Book	Chapter	Verse	ID	SupportReference	OrigQuote	Occurrence	GLQuote	OccurrenceNote
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. This was after the people of Israel had entered into the land of Canaan, but before they had a king. The “judges” 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**. In this custom, the closest male relative of a man who died without any children was obligated to provide for his widow by marrying her. Usually this would be one of the man’s brothers. Any children born to them were to be regarded as children of the dead man. They did this so that the dead man would have descendants. If the closest relative did not marry the woman, another relative could fulfil this obligation.<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, fulfil obligations of **levirate marriage**, and buy back land into the family that had been sold to someone outside of the family. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz is one such kinsman-redeemer.<br><br>### What was **gleaning** in the Book of Ruth?<br><br>In Israel, poor people were allowed to follow after the men who harvested a field. These **gleaners** picked up stalks 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 the covenant that they had made. God made a covenant with Israel, in which he 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 is part of Israel’s duties in God’s covenant with them. The story of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi gives 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 meeting places for the city elders. Elders were honored men who decided business matters and legal matters together. The city walls were thick, especially at the entryways, and the gates had guard towers beside and above them. Therefore the gateway opening provided a large shady area for public meetings, and there were places for important people to sit. For this reason, Boaz and the other elders sat in the gateway.<br><br>Some English Bible versions speak of Boaz sitting **at** the city gate, but it may be best for translators to make clear that Boaz sat **in** the city gateway.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How does the Book of Ruth change from one topic to another topic?<br><br>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.
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]])
RUT	1	1	sb2j	writing-newevent	וַ⁠יְהִ֗י	1	Now it happened that	**It was** or **This is what happened**. This is a common way of beginning a historical story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
RUT	1	1	m9nl	grammar-connect-time-simultaneous	בִּ⁠ימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַ⁠שֹּׁפְטִ֔ים	1	in the days of the ruling of the judges	**during the time when judges led and governed Israel** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
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 from Bethlehem of Judah	The name **Ephrathites** refers to the people from the clan of Ephrathah, who lived in the area around Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “from the clan of Ephrathah, from Bethlehem, in Judah.”
RUT	1	3	rxb1		הִ֖יא וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽי⁠הָ׃	1	she was left, her and her two sons	**Naomi had only her two sons remaining 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	k7y9		מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת	1	from the women of Moab	Naomi’s sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods.
RUT	1	4	aee6		שֵׁ֤ם הָֽ⁠אַחַת֙…וְ⁠שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖י	1	the name of the first woman was … and the name of the second woman 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	the woman was left without her two children or her husband	Naomi was widowed and both her sons died.
RUT	1	6	u9q2		וְ⁠כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ	1	her daughters-in-law	the women who married Naomi’s sons
RUT	1	6	sa4z	figs-explicit	שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּ⁠שְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב	1	she had heard in a field of Moab	**she had heard while still in the country of Moab**. It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: “she had heard from someone who came 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.
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	6	ab01	figs-idiom	לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לָֽחֶם׃	1	giving them bread	**Bread** here refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “giving them abundant harvests, so that they had plenty of food.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
RUT	1	7	w7ti	figs-idiom	וַ⁠תֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ	1	and they traveled down the road	**and they walked along the road**. To walk down a road means to travel along it by foot.
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 woman	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 her mother	**to the home of each of your mothers**
RUT	1	8	i262		חֶ֔סֶד	1	covenant faithfulness	**covenant faithfulness** is what someone does who is fulfilling all of his obligations and loyalties to another person. See the discussion in the introduction.
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 וּ⁠מְצֶ֣אןָ	1	May Yahweh grant to you that you shall find	**May Yahweh give you** or **May Yahweh allow you to have**
RUT	1	9	c74v	figs-metaphor	וּ⁠מְצֶ֣אןָ מְנוּחָ֔ה	1	that you shall find rest	**Rest** here does not refer to sitting down to rest. It means a place where these women would belong, a home for them, which would include the security that comes through marriage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT	1	9	v2vx	figs-metonymy	בֵּ֣ית אִישָׁ֑⁠הּ	1	in the house of her husband	This means with new husbands, not with their previous husbands who died or with someone else’s husband. **House** refers to both a physical house that belongs to the husband, and to the protection from shame and poverty that a husband provides. (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 would 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	Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may become your husbands?	This is a rhetorical question. Naomi uses this question to say that 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 belong to 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 belonged to a husband even tonight, and even if I would give birth to sons,	This rhetorical question begins here and continues into the next verse. Naomi uses this question to say that she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Even if it were possible that I could expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons right away,…” (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 the time when they are grown? Would you for this reason keep yourselves from belonging a husband?	Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse, and asks a second rhetorical 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 need to marry a husband before then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT	1	13	ab04		אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲ⁠לָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ	1	would you therefore wait until the time when they are grown? Would you for this reason keep yourselves from belonging a husband?	This refers to the practice of levirate marriage, in which it is expected that, if a married man dies, one of his brothers will marry the man’s widow. See the introduction for more explanation.
RUT	1	13	gh99	figs-metaphor	מַר־לִ֤⁠י מְאֹד֙	1	it is exceedingly bitter for me	Bitterness is a metaphor for grief. Alternate translation: “It greatly grieves me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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	13	ab02	figs-explicit	יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖⁠י יַד־יְהוָֽה	1	the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me	What Yahweh has done can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken away our husbands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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 clung 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	Look	**Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important**
RUT	1	15	nqm3	writing-participants	יְבִמְתֵּ֔⁠ךְ	1	your sister-in-law	**the wife of your husband’s brother** or **Orpah**. Use the most natural way in your language to refer to this person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
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 are 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 thus to me, and and thus may he add	This is an idiom that Ruth uses to show that she is very committed to doing what she says. She is making a curse on herself, asking God to punish her if she does not do what she has said. Use the form that your language uses to do this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	1	17	abc2		כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥⁠י וּ⁠בֵינֵֽ⁠ךְ	1	if 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	17	ab05	figs-idiom	יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥⁠י וּ⁠בֵינֵֽ⁠ךְ	1	separates between me and between you	This is an idiom that refers to the space between two people. Alternate translation: “separates the two of us” or “comes between us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	1	18	rsq2		וַ⁠תֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְ⁠דַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠הָ	1	she refrained from speaking to her	**Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth**
RUT	1	19	j9wa	writing-newevent	וַ⁠יְהִ֗י	1	So the two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem	This sentence introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
RUT	1	19	jdr1	grammar-connect-time-background	כְּ⁠בֹאָ֨⁠נָה֙ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם	1	when they came to Bethlehem	This is a background clause, explaining that the new event took place after Naomi had returned to Bethlehem with Ruth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
RUT	1	19	y3us	figs-metonymy	כָּל־הָ⁠עִיר֙	1	the entire town	The **town** refers 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 hyperbole. Many of the residents of the town were excited, but some of the residents 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 had been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and now she no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely that the women were expressing doubt that this woman was actually Naomi. Treat this as a real question, not a rhetorical one.
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 that her life matches her name.
RUT	1	20	swe9	translate-names	מָרָ֔א	1	Mara	This is a literal rendering of a Hebrew name meaning “bitter.” Since it is a name, you may choose to use the English form, which is **Bitter**, and use a footnote to explain that the English term gives the meaning of the Hebrew name (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, she had her husband and her two sons, 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 done evil to 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 follow that way here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
RUT	1	22	jdr2	writing-background	וְ⁠הֵ֗מָּה בָּ֚אוּ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם בִּ⁠תְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים	1	And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the harvest of barley.	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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>## 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 Ruth’s safety in another person’s field. It seems that not everyone was as gracious and obedient to the law of Moses as Boaz was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT	2	1	ab10	writing-background	וּֽ⁠לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְ⁠אִישָׁ֗⁠הּ	1	Now Naomi had a relative of her husband	Verse 1 gives background information about Boaz so that the reader will understand who he is. Your language may also have a specific way to give background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
RUT	2	1	t2sn	writing-participants	וּֽ⁠לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְ⁠אִישָׁ֗⁠הּ	1	Now Naomi had a relative of her husband	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
RUT	2	1	b4q7		אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל	1	a man of great worth	**a prominent, wealthy man**. This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation.
RUT	2	1	ab09		מִ⁠מִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ	1	from the clan of Elimelek	The use of the term **clan** here means that Boaz was related to Elimelek but did not have the same parents as Elimelek. The text is not saying that the clan was named after Elimelek or that Elimelek was the patriarch or leader of the clan.
RUT	2	2	am6a		ר֨וּת הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה	1	Ruth, the Moabite woman	Here the story resumes. Indicate this in the way that your language restarts telling the events of a story after giving background information.
RUT	2	2	c7rk		הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה	1	the Moabite woman	This is another way of saying that the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab.
RUT	2	2	qt4q		וַ⁠אֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַ⁠שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים	1	and glean heads of grain	**and gather heads of grain left behind by the harvesters** or **and pick up heads of grain left behind by the harvesters**
RUT	2	2	j59b	figs-idiom	אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו	1	In whose eyes I find favor	The phrase **in whose eyes I will find favor** is an idiom which means “whoever will approve of me.” Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: “who will be kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	2	2	abc5	figs-metaphor	בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו	1	in whose eyes	The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “who will decide [to be kind to me]” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT	2	2	ed93		בִתִּֽ⁠י	1	my daughter	Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother, and Naomi addressed Ruth affectionately as her daughter. If this is confusing in your language, use the term that would indicate this kind of close relationship between two women in your language.
RUT	2	3	ht73		וַ⁠יִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔⁠הָ	1	by chance	This means that Ruth was not aware that the field that she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi’s relative Boaz.
RUT	2	3	ab11		מִ⁠מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ	1	from the clan of Elimelek	The use of the term **clan** here means that Boaz was related to Elimelek but did not have the same parents as Elimelek. The text is not saying that the clan was named after Elimelek or that Elimelek was the patriarch or leader of the clan.
RUT	2	4	vys2	figs-distinguish	וְ⁠הִנֵּה	1	Then behold,	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
RUT	2	4	q1lv		בָּ֚א מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם	1	coming from Bethlehem	The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem.
RUT	2	4	r4bl		יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָֽה	1	May Yahweh bless you	**May Yahweh do good things for you**. This is a general blessing.
RUT	2	5	a5ht		לְ⁠מִ֖י הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת	1	Who does this young woman belong to?	In that culture, women were under the authority of their male relatives. Boaz was asking who Ruth’s husband or father might be. He did not think that Ruth was a slave.
RUT	2	5	ab16		לְ⁠נַעֲר֔⁠וֹ	1	to his servant	This **servant** was a young man who worked for Boaz and who told the rest of Boaz’s workers what to do.
RUT	2	5	sdf9		הַ⁠נִּצָּ֖ב עַל	1	who was set over	**who was in charge of** or **who was managing**
RUT	2	7	ab17		אֲלַקֳטָה־נָּא֙	1	Please let me glean	To **glean** meant to pick up grain or other produce that the workers dropped or missed as they were harvesting. This was part of the law that God gave to Moses, that the workers should not go back over the field for this produce, so that it would be left in the field for the poor or for foreign travelers to pick up. See verses such as Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy 24:21.
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 where the workers could rest.
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 to address a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, but he was treating her kindly and respectfully. Use the term that communicates this in your language. (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** are a metonym that represents seeing. 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 his hospitality—that he had already made provision 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	This was a polite way of saying that the men were not to harm Ruth physically or assault her sexually, and possibly also that the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
RUT	2	9	ahr7		מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ⁠ן הַ⁠נְּעָרִֽים	1	from what the young men draw	To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.
RUT	2	10	az6y	translate-symaction	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	ab12	figs-doublet	וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה	1	Then she fell on her face and bowed down to the ground	These are two descriptions of a single action. If this is confusing in your language, use only one description, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
RUT	2	10	ab13	figs-idiom	וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ	1	Then she fell on her face	This is an idiom that means that she bowed low with her face to the ground. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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 בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙	1	have I found favor in your eyes	The phrase **found favor in your eyes** is an idiom which means “you have approved of” someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining their kindness or approval. Alternate translation: “you have been kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	2	10	abc8	figs-metaphor	בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙	1	in your eyes	The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” or “that you decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT	2	10	x6f8		נָכְרִיָּֽה	1	foreigner	A **foreigner** is someone from another country. Even though Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, everyone knew that she was from Moab, not Israel. Often Israelites were not kind to foreigners, even though God wanted them to be kind to them. This shows that Boaz was living to please God.
RUT	2	11	ab14	figs-doublet	וַ⁠יַּ֤עַן בֹּ֨עַז֙ וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר	1	Boaz answered and said	Both **answered** and **said** describe the same action. If this is confusing in your language, you may want to use only one verb for this, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
RUT	2	11	app6	figs-activepassive	הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד לִ֗⁠י	1	Everything … has fully 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	Everything … has fully been reported	Here two forms of the word for **report** are repeated in the original Hebrew text to emphasize the certainty or extent of the statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	2	11	r44n	figs-metonymy	וַ⁠תֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם	1	and you came to a people	Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion that she did not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT	2	11	ab60	figs-idiom	תְּמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃	1	the day before yesterday	This is an idiom that means “recently” or “previously”
RUT	2	12	x5ct		יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה פָּעֳלֵ֑⁠ךְ	1	May Yahweh reward your work	**May Yahweh repay you** or **May Yahweh pay you back**
RUT	2	12	s2vm		פָּעֳלֵ֑⁠ךְ	1	your work	This refers to everything that Boaz has just described in verse 11. Alternate translation: “your good deeds.”
RUT	2	12	gnn5	figs-parallelism	וּ⁠תְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜⁠ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵ⁠עִ֤ם יְהוָה֙	1	may your full wages come from Yahweh	This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh fully give to you everything that you deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]], [Doublet](../figs-doublet/01.md))
RUT	2	12	eh86	figs-metaphor	אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַ⁠חֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽי⁠ו	1	under whose wings you have come for refuge	This is a metaphor that uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them as a way 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	May I find favor	Here **find favor** is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Alternate translation: “May you continue to approve of me” or “May you continue to be pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	2	13	v2q1	figs-metaphor	בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֤י⁠ךָ	1	in your eyes	The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “and accept me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT	2	13	abc4		אֲדֹנִ⁠י֙	1	my lord	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 **lord**, and speaking of herself as his servant. Alternate translation: “Sir” or “master”
RUT	2	13	zc5n		וְ⁠אָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּ⁠אַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ	1	But as for me, I am not even like one of your female servants	Ruth is expressing surprise and gratitude that Boaz is treating her as if she belongs among his workers, when she does not.
RUT	2	14	yht2		לְ⁠עֵ֣ת הָ⁠אֹ֗כֶל	1	At the time of the meal	This refers to the midday meal.
RUT	2	14	p256		וְ⁠טָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖⁠ךְ בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ	1	dip your piece in the 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 pieces of broken bread. They would take a piece of bread and dip it in the wine vinegar to add flavor before they ate it.
RUT	2	14	xr6s		בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ	1	the vinegar	The **vinegar** was a sauce into which they dipped bread. The Israelites made vinegar from grape juice that was fermented beyond the point of being wine. At the vinegar stage, the juice becomes very sour and acidic.
RUT	2	15	v6wr	figs-explicit	וַ⁠תָּ֖קָם לְ⁠לַקֵּ֑ט וַ⁠יְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜י⁠ו	1	Then she got up to glean. Then Boaz commanded his young men	When Boaz spoke to his workers, 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	Then she got up	**After she stood up**
RUT	2	15	a5z9		גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽ⁠עֳמָרִ֛ים	1	even among the bundles	Here, the word **even** lets the workers know that they are to do above and beyond what they normally do. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working close to the harvested grain for fear that they might steal from the grain that was already harvested. But Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean close to the bundles of grain.
RUT	2	16	u6hv		שֹׁל־תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖⁠הּ מִן־הַ⁠צְּבָתִ֑ים	1	pull some out from the bundles for her	**take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her** or **leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect**. Here Boaz goes another step beyond what is normal, and tells his workers to drop some of the grain that was already harvested for Ruth to glean.
RUT	2	16	nn9l		וְ⁠לֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ	1	do not rebuke her	**do not cause her shame** or **do not speak harshly to 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.” Use the normal measurement for grain in your language. (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 did you glean today, and where did you work?	Naomi asked the same thing in two different ways to show that she was very interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day. Use the way that your language shows excitement and interest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT	2	19	ab07	figs-metonymy	מַכִּירֵ֖⁠ךְ	1	the one who noticed you	Here **noticed** is a metonymy that stands for not only seeing Ruth, but also doing something for her. Alternate translation: “the one who helped you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT	2	20	p8km		בָּר֥וּךְ הוּא֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֔ה	1	May he be blessed by Yahweh	Naomi is asking God to reward Boaz for his kindness to Ruth and herself.
RUT	2	20	ab20	figs-doublenegatives	אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔⁠וֹ	1	who has not forsaken his loving kindness	This can be stated positively: **who has continued to be loyal**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
RUT	2	20	ur7z		אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב	1	who has not forsaken	The word **who** is most probably referring to Yahweh, who has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead by acting through Boaz. A less likely possibility is that it is referring to Boaz.
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 closely related to us. He is 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 had the responsibility to take care of any widows in the family. If one of his brothers died having had no children, he had the responsibility to marry the widow, if she was still of child-bearing age, to raise a child for his brother. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery. See the Introduction for more information.
RUT	2	21	k2lz		גַּ֣ם ׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗⁠י	1	In addition, he said to me	**He even said to me**. This indicates that what follows is beyond what they would have expected a landowner to say to Ruth.
RUT	2	21	g585		עִם־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִ⁠י֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔י⁠ן	1	You should keep close by the servants who belong to me	Boaz was expressing confidence that his workers would not harm Ruth.
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	This could mean: (1) other workers might abuse Ruth or try to rape her or (2) in another field, the owner might interfere or stop her from gleaning while they are harvesting.
RUT	2	22	ab64	grammar-connect-logic-result	וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖⁠ךְ	1	so that they do not harm you	This is the reason why Ruth should continue to work with Boaz’s servants. If it is more clear in your language to state the reason before the result, you can state this part of the sentence first, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
RUT	2	23	e2vq		וַ⁠תִּדְבַּ֞ק	1	So she stayed close by	Ruth worked in Boaz’s fields with his workers during the day, so she would be safe.
RUT	2	23	a7qp		וַ⁠תֵּ֖שֶׁב אֶת־חֲמוֹתָֽ⁠הּ	1	She lived with her mother-in-law	Ruth went to Naomi’s home to sleep at night.
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 until they were married. He was also concerned with preserving Ruth’s good reputation. Displaying Boaz’s good character is an important point in this chapter.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **So that it may be well with you**<br><br>Naomi wanted Ruth to have a secure home with a good husband who would care for her. She could see that Boaz would be the best husband for her. She also thought that Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, had an obligation to marry her. This could be true because, even though Ruth was a Gentile by birth, she had become part of Naomi’s family and part of the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT	3	1	jdr3	writing-newevent	וַ⁠תֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖⁠הּ נָעֳמִ֣י	1	Naomi … said to her,	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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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 part of Naomi’s family by marrying her son and became like a daughter to her 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 a resting place for you, that will be good for 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	a resting place for you	This does not mean a place to rest temporarily from being tired. It means a place of permanent comfort and security, in a good home with a husband. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT	3	2	jdr4	grammar-connect-logic-result	וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה	1	Connecting Statement:	Naomi’s rhetorical question in verse 1 gave the reason for the advice that she is about to give to Ruth in verses 2-4. This word marks what follows as the result of verse 1. In other words, Naomi advises Ruth what to do (3:2-4) because she desires to find a good, secure home for Ruth (3:1) If it is more clear in your language to state the reason after the result, you may want to put verse 1 after verses 2-4, marked as verses 1-4 together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
RUT	3	2	b4h8	figs-rquestion	הֲ⁠לֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔⁠נוּ	1	is not Boaz our relative	Naomi used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her (See 2:20), to introduce the reason for what she is about to say. Alternate translation: “As you know, Boaz is our relative.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
RUT	3	2	j31t	figs-explicit	הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י⁠ו	1	whose young female workers you have been working	If it helps for understanding, 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	nd8v	figs-distinguish	הִנֵּה	1	Look	The word **Look** indicates that the following statement is very important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
RUT	3	2	ms25		זֹרֶ֛ה	1	will be winnowing	**he will be 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, as a kind of perfume.
RUT	3	3	e92h		וְיָרַ֣דְתְּ הַ⁠גֹּ֑רֶן	1	and go down to the threshing floor	This refers to leaving the city and going to the open, flat area where workers could thresh and winnow grain.
RUT	3	4	jdr5	figs-imperative	וִ⁠יהִ֣י	1	And let it be that	**Then do like this:** This is a general instruction that introduces the next series of specific instructions that Naomi is about to give to Ruth. Translate this in the way that people would say this in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
RUT	3	4	ab21	grammar-connect-time-background	בְ⁠שָׁכְב֗⁠וֹ	1	when he lies down,	This is a background clause, explaining when Ruth should watch to see where Boaz sleeps. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
RUT	3	4	ln1m	translate-symaction	וְ⁠גִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו	1	and uncover his feet	This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet (or legs). Perhaps this action by a woman could be interpreted as a proposal of marriage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
RUT	3	4	zi01		מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו	1	his feet	The word used here could refer to his feet or his legs.
RUT	3	4	l4we		וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ	1	and lie down	**and lie down there**
RUT	3	4	w1u5		וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔⁠ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂי⁠ן	1	Then he, himself, will tell you what you should do	The specific custom of that time is unclear, but Naomi appears to believe that Boaz will understand Ruth’s action as a proposal of marriage. Boaz will then either accept or reject her offer.
RUT	3	4	nn4g		וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד	1	Then he, himself, will tell	**When he wakes up, he will tell**
RUT	3	6	ab22	figs-events	וַ⁠תַּ֕עַשׂ כְּ⁠כֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוַּ֖תָּ⁠ה חֲמוֹתָֽ⁠הּ׃	1	and did according to everything that her mother-in-law had instructed her.	This statement summarizes the actions that Ruth will do in verse 7. If people understand from this that Ruth did these actions in verse 6 and then did them again in verse 7, then you could translate this sentence as **and she obeyed her mother-in-law**. Or if it would make the order of events more clear, you could move this sentence to the end of verse 7, then combine the verse numbers as a verse bridge (6-7). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
RUT	3	7	fz7e	figs-metonymy	וַ⁠יִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔⁠וֹ	1	and his heart was good	Here **heart** stands for “emotions” or “disposition.” Boaz’s emotions or feelings were good. This does not imply that Boaz was drunk. Alternate translation: “and he felt good” or “and he was in a good mood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT	3	7	y6gk		וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣א בַ⁠לָּ֔ט	1	Then she came quietly	**Then she sneaked in** or **Then she came in quietly so that no one would hear her**
RUT	3	7	eq2u		וַ⁠תְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו	1	and uncovered his feet	**and removed the covering from his legs**
RUT	3	7	pb6l		וַ⁠תִּשְׁכָּֽב	1	and lay down	**and lay down there**
RUT	3	8	pz92	writing-newevent	וַ⁠יְהִי֙ בַּ⁠חֲצִ֣י הַ⁠לַּ֔יְלָה	1	Then it happened in the middle of the night	This clause introduces a new event in the story, explaining when Boaz woke up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
RUT	3	8	xun6		וַ⁠יֶּחֱרַ֥ד	1	that … was startled	It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet or legs.
RUT	3	8	ab23	figs-exclamations	וְ⁠הִנֵּ֣ה	1	And behold	This word shows that what follows was very surprising to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
RUT	3	8	e7ui		אִשָּׁ֔ה שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת מַרְגְּלֹתָֽי⁠ו	1	a woman was lying at his feet	The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness.
RUT	3	9	wj9e		אֲמָתֶ֔⁠ךָ	-1	your female servant	Ruth was not one of Boaz’s servants, but she referred to herself as Boaz’s servant as a polite way to express respect to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing humility and respect.
RUT	3	9	xp1b	figs-idiom	וּ⁠פָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨⁠ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔	1	And you can spread the edge of your cloak over your female servant	This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: “Please 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 [2:20](../02/20/zu5f).
RUT	3	10	bjw9		הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥⁠ךְ הָ⁠אַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן	1	You have made your covenant faithfulness better at the end than at the beginning	**You are demonstrating even more loving kindness now than before**
RUT	3	10	e7ka		הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥⁠ךְ הָ⁠אַחֲר֖וֹן	1	You have made your covenant faithfulness better at the end	This refers to Ruth asking Boaz to marry her. Boaz sees this as Ruth showing unselfish kindness and family loyalty to Naomi. By marrying Naomi’s relative, Ruth would also provide for Naomi, honor Naomi’s son, and continue Naomi’s family line.
RUT	3	10	cbd3		הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן	1	at the beginning	This refers to the way that 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	by not going after	**because you have not looked for marriage among**. Ruth could have ignored Naomi’s need and looked for a young and handsome husband for herself outside of Naomi’s relatives, but she did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	3	11	jdr6	grammar-connect-logic-result	וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה	1	Connecting Statement:	This phrase indicates that what came before in verse 10 is the reason for what follows in verse 11. This can be indicated with a word like **Therefore**. If it is clearer in your language to put the reason after the result, the order would be: Boaz is motivated to perform the role of kinsman-redeemer (verse 11) **because** he has seen how much kindness Ruth has shown to Naomi (verse 10). If you choose this order, you will need to combine the verses and the verse numbers (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]).
RUT	3	11	ei93		בִּתִּ⁠י֙	1	my daughter	Boaz used this expression as a sign of respect toward Ruth as a younger woman. Use the form of address that would be appropriate in your language.
RUT	3	11	ab08	figs-idiom	כָּל־שַׁ֣עַר עַמִּ֔⁠י	1	the whole gate of my people	The gate was an area of the city where people gathered to do business, and the leaders met there to make decisions. So this was an idiom meaning “all of the important people in my city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
RUT	3	11	ab31		אֵ֥שֶׁת חַ֖יִל	1	a woman of worth	**a woman of good character**, **a good woman**
RUT	3	12	jdr7		וְ⁠עַתָּה֙	1	Connecting Statement:	This phrase indicates that what follows is something else important that Ruth should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” a contrast between Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth and the possibility of another man marrying her instead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
RUT	3	12	ab30	grammar-connect-logic-contrast	וְ⁠גַ֛ם יֵ֥שׁ	1	but there is	This phrase indicates a contrast between Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth (verse 11) and the possibility of another man marrying her instead (verse 12). Alternate translation: “Even so, there is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]).
RUT	3	12	fvq5		גֹּאֵ֖ל קָר֥וֹב מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי	1	a kinsman-redeemer … nearer than I	It was the duty of the male relative who was closest in family relationship to the man who died to help his widow. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f) and make sure that it also makes sense here.
RUT	3	13	gcl8	figs-explicit	אִם־יִגְאָלֵ֥⁠ךְ	1	if he will redeem you	**redeem** here means “marry according to our custom concerning widows.” Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth’s dead husband would marry her and raise a son to carry on the dead man’s 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** or **by the life of Yahweh**. This was a common Hebrew vow that obligated the speaker to perform what he said. Use the normal phrasing for a vow in your language.
RUT	3	14	vn8p		וַ⁠תִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מַרְגְּלוֹתָיו֙	1	So she lay at his feet	Ruth slept at Boaz’s feet. They did not have sex.
RUT	3	14	dwx1	figs-idiom	בְּטֶ֛רֶם יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ	1	before a man could recognize his friend	This is an idiom that referred to a condition of darkness. Alternate translation: “while it was still dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
RUT	3	15	hj1e		הַ⁠מִּטְפַּ֧חַת	1	the cloak	a thick piece of cloth worn over the shoulders for warmth
RUT	3	15	f5zg		שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙	1	six measures of barley	The actual amount is not stated. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Most scholars think it was around 25 to 30 kilograms.
RUT	3	15	gdn8		וַ⁠יָּ֣שֶׁת עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ	1	put it on her	The amount of grain was heavy, so Boaz put it on Ruth’s back so she could carry it.
RUT	3	15	aj7u		וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א הָ⁠עִֽיר	1	Then he went into the city	Most ancient copies have **he went**, referring to Boaz, but some have **she went**, referring to Ruth. Some English versions have “he” and some have “she” here. Most scholars believe that **he went** is the original meaning.
RUT	3	16	s7dr	figs-idiom	מִי־אַ֣תְּ בִּתִּ֑⁠י	1	Who are you, my daughter?	This appears to be an idiom that probably means **What is your status, my daughter?** In other words, Naomi is probably asking if Ruth is now a married woman. Alternatively, the question could mean simply **Is that you, my daughter?** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	3	16	ab34		בִּתִּ֑⁠י	1	my daughter	Ruth is actually Naomi’s daughter-in-law, but Naomi calls her **my daughter** as an endearment. Keep this translation if it is acceptable in your culture. Otherwise, use “daughter-in law.”
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	abca		שֵׁשׁ־הַ⁠שְּׂעֹרִ֥ים	1	six measures of barley	See how you translated this in [3:15](../03/15/f5zg).
RUT	3	17	e9xx	figs-idiom	אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם	1	You must not go empty	To **go empty-handed** is an idiom that means to go to someone with nothing to offer that person. Alternate translation: **Do not go empty-handed** or **Do not go with nothing** or **You must take something** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
RUT	3	18	ab36	figs-idiom	שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔⁠י	1	sit, my daughter	**Sit** is an idiom that means that Ruth should calmly wait. Alternate translation: “Wait here” or “Be patient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	3	18	ab35		בִתִּ֔⁠י	1	my daughter	See how you translated this in 1:11-13; 2:2, 8, 22; 3:1, 10, 11, 16.
RUT	3	18	ab37	figs-idiom	אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר	1	how the matter falls	This is an idiom that means “how the situation will turn out” or “what will happen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	3	18	zi02	figs-doublenegatives	לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר	1	the man will not rest unless he has finished this matter	This can be stated positively: **the man will certainly settle this matter** or **the man will surely resolve this issue**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
RUT	3	18	u5rn		אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר	1	he has finished this matter	**This matter** 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 ancestress of David. David was Israel’s greatest king. It may be surprising that a Gentile would become a part of such an important lineage, but it reminds us that God loves all people. Ruth had great faith in Yahweh. This shows us that God welcomes all who trust in him.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **You must also acquire Ruth the Moabite woman**<br><br>With the privilege of using the family’s land came the responsibility to take care of the widows of the family. Therefore, the relative who wanted to use Naomi’s land had to also help Ruth to have a son who would carry on the family name and inheritance and 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. This indicates that there was a considerable period of time between the events that occurred and the time when they were written down.
RUT	4	1	jdr8	writing-newevent	וּ⁠בֹ֨עַז עָלָ֣ה הַ⁠שַּׁעַר֮	1	Now Boaz had gone up to the gate	This clause introduces the next part of the story, in which Boaz takes the leading role as kinsman-redeemer and marries Ruth. Use your language’s way of introducing a new part of a story (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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. Inside the gate was an open area that was used as a meeting place to discuss community matters.
RUT	4	1	jdr9	figs-distinguish	וְ⁠הִנֵּ֨ה	1	And behold,	The word **behold** alerts us to the important event of Boaz seeing the exact person whom 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
RUT	4	1	kz1g		הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֤ל	1	the kinsman-redeemer	This was the closest living male relative to Elimelek. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f).
RUT	4	1	ab38	figs-idiom	פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י	1	a certain someone	Boaz did not actually say these words; instead, he called the kinsman-redeemer by his name. This is an idiom that means that this is a specific person but the name is not given. The narrator has substituted this general term for the person’s name either because the specific name is not important for the story or the man’s name had been forgotten. If your language has an idiom to refer to a specific person without using his name, use that here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
RUT	4	1	ab39	figs-quotations	פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י	1	a certain someone	In many languages, this is an awkward and unnatural way for someone to address another person. A way to make this more natural could be to turn this into an indirect quotation as in the UST. A combination of indirect and direct quotation is also possible: “Boaz called him by name, and said, ‘Turn aside and sit down here.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]).
RUT	4	2	ab40		וַ⁠יִּקַּ֞ח עֲשָׂרָ֧ה אֲנָשִׁ֛ים	1	Then he took ten men	**Then he chose ten men**
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 portion of the field	It was the responsibility of the nearest kinsman to Elimelek to buy back the land that had belonged to Elimelek and to care for Elimelek’s family.
RUT	4	4	ab41	figs-idiom	אֶגְלֶ֧ה אָזְנְ⁠ךָ֣	1	I should uncover your ear	This is an idiom that means “I should tell you” or “I should let you know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
RUT	4	4	c6xi		נֶ֥גֶד	1	in the presence of	**in the presence of**. Having these men as witnesses would make the transaction legal and binding.
RUT	4	4	lgq1		גְּאָ֔ל	1	redeem it	**redeem** means to buy the land to keep it within the family.
RUT	4	4	ab42	grammar-connect-exceptions	אֵ֤ין זוּלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ לִ⁠גְא֔וֹל וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ	1	there is no one to redeem it besides you, and I am after you	In some languages, it may be confusing to say these things together: (1) there is no one to redeem the land, (2) only you can redeem the land, (3) then I can redeem the land. If that is so in your language, see the UST for a way that is more clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
RUT	4	4	u548		וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ	1	and I am after you	Boaz was the next nearest kinsman to Elimelek, and so had the second right to redeem the land.
RUT	4	5	ut23		בְּ⁠יוֹם־קְנוֹתְ⁠ךָ֥…וּ֠⁠מֵ⁠אֵת…קָנִ֔יתָה	1	On the day that you buy … you also acquire	Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land. Alternate translation: “When you buy the land, you also get”
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…קָנִ֔יתָה	1	you 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 עַל־נַחֲלָתֽ⁠וֹ׃	1	In order to raise up the name of the dead over his inheritance	**that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on her dead husband’s family name**
RUT	4	5	ab43	figs-nominaladj	הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת	1	the dead	Ruth’s husband was **the dead**. This can be stated differently to avoid the nominal adjective **the dead**. Alternate translation: “the man who died” or “her husband who died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
RUT	4	6	sx9k		אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑⁠י	1	damaging my own inheritance	The man would need to give some of his wealth in exchange for the property. Then if he were to marry Ruth, that property would belong to her son, not to his own children. In that way, he would be taking away from the wealth that his own children would inherit from him and giving it instead to the children that Ruth might bear. Alternate translation: “taking away from my own children’s inheritance.”
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 … this is how	**Now this was the custom**. The writer of the book stops telling the story in order to give some background information that explains the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. Use your language’s way of giving background information in a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
RUT	4	7	lgf5	writing-background	לְ⁠פָנִ֨ים	1	in earlier times	**in earlier times** or **long ago**. This implies that this custom was no longer practiced when the book of Ruth was written. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
RUT	4	7	d46w		לְ⁠רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ	1	to his friend	**to the other person**. This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his sandal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
RUT	4	8	ab44		וַ⁠יֹּ֧אמֶר הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֛ל	1	So the kinsman-redeemer said	The events of the story start again here after the background information of verse 7. Use your language’s way of starting to tell the events of the story again.
RUT	4	9	zz42	figs-hyperbole	לַ⁠זְּקֵנִ֜ים וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֗ם	1	to the elders and to all the people	This 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	lwx9	figs-synecdoche	מִ⁠יַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי	1	from the hand of Naomi	The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. Since her husband and sons had died, the right to the property belonged to her. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
RUT	4	9	img5		כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽ⁠אֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְ⁠אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠כִלְי֖וֹן וּ⁠מַחְל֑וֹן	1	everything that belonged to Elimelek and everything that belonged to Kilion and Mahlon	This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi’s dead husband and sons.
RUT	4	10	jdr0	grammar-connect-words-phrases	וְ⁠גַ֣ם	1	Connecting Statement:	This connecting phrase indicates that the people sitting at the gate are witnesses to the fact that Boaz is buying back Elimelek’s family land for Naomi (4:9) and also to the fact that Boaz is claiming Ruth to be his wife (4:10). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
RUT	4	10	nm32		לְ⁠הָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔⁠וֹ	1	to raise up the name of the dead man over his inheritance	See how you translated this phrase in 4:5. 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 the name of the dead man 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 by the people of this town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
RUT	4	10	ab61	figs-doublenegatives	וְ⁠לֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֛ת	1	so that the name of the dead man will not be cut off	This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “so that his name will be preserved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
RUT	4	10	xpu5	figs-metonymy	וּ⁠מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ	1	and from the gate of his place	The gate of the town is where the leaders gathered and made important legal decisions, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land. Alternate translation: “and among the important people of his town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT	4	10	ab45		עֵדִ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם הַ⁠יּֽוֹם	1	Today you are witnesses!	**You have seen and heard these things today, and can speak of them tomorrow**
RUT	4	11	ua2a		הָ⁠עָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּ⁠שַּׁ֛עַר	1	the people who were in the gate	**the people who were meeting together near the gate**
RUT	4	11	hg6q	figs-metonymy	הַ⁠בָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗⁠ךָ	1	who is coming into your house	This has both a literal and a figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his house. “House” can be a metonym the represents “family,” so this also refers to becoming part of Boaz’s family by being his wife. Alternate translation: “who is becoming part of your family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
RUT	4	11	q47m		כְּ⁠רָחֵ֤ל ׀ וּ⁠כְ⁠לֵאָה֙	1	like Rachel and Leah	These were the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
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	Achieve honor in Ephrathah, and be renowned in Bethlehem!	These two phrases are similar in meaning. The second phrase repeats somewhat and adds to the meaning of the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and become well-known for them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]).
RUT	4	11	ab65	figs-imperative	וַ⁠עֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּ⁠אֶפְרָ֔תָה וּ⁠קְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּ⁠בֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם	1	Achieve honor in Ephrathah, and be renowned in Bethlehem!	These phrases are a form of blessing. Use the style of blessing that is appropriate in your language. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and may you become well-known for them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]).
RUT	4	11	uk9q		וַ⁠עֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּ⁠אֶפְרָ֔תָה	1	Achieve honor in Ephrathah	The area around the town of Bethlehem was known as Ephrathah, and that became another name for the town. Presumably this name came from the Israelite clan that settled in and around the city of Bethlehem.
RUT	4	12	fn52	figs-metonymy	וִ⁠יהִ֤י בֵֽיתְ⁠ךָ֙ כְּ⁠בֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽ⁠יהוּדָ֑ה	1	May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah	**house** stands for “family” or “clan.” Perez had many descendants who became large clans in Israel, including the clan of Ephrathah. Also, many of his descendents became important people. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth’s children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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, who continued the family name of her dead husband.
RUT	4	12	xym8		מִן־הַ⁠זֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְ⁠ךָ֔	1	from the offspring that Yahweh gives you	The people are asking for a blessing from Yahweh, that he would give Boaz many children through Ruth who would do good things, just as he did for Perez. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language.
RUT	4	13	abcc	figs-parallelism	וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ וַ⁠תְּהִי־ל֣⁠וֹ לְ⁠אִשָּׁ֔ה	1	So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife	These two phrases mean very much the same thing, as the second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew poetic style. The two phrases can be combined as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
RUT	4	13	u21g	grammar-connect-logic-result	וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙	1	So Boaz took Ruth	This phrase indicates that Boaz did what he said he would do in verse 10. It does not imply any form of violence. Along with the following phrase, it simply means, **So Boaz married Ruth** or **So Boaz took Ruth as a wife**. Use a connecting word (like “so”) that indicates that this action by Boaz is a result of the agreement in verse 10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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	ab46	figs-explicit	הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙	1	the women	These are the women of the town as mentioned in 1:19. This can be made clear if necessary. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
RUT	4	14	ab47		בָּר֣וּךְ יְהוָ֔ה	1	Blessed be Yahweh	The women are praising God for what he has done for Naomi and Ruth. If it does not make sense in your language to “bless” God, use a word like “praise” or “we give thanks.” See the UST.
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	14	p8p3		וְ⁠יִקָּרֵ֥א שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ	1	May his name be renowned	This is a blessing, stating that the women desire that Naomi’s grandson will have a good reputation and character. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language.
RUT	4	15	hz3e		לְ⁠מֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ	1	a restorer of life	This phrase refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having this grandson. Alternate translation: “one who brings joy to you again” or “one who will make you feel young/strong again”
RUT	4	15	z5lw		וּ⁠לְ⁠כַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑⁠ךְ	1	and a nourisher of your old age	**and he will take care of you when you become old**
RUT	4	15	ab48	grammar-connect-logic-result	כִּ֣י	1	For	**We know this because** Use a connecting word or phrase that indicates that what follows (the fact that Ruth has borne him) is the reason for the women’s confident prediction of his character. If it makes more sense to put the reason first, then follow the order in the UST.
RUT	4	15	rpc3	figs-idiom	ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔⁠ךְ מִ⁠שִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים	1	better to you than seven sons	**seven** represented the idea of completeness or perfection. This is a way to praise Ruth for how she has provided for Naomi by bearing a grandson for her by Boaz, when Naomi’s sons could not provide for her because they had died. Alternate translation: “better to you than any son” or “worth more to you than many sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
RUT	4	16	k1w4		וַ⁠תִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַ⁠יֶּ֨לֶד֙	1	Naomi took the child	**Naomi picked up the child** This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth in any hostile way.
RUT	4	16	ab49		וַ⁠תְּהִי־ל֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠אֹמֶֽנֶת׃	1	and became his nurse	**and took care of him**
RUT	4	17	ab50		וַ⁠תִּקְרֶאנָה֩ ל֨⁠וֹ הַ⁠שְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת שֵׁם֙…וַ⁠תִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ עוֹבֵ֔ד	1	So the neighbor women called out a name for him … And they called his name Obed.	The first phrase introduces the naming event, and the second repeats it in order to report the event. If this is confusing, the two phrases can be combined. **So the neighbor women gave him the name Obed** or **The women of the neighborhood said … and they named him Obed**
RUT	4	17	fkf2		יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֑י	1	A son has been born to Naomi	**It is as though Naomi has a son again**. It was understood that the child was Naomi’s grandson, not her physical son, but he would carry on the family line of both Naomi and Ruth.
RUT	4	17	ab51		ה֥וּא אֲבִי־יִשַׁ֖י	1	He was the father of Jesse	**Later, he became the father of Jesse** It may be necessary to make it clear that much time passed between the births of Obed, Jesse, and David.
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 this 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 of our clan, starting with Perez**. Because it was mentioned earlier that Perez was the son of Judah, the writer continues listing the family line that came from Perez. Verse 17 was the end of the story about Naomi and Ruth, and verse 18 begins a final section that lists the family line of the clan of Ephrathah, showing how important Obed was as the grandfather of King David. Use a connecting word that signals that this is a new section. You may also need to make it clear that this verse refers to a much earlier time than the time period of the story.
RUT	4	19	rl3k	translate-names	וְ⁠חֶצְרוֹן֙…עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃	1	Hezron … Amminadab	Use forms of these names that are natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
RUT	4	22	abcd	figs-explicit	דָּוִֽד	1	David	**King David**. See the note about **David** on [4:17](../04/17/f9ha). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
