phrase indicates that Boaz is motivated to perform the role of kinsman-redeemer because he has seen how much kindness Ruth has shown to Naomi (1:10). (See: Connect - Reason-and-Result Relationship)
בִּתִּי֙
Boaz used this expression as a sign of respect toward Ruth as a younger woman.
Ruth 3:12
וְעַתָּה֙
This phrase indicates a contrast between Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth and the possibility of another man marrying her instead. (See: Connect - Contrast Relationship)
גֹּאֵ֖ל קָר֥וֹב מִמֶּֽנִּי
It was the duty of the closest male relative to help the widow. See how you translated kinsman-redeemer in 2:20.
Ruth 3:13
אִם־יִגְאָלֵ֥ךְ
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
חַי־יְהוָ֑ה
as surely as Yahweh lives. This was a common Hebrew vow.
Ruth 3:14
וַתִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מרגלתו
Ruth slept at Boaz’ feet. They did not have sex.
בטרום יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑הוּ
This time of day can be spoken of in terms of darkness. Alternate translation: “while it was still dark”
Ruth 3:15
הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת
a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders for warmth
שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙
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.
וַיָּ֣שֶׁת עָלֶ֔יהָ
The amount of grain was so great that Ruth needed help picking it up to carry it.
וַיָּבֹ֖א הָעִֽיר
Most ancient copies have he went, but some have she went. There are English versions with both. The better choice is he went.
Ruth 3:16
מִי־אַ֣תְּ בִּתִּ֑י
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: Idiom)
אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָֽשָׂה־לָ֖הּ הָאִֽישׁ
all that Boaz had done for her
Ruth 3:17
אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם
Do not go empty-handed or Do not go with nothing or Be sure to take something
שֵׁשׁ־ הַשְּׂעֹרִ֥ים
See how you translated this in 3:15.
Ruth 3:18
אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר
This refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi’s property and marry Ruth.
Ruth 4
Ruth 04 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
King David
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and faith)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
You must also acquire Ruth the Moabite woman
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.
This was the custom in former times
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.
Ruth 4:1
וּבֹ֨עַז עָלָ֣ה הַשַּׁעַר֮
This clause introduces the next part of the story, in which Boaz performs the role of kinsman-redeemer and marries Ruth. (See: [[rc:en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
הַשַּׁעַר֮
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.
וְהִנֵּ֨ה
The word Behold alerts us to the important event of Boaz sitting down at the gate and seeing the exact person he wanted to see walking by. Your language may also have a specific way of alerting someone to pay careful attention to what happens next in the story. (See: Phrases that Inform or Remind)
הַגֹּאֵ֤ל
This was the closest living relative to Elimelek. See how you translated kinsman-redeemer in 2:20.
Ruth 4:2
מִזִּקְנֵ֥י הָעִ֖יר
from the leaders of the city
Ruth 4:3
חֶלְקַת֙ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה…מָכְרָ֣ה נָעֳמִ֔י
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.
Ruth 4:4
נֶ֥גֶד
in the presence of. This would make the transaction legal and binding.
גְּאָ֔ל
This meant to buy the land to keep it within their family.
וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ
Boaz was the next kinsman in line to redeem the land.
Ruth 4:5
בְּיוֹם־קְנוֹתְךָ֥…וּ֠מֵאֵת…קניתי
Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land.
מִיַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י
Here the word hand represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: Synecdoche)
וּ֠מֵאֵת ר֣וּת…קניתי
you must also marry Ruth (See: Idiom)
אֵֽשֶׁת־ הַמֵּת֙
the widow of Elimelek’s son who died
לְהָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֖ת
that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on the name of her dead husband
הַמֵּ֖ת
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: Nominal Adjectives)
Ruth 4:6
אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑י
If he married Ruth, he would have to give some of his own wealth to the children that Ruth might bear.
גְּאַל־לְךָ֤ אַתָּה֙ אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתִ֔י
You yourself redeem it instead of me
Ruth 4:7
וְזֹאת֩
Now this was the custom. The writer of the book explains of the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. (See: Background Information)
לְפָנִ֨ים
in earlier times. This implies that the customs had changed from when the story took place until when the book was written. (See: Background Information)
לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ
This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his sandal.
Ruth 4:9
לַזְּקֵנִ֜ים וְכָל־הָעָ֗ם
This is a generalization. It refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town. (See: Hyperbole)
כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽאֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְאֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְכִלְי֖וֹן וּמַחְל֑וֹן
This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi’s dead husband and sons.
מִיַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי
The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. She was responsible for the money exchange. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: Synecdoche)
Ruth 4:10
This statement indicates that the people sitting at the gate are witnesses both to the fact that Boaz is claiming Ruth to be his wife and to the fact that he is buying back Elimilech’s family land for Naomi (1:9).
לְהָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ
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”
וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֛ת מֵעִ֥ם אֶחָ֖יו
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: Metaphor)
וּמִשַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑וֹ
The gate of the town is where important legal decisions were made, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land.
Ruth 4:11
הָעָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּשַּׁ֛עַר
people who were meeting together near the gate
הַבָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗ךָ
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: Metaphor)
כְּרָחֵ֤ל׀ וּכְלֵאָה֙
These were the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
בָּנ֤וּ…אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
bore many children who became the nation of Israel
וַעֲשֵׂה־ חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה וּקְרָא־ שֵׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם
The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: Parallelism)
וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה
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.
Ruth 4:12
וִיהִ֤י בֵֽיתְךָ֙ כְּבֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־ יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה
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: Metaphor)
יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה
Tamar, like Ruth, was also a widow. Judah fathered a son with Tamar, which continued the family name.
מִן־הַזֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְךָ֔
Yahweh would give Boaz children through Ruth.
וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־ רוּת֙ וַתְּהִי־ ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֔ה
The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: Parallelism)
Ruth 4:13
וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙
So Boaz married Ruth or So Boaz took Ruth as a wife
וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑יהָ
This is a euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: “He had sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)
Ruth 4:14
לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַיּ֑וֹם
This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “who has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you” (See: Double Negatives)
וְיִקָּרֵ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ
This refers to the reputation and character of Naomi’s grandson.
Ruth 4:15
לְמֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ
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”
וּלְכַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑ךְ
and he will take care of you when you become old
ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔ךְ מִשִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים
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: Idiom)
Ruth 4:16
וַתִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַיֶּ֨לֶד֙
This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth.
וַתְּשִׁתֵ֣הוּ בְחֵיקָ֔הּ
held him close against her chest. This is a statement of love and affection for the child.
Ruth 4:17
יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְנָעֳמִ֑י
The child is like a son to Naomi. It was understood that the child was Naomi’s grandson, not her physical son.
אֲבִ֥י דָוִֽד
father of King David. Though King is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that David was King David. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ruth 4:18
תּוֹלְד֣וֹת פָּ֔רֶץ
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.
Ruth 4:19
וְחֶצְרוֹן֙…רָ֔ם
(See: How to Translate Names)
Ruth 4:22
אֶת־ דָּוִֽד
father of King David. See the note about David on 4:17