From af1ac9eb5f35b61c1b4eaf81c0db154f620e100f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Larry Sallee Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2019 16:01:59 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Correct format of Ruth and Jonah AT's (#1298) --- en_tn_08-RUT.tsv | 104 +++++++++++++++++++++++------------------------ en_tn_32-JON.tsv | 102 +++++++++++++++++++++++----------------------- 2 files changed, 103 insertions(+), 103 deletions(-) diff --git a/en_tn_08-RUT.tsv b/en_tn_08-RUT.tsv index f6ca82ca56..b752829dff 100644 --- a/en_tn_08-RUT.tsv +++ b/en_tn_08-RUT.tsv @@ -1,9 +1,9 @@ -Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote +tran Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote RUT front intro f68r 0 # Introduction to Ruth

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of Ruth

1. How Ruth came to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:1–22)
1. Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)
1. Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)
1. How Ruth became the wife of Boaz (4:1–16)
1. 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])

### 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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]])

### 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.
RUT 1 intro irf4 0 # 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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])
RUT 1 1 sb2j writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 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 when the judges ruled ***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 nm13 figs-explicit בָּ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 in the land This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 1 1 mmb4 writing-participants אִ֜ישׁ 1 a certain man ***a man***. This is a common way of introducing a character into a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) RUT 1 2 e53a אֶפְרָתִ֔ים מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית לֶ֖חֶם יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 who were Ephrathites of Bethlehem of Judah They were people from the tribe of Ephraim who settled at Bethlehem in the region of Judah. RUT 1 3 rxb1 הִ֖יא וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽי⁠הָ׃ 1 she was left with her two sons ***Naomi had only her two sons with her*** @@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ RUT 1 4 aee6 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽ⁠אַחַת֙…וְ⁠שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠שּׁ RUT 1 4 rt4c כְּ⁠עֶ֥שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים 1 for about ten years About ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died. RUT 1 5 dbr3 וַ⁠תִּשָּׁאֵר֙ הָֽ⁠אִשָּׁ֔ה מִ⁠שְּׁנֵ֥י יְלָדֶ֖י⁠הָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠אִישָֽׁ⁠הּ 1 leaving the woman without her two children or her husband Naomi was widowed and both her sons died. RUT 1 6 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 the country of Moab **she had heard in the country of Moab**. It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: ***she heard from Israel while she was in the region of Moab*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 1 6 sa4z figs-explicit שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּ⁠שְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב 1 she had heard in the country of Moab **she had heard in the country of Moab**. It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: “she heard from Israel while she was in the region of Moab” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 1 6 ser2 יְהוָה֙ 1 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this. -RUT 1 6 v86z פָקַ֤ד…אֶת־עַמּ֔⁠וֹ 1 had visited his people God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. Alternate translation: ***had helped the Israelites*** +RUT 1 6 v86z פָקַ֤ד…אֶת־עַמּ֔⁠וֹ 1 had visited his people God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. Alternate translation: “had helped the Israelites” RUT 1 7 w7ti figs-idiom וַ⁠תֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ 1 and they walked down the road ***and they walked along the road***. To walk down a road is an expression for walking away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 1 8 fu39 לִ⁠שְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 her two daughters-in-law ***her two sons’ wives*** or ***the widows of her two sons RUT 1 8 lxs2 figs-you אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 each of you Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of **you** would use that throughout her talk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) @@ -29,29 +29,29 @@ RUT 1 9 v2vx figs-metonymy בֵּ֣ית אִישָׁ֑⁠הּ 1 in the house of RUT 1 9 t69w figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖⁠ן וַ⁠תִּבְכֶּֽינָה 1 and they lifted up their voices and cried To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 1 10 mag8 figs-exclusive נָשׁ֖וּב 1 we will return When Orpah and Ruth said **we,** they were referring to themselves and not Naomi. So languages that have inclusive and exclusive **we** would use the exclusive form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) RUT 1 10 bq4j figs-you אִתָּ֥⁠ךְ 1 with you Here **you** is the singular form referring to Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -RUT 1 11 ggi3 figs-rquestion לָ֥⁠מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑⁠י 1 Why will you go with me? This is a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: ***It does not make sense for you to go with me.*** or ***You should not go with me.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -RUT 1 11 q2hn figs-rquestion הַֽ⁠עֽוֹד־לִ֤⁠י בָנִים֙ בְּֽ⁠מֵעַ֔⁠י וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם לַ⁠אֲנָשִֽׁים 1 Are there still sons in my womb, that they may become your husbands? Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: ***Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -RUT 1 12 dyc4 figs-explicit זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִ⁠הְי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 I am too old to have a husband The reason a husband would be important can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: ***I am too old to marry again and bear more children*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -RUT 1 12 abc1 figs-rquestion כִּ֤י אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ יֶשׁ־ לִ֣⁠י תִקְוָ֔ה גַּ֣ם הָיִ֤יתִי הַ⁠לַּ֨יְלָה֙ לְ⁠אִ֔ישׁ וְ⁠גַ֖ם יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 If I said I have hope, if I also had a husband tonight, and also would give birth to sons, This rhetorical question begins here and continues into the next verse. Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: ***Even if it was possible that I would expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons,…*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 1 11 ggi3 figs-rquestion לָ֥⁠מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑⁠י 1 Why will you go with me? This is a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “It does not make sense for you to go with me.” or “You should not go with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 1 11 q2hn figs-rquestion הַֽ⁠עֽוֹד־לִ֤⁠י בָנִים֙ בְּֽ⁠מֵעַ֔⁠י וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם לַ⁠אֲנָשִֽׁים 1 Are there still sons in my womb, that they may become your husbands? Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 1 12 dyc4 figs-explicit זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִ⁠הְי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 I am too old to have a husband The reason a husband would be important can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I am too old to marry again and bear more children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 1 12 abc1 figs-rquestion כִּ֤י אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ יֶשׁ־ לִ֣⁠י תִקְוָ֔ה גַּ֣ם הָיִ֤יתִי הַ⁠לַּ֨יְלָה֙ לְ⁠אִ֔ישׁ וְ⁠גַ֖ם יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 If I said I have hope, if I also had a husband tonight, and also would give birth to sons, This rhetorical question begins here and continues into the next verse. Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Even if it was possible that I would expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons,…” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) RUT 1 12 kh9g יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 would give birth to sons ***bear children*** or ***deliver baby boys*** -RUT 1 13 gmc2 figs-rquestion אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲ⁠לָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you keep yourselves from having a husband? Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse, and asks a second question which emphasizes the same meaning. Alternate translation: ***…you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would choose to marry a husband before then.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -RUT 1 13 gh99 figs-metaphor מַר־לִ֤⁠י מְאֹד֙ 1 It is exceedingly bitter to me Bitterness is a metaphor for grief, and what grieves her can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: ***It greatly grieves me that you have no husbands*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] or [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -RUT 1 13 z9u3 figs-metonymy יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖⁠י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me The word **hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or influence. Alternate translation: ***Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +RUT 1 13 gmc2 figs-rquestion אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲ⁠לָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you keep yourselves from having a husband? Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse, and asks a second question which emphasizes the same meaning. Alternate translation: “…you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would choose to marry a husband before then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 1 13 gh99 figs-metaphor מַר־לִ֤⁠י מְאֹד֙ 1 It is exceedingly bitter to me Bitterness is a metaphor for grief, and what grieves her can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “It greatly grieves me that you have no husbands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] or [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 1 13 z9u3 figs-metonymy יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖⁠י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me The word **hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or influence. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) RUT 1 14 n47v figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔⁠ן וַ⁠תִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה 1 Then they lifted up their voices and cried This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -RUT 1 14 t4sl figs-explicit וְ⁠ר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽ⁠הּ 1 but Ruth held on to her ***Ruth clung to her***. Alternate translation: ***Ruth refused to leave her*** or ***Ruth would not leave her*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 1 14 t4sl figs-explicit וְ⁠ר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽ⁠הּ 1 but Ruth held on to her ***Ruth clung to her***. Alternate translation: “Ruth refused to leave her” or “Ruth would not leave her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 1 15 ld6g הִנֵּה֙ 1 Listen ***Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important*** RUT 1 15 nqm3 יְבִמְתֵּ֔⁠ךְ 1 your sister-in-law ***the wife of your husband’s brother*** or ***Orpah*** RUT 1 15 man4 אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 her gods Before Orpah and Ruth married Naomi’s sons, they worshiped the gods of Moab. During their marriage, they began to worship Yahweh. Now, Orpah was going to worship the gods of Moab again. RUT 1 16 z5ug וּ⁠בַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ 1 where you stay ***where you live*** -RUT 1 16 b518 figs-explicit עַמֵּ֣⁠ךְ עַמִּ֔⁠י 1 your people will be my people Ruth is referring to Naomi’s people, the Israelites. Alternate translation: ***I will consider the people of your country as being my own people*** or ***I will consider your relatives as my own relatives*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 1 16 b518 figs-explicit עַמֵּ֣⁠ךְ עַמִּ֔⁠י 1 your people will be my people Ruth is referring to Naomi’s people, the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I will consider the people of your country as being my own people” or “I will consider your relatives as my own relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 1 17 lql7 figs-idiom בַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּמ֨וּתִי֙ אָמ֔וּת 1 Where you die, I will die This refers to Ruth’s desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 1 17 sje3 figs-idiom יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה יְהוָ֥ה לִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠כֹ֣ה יֹסִ֔יף כִּ֣י 1 May Yahweh do to me, and even more, if This refers to Ruth asking God to punish her if she does not do what she said like the English idiom ***God forbid, if***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 1 17 abc2 כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥⁠י וּ⁠בֵינֵֽ⁠ךְ 1 except death separates between me and between you ***If anything other than death separates us from each other*** or ***if I leave you while you and I are both still alive*** RUT 1 18 rsq2 וַ⁠תֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְ⁠דַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠הָ 1 she stopped arguing with her ***Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth*** RUT 1 19 j9wa writing-newevent וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה שְׁתֵּיהֶ֔ם עַד־בֹּאָ֖נָה בֵּ֣ית לָ֑חֶם וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 It happened that when 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 writing-background וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה שְׁתֵּיהֶ֔ם עַד־בֹּאָ֖נָה בֵּ֣ית לָ֑חֶם 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*** refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: ***everyone in the town*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -RUT 1 19 abc3 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָ⁠עִיר֙ 1 the entire town Here ***entire*** is as generalization. Some of the residents of the town may not have been excited by this news. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +RUT 1 19 y3us figs-metonymy כָּל־הָ⁠עִיר֙ 1 the entire town The **town** refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “everyone in the town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +RUT 1 19 abc3 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָ⁠עִיר֙ 1 the entire town Here **entire** is as generalization. Some of the residents of the town may not have been excited by this news. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) RUT 1 19 xnb3 הֲ⁠זֹ֥את נָעֳמִֽי 1 Is this Naomi? Since it has been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely the women were expressing doubt as to if this woman was actually Naomi. Treat as a real question, not rhetorical. RUT 1 20 stw5 אַל־תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖⁠י נָעֳמִ֑י 1 Do not call me Naomi The name ***Naomi*** means ***my delight***. Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels her life matches her name. RUT 1 20 swe9 translate-names מָרָ֔א 1 Bitter This is a translation of the meaning of the name. It is also often translated according to its sound as ***Mara***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -60,63 +60,63 @@ RUT 1 21 jqx5 עָ֣נָה בִ֔⁠י 1 has testified against me ***has judged RUT 1 21 t1p8 הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽ⁠י 1 has afflicted me ***has brought calamity on me*** or ***has brought tragedy to me*** RUT 1 22 cx7g writing-endofstory וַ⁠תָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְ⁠ר֨וּת 1 So Naomi returned, with Ruth This begins a summary statement. English marks this by the word **So**. Determine how your language marks concluding or summary statements and do the same. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) RUT 1 22 jdr2 writing-background וְהֵ֗מָּה בָּ֚אוּ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים׃ 1 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 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

## 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: [[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 t2sn writing-participants וּֽ⁠לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֞י מידע 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 wealth ***a prominent, wealthy man***. This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation. RUT 2 2 am6a ר֨וּת הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 Ruth, the Moabite woman Here the story resumes. You need to see how your language restarts a story after a break. RUT 2 2 c7rk הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 the Moabite woman This is another way of saying the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab. RUT 2 2 qt4q וַ⁠אֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַ⁠שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים 1 and glean heads of grain ***and gather kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters*** or ***and pick up kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters*** -RUT 2 2 abc5 figs-metonymy אֲשֶׁ֥ר…בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו 1 in whose eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: ***who will decide*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -RUT 2 2 j59b figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֖ן 1 I will find favor The phrase **will find favor** is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: ***to be kind to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +RUT 2 2 abc5 figs-metonymy אֲשֶׁ֥ר…בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו 1 in whose eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: “who will decide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +RUT 2 2 j59b figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֖ן 1 I will find favor The phrase **will find favor** is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: “to be kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 2 2 ed93 בִתִּֽ⁠י 1 my daughter Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother. Make sure it is possible in your language to use this word for someone who is not an actual daughter. RUT 2 3 ht73 וַ⁠יִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔⁠הָ 1 She happened to come Ruth was not aware that the field she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi’s relative Boaz. -RUT 2 4 vys2 figs-informremind וְ⁠הִנֵּה 1 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-informremind]]) +RUT 2 4 vys2 figs-informremind וְ⁠הִנֵּה 1 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-informremind]]) RUT 2 4 q1lv בָּ֚א מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 came from Bethlehem The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem. RUT 2 4 r4bl יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָֽה 1 May Yahweh bless you ***May Yahweh give you good things*** or ***May Yahweh make you happy*** RUT 2 5 a5ht לְ⁠מִ֖י הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת 1 Whose is this young woman? Possible meanings are 1) Boaz was asking about Ruth’s husband or 2) Boaz was asking about Ruth’s parents or current guardians. RUT 2 5 sdf9 הַ⁠נִּצָּ֖ב עַל 1 who was set over ***who was in charge of*** or ***who was managing*** RUT 2 7 kj7a הַ⁠בַּ֖יִת 1 the house ***the hut*** or ***the shelter***. This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun. -RUT 2 8 ltk3 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗⁠י 1 Will you not listen to me, my daughter? This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: ***Listen to me, my daughter!*** or ***Note well what I am telling you, my daughter!*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 2 8 ltk3 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗⁠י 1 Will you not listen to me, my daughter? This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “Listen to me, my daughter!” or “Note well what I am telling you, my daughter!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) RUT 2 8 ke9b figs-idiom בִּתִּ֗⁠י 1 my daughter This was a kind way of addressing a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, so make sure the translation of this does not make it sound like she was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -RUT 2 9 jq6n figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִ⁠ךְ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 Keep your eyes on the field The eyes represent watching something or paying attention to something. Alternate translation: ***Watch only the field*** or ***Pay attention only to the field*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -RUT 2 9 xc6u figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 Have I not instructed the young men not to touch you? Boaz used this question to emphasize what he had already done to help Ruth. Alternate translation: ***I have given the men strict instructions not to harm you.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -RUT 2 9 ub62 אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים 1 the young men ***young male workers*** or ***servants***. The words ***young men*** are used three times to refer to the young men who are harvesting in the field. +RUT 2 9 jq6n figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִ⁠ךְ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 Keep your eyes on the field The eyes represent watching something or paying attention to something. Alternate translation: “Watch only the field” or “Pay attention only to the field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +RUT 2 9 xc6u figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 Have I not instructed the young men not to touch you? Boaz used this question to emphasize what he had already done to help Ruth. Alternate translation: “I have given the men strict instructions not to harm you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 2 9 ub62 אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים 1 the young men ***young male workers*** or ***servants***. The words **young men** are used three times to refer to the young men who are harvesting in the field. RUT 2 9 v5e4 לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 not to touch you Possible meanings are 1) the men were not to harm Ruth or 2) the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field. RUT 2 9 ahr7 מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ⁠ן הַ⁠נְּעָרִֽים 1 from what the young men have drawn To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel. RUT 2 10 az6y וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה 1 Then she fell on her face and bowed down to the ground These are acts of respect and reverence. She was showing honor to Boaz out of gratefulness for what he had done for her. It was also a posture of humility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) RUT 2 10 ug7p מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ לְ⁠הַכִּירֵ֔⁠נִי וְ⁠אָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner? Ruth is asking a real question. -RUT 2 10 abc7 figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן 1 have I found favor The phrase **found favor** is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: ***been kind to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -RUT 2 10 abc8 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 in your eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: ***that you decided*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +RUT 2 10 abc7 figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן 1 have I found favor The phrase **found favor** is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: “been kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +RUT 2 10 abc8 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 in your eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: “that you decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) RUT 2 10 x6f8 נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 foreigner Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, but she was known publicly as ***the Moabitess***. RUT 2 11 app6 figs-activepassive הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד לִ֗⁠י 1 It has surely been reported to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: ***People have reported to me*** or ***People have told me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) RUT 2 11 abc9 figs-idiom הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד 1 It has surely been reported Here two specific forms of the word for **report** are repeated in the original Hebrew text to emphasize the certainty of the statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 2 11 r44n figs-metonymy וַ⁠תֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם 1 and have come to a people Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion she did not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) RUT 2 12 x5ct יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה פָּעֳלֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 May Yahweh reward your deed ***May Yahweh repay you*** or ***May Yahweh pay you back*** RUT 2 12 s2vm פָּעֳלֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 your deed This is an act of faith, choosing to leave her family and country and instead to live with Naomi in Bethlehem and trust Naomi’s God. -RUT 2 12 gnn5 figs-parallelism וּ⁠תְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜⁠ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵ⁠עִ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 may full payment be given to you by Yahweh This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: ***May Yahweh give back to you even more than you have given*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -RUT 2 12 eh86 figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַ⁠חֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽי⁠ו 1 under whose wings you have come for refuge Boaz uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them, in order to describe God’s protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: ***in whose safe care you have placed yourself*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -RUT 2 13 abc6 figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֨ן 1 Let me find favor Here ***find favor*** is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Alternate translation: ***Please be kind to me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -RUT 2 13 v2q1 figs-metonym בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֤י⁠ךָ 1 in your eyes Here ***eyes*** are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: ***and accept me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -RUT 2 13 abc4 אֲדֹנִ⁠י֙ 1 my master Boaz is not Ruth's master, but he is the owner of the field where she is gleaning. He is also a Jew and a prominent man in the city. Therefore, Ruth is honoring him by calling him her **master**, and speaking of herself as his servant. Alternate translation: ***Sir*** or ***my lord*** +RUT 2 12 gnn5 figs-parallelism וּ⁠תְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜⁠ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵ⁠עִ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 may full payment be given to you by Yahweh This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh give back to you even more than you have given” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +RUT 2 12 eh86 figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַ⁠חֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽי⁠ו 1 under whose wings you have come for refuge Boaz uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them, in order to describe God’s protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: “in whose safe care you have placed yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +RUT 2 13 abc6 figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־ חֵ֨ן 1 Let me find favor Here **find favor** is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Alternate translation: “Please be kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +RUT 2 13 v2q1 figs-metonym בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֤י⁠ךָ 1 in your eyes Here **eyes** are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “and accept me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +RUT 2 13 abc4 אֲדֹנִ⁠י֙ 1 my master Boaz is not Ruth's master, but he is the owner of the field where she is gleaning. He is also a Jew and a prominent man in the city. Therefore, Ruth is honoring him by calling him her **master**, and speaking of herself as his servant. Alternate translation: “Sir” or “my lord” RUT 2 13 zc5n וְ⁠אָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּ⁠אַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 though I am not like one of your female servants Possible meanings are 1) Ruth was not one of Boaz’s female servants or 2) Ruth did not think her marriage to Naomi’s son granted her any privilege in Bethlehem. RUT 2 14 yht2 לְ⁠עֵ֣ת הָ⁠אֹ֗כֶל 1 At the time of the meal This refers to the noontime meal. RUT 2 14 p256 וְ⁠טָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖⁠ךְ בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ 1 dip your piece of bread in the wine vinegar This was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and plates of broken bread. They would dip their bread in the vinegar bowl to wet it and add flavor before they ate it. RUT 2 14 xr6s בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ 1 the wine vinegar The **wine vinegar** was a sauce into which they dipped bread. The Israelites further fermented some of their wine to make vinegar. -RUT 2 15 v6wr figs-explicit וַ⁠תָּ֖קָם לְ⁠לַקֵּ֑ט וַ⁠יְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜י⁠ו 1 When she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men In the context of the commands, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away not to hear Boaz’s instructions. Alternate translation: ***And when Ruth got up to gather up grain, Boaz privately told his young men*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 2 15 v6wr figs-explicit וַ⁠תָּ֖קָם לְ⁠לַקֵּ֑ט וַ⁠יְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜י⁠ו 1 When she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men In the context of the commands, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away not to hear Boaz’s instructions. Alternate translation: “And when Ruth got up to gather up grain, Boaz privately told his young men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 2 15 rct9 וַ⁠תָּ֖קָם 1 When she got up ***After she stood up*** -RUT 2 15 a5z9 גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽ⁠עֳמָרִ֛ים 1 even among the bundles Here ***even*** denotes ***above and beyond what one normally does***. Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean around the bundles of grain. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working that close to the harvested grain for fear that they might steal from the grain. +RUT 2 15 a5z9 גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽ⁠עֳמָרִ֛ים 1 even among the bundles Here **even** denotes ***above and beyond what one normally does***. Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean around the bundles of grain. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working that close to the harvested grain for fear that they might steal from the grain. RUT 2 16 u6hv שֹׁל־תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖⁠הּ מִן־הַ⁠צְּבָתִ֑ים 1 pull out for her some grain from the bundles ***take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her*** or ***leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect*** RUT 2 16 nn9l וְ⁠לֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 do not rebuke her ***do not cause her shame*** or ***do not dishonor her*** RUT 2 17 h3ap וַ⁠תַּחְבֹּט֙ 1 Then she beat out She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away. -RUT 2 17 mq6b translate-bvolume כְּ⁠אֵיפָ֥ה שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 about an ephah of barley An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: ***about 22 liters of barley*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) +RUT 2 17 mq6b translate-bvolume כְּ⁠אֵיפָ֥ה שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 about an ephah of barley An **ephah** is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 22 liters of barley” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) RUT 2 18 etn8 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּשָּׂא֙ וַ⁠תָּב֣וֹא הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 She lifted it up and went into the city It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 2 18 r6sz וַ⁠תֵּ֥רֶא חֲמוֹתָ֖⁠הּ 1 Then her mother-in-law saw ***Then Naomi saw*** RUT 2 19 bg28 figs-parallelism אֵיפֹ֨ה לִקַּ֤טְתְּ הַ⁠יּוֹם֙ וְ⁠אָ֣נָה עָשִׂ֔ית 1 Where have you gleaned today, and where did you work? Naomi asked almost the same thing in two different ways to show that she was very interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) RUT 2 20 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 ur7z figs-doublenegatives אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔⁠וֹ 1 who has not forsaken his loving kindness ***who has continued to be loyal***. Possible meanings are 1) Boaz remembered his obligations to Naomi as a family member or 2) Naomi is referring to Yahweh, who was acting through Boaz or 3) Yahweh has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) -RUT 2 20 ljz3 figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַ⁠חַיִּ֖ים 1 to the living Naomi and Ruth were the ***living***. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective ***the living***. Alternate translation: ***to the people who are still living***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -RUT 2 20 wjr4 figs-nominaladj וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מֵּתִ֑ים 1 and to the dead Naomi’s husband and sons were the ***dead***. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective ***the dead***. Alternate translation: ***the people who have already died*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +RUT 2 20 ljz3 figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַ⁠חַיִּ֖ים 1 to the living Naomi and Ruth were the **living**. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective **the living**. Alternate translation: “to the people who are still living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +RUT 2 20 wjr4 figs-nominaladj וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מֵּתִ֑ים 1 and to the dead Naomi’s husband and sons were the **dead**. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective **the dead**. Alternate translation: “the people who have already died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) RUT 2 20 cyy2 figs-parallelism קָר֥וֹב לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ מִֽ⁠גֹּאֲלֵ֖⁠נוּ הֽוּא 1 That man is our relative, one of our kinsman-redeemers The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) RUT 2 20 zu5f מִֽ⁠גֹּאֲלֵ֖⁠נוּ 1 kinsman-redeemers A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who could rescue a childless widow from financial ruin by marrying her and having a child with her. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery. RUT 2 21 k2lz גַּ֣ם׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗⁠י 1 Indeed, he also aid to me ***He even said to me***. This indicates that what follows is the most important part of Boaz’s words to Ruth. @@ -129,12 +129,12 @@ RUT 3 intro t4y5 0 # Ruth 03 General Notes

## Special concepts in this 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/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 Naomi’s daughter by marrying her son and further by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem. -RUT 3 1 nxr8 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־ לָ֛⁠ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־ לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 should I not seek rest for you, so that it may be well with you? Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she planned to do. Alternate translation: ***I must look for a place for you to rest, so that you will be taken care of.*** or ***I must find a husband to care for you, so that you can live without worry.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 3 1 nxr8 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־ לָ֛⁠ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־ לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 should I not seek rest for you, so that it may be well with you? Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she planned to do. Alternate translation: “I must look for a place for you to rest, so that you will be taken care of.” or “I must find a husband to care for you, so that you can live without worry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) RUT 3 1 uw2p figs-metaphor לָ֛⁠ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ 1 rest for you Possible meanings are 1) literally in finding a house for her to live in or 2) figuratively in finding a husband to care for her. Naomi probably had both senses in mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) RUT 3 2 jdr4 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה 1 Connecting Statement: This phrase indicates that Naomi advises Ruth because she desires to find a resting place for Ruth [Ruth 3:1]. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -RUT 3 2 j31t figs-explicit הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י⁠ו 1 young female workers you were with The translation can make explicit that she was working in the fields with these female workers. Alternate translation: ***female workers you have been with in the fields*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -RUT 3 2 b4h8 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔⁠נוּ 1 is Boaz not our kinsman? Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate translation: ***Boaz is our relative.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -RUT 3 2 nd8v figs-informremind הִנֵּה 1 Look The word ***Look*** indicates that the following statement is very important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) +RUT 3 2 j31t figs-explicit הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י⁠ו 1 young female workers you were with The translation can make explicit that she was working in the fields with these female workers. Alternate translation: “female workers you have been with in the fields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +RUT 3 2 b4h8 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔⁠נוּ 1 is Boaz not our kinsman? Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate translation: “Boaz is our relative.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +RUT 3 2 nd8v figs-informremind הִנֵּה 1 Look The word **Look** indicates that the following statement is very important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) RUT 3 2 ms25 זֹרֶ֛ה 1 is winnowing To winnow means to separate grain from the unwanted chaff by tossing both the grain and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow the chaff away. RUT 3 3 ru6z וָ⁠סַ֗כְתְּ 1 and anoint yourself This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, much as women put on perfume today. RUT 3 3 e92h figs-idiom ו⁠ירדתי הַ⁠גֹּ֑רֶן 1 and go down to the threshing floor This refers to leaving the city and heading to the threshing area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ RUT 3 4 ln1m translate-symaction וְ⁠גִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ RUT 3 4 l4we ו⁠שכבתי 1 and lie down ***and lie down at his feet*** RUT 3 4 w1u5 וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔⁠ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂי⁠ן 1 Then he will tell you what you should do The specific custom of that time is unclear, but this is usually understood as a culturally acceptable way for a woman to tell a man that she was willing to marry him. Boaz would understand the custom and accept or reject her offer. RUT 3 4 nn4g וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד 1 Then he will tell ***When he wakes up, he will tell*** -RUT 3 7 fz7e figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔⁠וֹ 1 and his heart was merry Here Boaz is referred to by his heart. It does not imply Boaz was overly drunk. Alternate translation: ***and he was satisfied*** or ***and he was in a good mood*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +RUT 3 7 fz7e figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔⁠וֹ 1 and his heart was merry Here Boaz is referred to by his heart. It does not imply Boaz was overly drunk. Alternate translation: “and he was satisfied” or “and he was in a good mood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) RUT 3 7 y6gk וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣א בַ⁠לָּ֔ט 1 Then she came quietly ***Then she sneaked in*** or ***Then she came in quietly so no one would hear her*** RUT 3 7 eq2u וַ⁠תְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו 1 and uncovered his feet ***and removed his blanket from his feet*** RUT 3 7 pb6l וַ⁠תִּשְׁכָּֽב 1 and lay down ***and lay down at his feet*** @@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ RUT 3 8 xun6 וַ⁠יֶּחֱרַ֥ד 1 that was startled It is not clear what RUT 3 8 c23j figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּלָּפֵ֑ת 1 He turned over He looked to see what startled him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 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 spoke with humility to Boaz. -RUT 3 9 xp1b figs-idiom וּ⁠פָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨⁠ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 Spread your cloak over your female servant This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: ***Marry me*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +RUT 3 9 xp1b figs-idiom וּ⁠פָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨⁠ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 Spread your cloak over your female servant This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: “Marry me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 3 9 l5g4 גֹאֵ֖ל 1 a kinsman-redeemer See how you translated this term in [Ruth 2:20](../02/20.md). RUT 3 10 bjw9 הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥⁠ךְ הָ⁠אַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 for you have showed more kindness at the end than from the beginning ***even more kindness now than before*** RUT 3 10 e7ka הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥⁠ךְ הָ⁠אַחֲר֖וֹן 1 you have showed more kindness at the end This refers to Ruth asking Boaz to marry her. By marrying Naomi’s relative, Ruth would provide for Naomi and demonstrate great kindness to Naomi. @@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ RUT 3 12 fvq5 גֹּאֵ֖ל קָר֥וֹב מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי 1 a kinsman RUT 3 13 gcl8 figs-explicit אִם־יִגְאָלֵ֥⁠ךְ 1 if he will redeem you Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth’s dead husband would marry her and help carry on his family name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) RUT 3 13 tkz9 חַי־יְהוָ֑ה 1 as Yahweh lives ***as surely as Yahweh lives***. This was a common Hebrew vow. RUT 3 14 vn8p וַ⁠תִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מרגלת⁠ו 1 So she lay at his feet Ruth slept at Boaz’ feet. They did not have sex. -RUT 3 14 dwx1 ב⁠טרום יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 before anyone could recognize another person This time of day can be spoken of in terms of darkness. Alternate translation: ***while it was still dark*** +RUT 3 14 dwx1 ב⁠טרום יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 before anyone could recognize another person This time of day can be spoken of in terms of darkness. Alternate translation: “while it was still dark” RUT 3 15 hj1e הַ⁠מִּטְפַּ֧חַת 1 the shawl a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders for warmth RUT 3 15 f5zg שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙ 1 six ephahs of barley The actual amount is not stated. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Some think it was about 30 kilograms. RUT 3 15 gdn8 וַ⁠יָּ֣שֶׁת עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 put it on her The amount of grain was so great that Ruth needed help picking it up to carry it. @@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ RUT 3 18 u5rn אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר 1 he has finished RUT 4 intro pz6m 0 # 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/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. RUT 4 1 jdr8 writing-newevent וּ⁠בֹ֨עַז עָלָ֣ה הַ⁠שַּׁעַר֮ 1 Now Boaz went up to the gate 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]]) RUT 4 1 m4by הַ⁠שַּׁעַר֮ 1 to the gate ***to the gate of the city*** or ***to the gate of Bethlehem***. This was the main entrance to the walled town of Bethlehem. There was an open area by the gate that was used as a meeting place to discuss community matters. -RUT 4 1 jdr9 figs-informremind וְ⁠הִנֵּ֨ה 1 Behold, 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) +RUT 4 1 jdr9 figs-informremind וְ⁠הִנֵּ֨ה 1 Behold, 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) RUT 4 1 kz1g הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֤ל 1 the kinsman-redeemer This was the closest living relative to Elimelek. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [Ruth 2:20](../02/20.md). RUT 4 2 bf74 מִ⁠זִּקְנֵ֥י הָ⁠עִ֖יר 1 from the elders of the city ***from the leaders of the city*** RUT 4 3 es9g חֶלְקַת֙ הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֔ה…מָכְרָ֣ה נָעֳמִ֔י 1 Naomi…is selling the parcel of land It was the responsibility of the kinsman to buy back his relative’s land and to care for his family. In this case, it meant the man must buy Naomi’s land, marry Ruth, and care for Naomi. @@ -186,11 +186,11 @@ RUT 4 4 c6xi נֶ֥גֶד 1 in front of ***in the presence of***. This would ma RUT 4 4 lgq1 גְּאָ֔ל 1 redeem it This meant to buy the land to keep it within their family. RUT 4 4 u548 וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 and I am after you Boaz was the next kinsman in line to redeem the land. RUT 4 5 ut23 בְּ⁠יוֹם־קְנוֹתְ⁠ךָ֥…וּ֠⁠מֵ⁠אֵת…קניתי 1 On the day that you buy…you must also acquire Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land. -RUT 4 5 ymn8 figs-synecdoche מִ⁠יַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י 1 from the hand of Naomi Here the word **hand** represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: ***from Naomi*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +RUT 4 5 ymn8 figs-synecdoche מִ⁠יַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י 1 from the hand of Naomi Here the word **hand** represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) RUT 4 5 dya3 figs-idiom וּ֠⁠מֵ⁠אֵת ר֣וּת…קניתי 1 you must also acquire Ruth ***you must also marry Ruth*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 4 5 b3ps אֵֽשֶׁת־ הַ⁠מֵּת֙ 1 the wife of the dead man ***the widow of Elimelek’s son who died*** RUT 4 5 b3sy לְ⁠הָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת 1 to raise up the name of the dead ***that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on the name of her dead husband*** -RUT 4 5 figs-nominaladj הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת 1 the dead Ruth's husband was the ***dead***. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective ***the dead***. Alternate translation: ***the man who died*** of ***her husband who died*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +RUT 4 5 figs-nominaladj הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת 1 the dead Ruth's husband was the **dead**. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective **the dead**. Alternate translation: “the man who died” of “her husband who died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) RUT 4 6 sx9k אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑⁠י 1 damaging my own inheritance If he married Ruth, he would have to give some of his own wealth to the children that Ruth might bear. RUT 4 6 sa7h גְּאַל־לְ⁠ךָ֤ אַתָּה֙ אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתִ֔⁠י 1 You redeem for yourself my right of redemption ***You yourself redeem it instead of me*** RUT 4 7 wga9 writing-background וְ⁠זֹאת֩ 1 Now it was thus ***Now this was the custom ***. The writer of the book explains of the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) @@ -198,10 +198,10 @@ RUT 4 7 lgf5 writing-background לְ⁠פָנִ֨ים 1 in former times ***in ea RUT 4 7 d46w לְ⁠רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 to the other This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his sandal. RUT 4 9 zz42 figs-hyperbole לַ⁠זְּקֵנִ֜ים וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֗ם 1 to the elders and to all the people This is a generalization. It refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) RUT 4 9 img5 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽ⁠אֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְ⁠אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠כִלְי֖וֹן וּ⁠מַחְל֑וֹן 1 all that was Elimelek’s and all that was Kilion’s and Mahlon’s This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi’s dead husband and sons. -RUT 4 9 lwx9 figs-synecdoche מִ⁠יַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי 1 from the hand of Naomi The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. She was responsible for the money exchange. Alternate translation: ***from Naomi*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +RUT 4 9 lwx9 figs-synecdoche מִ⁠יַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי 1 from the hand of Naomi The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. She was responsible for the money exchange. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) RUT 4 10 jdr0 Grammar-connect-words-phrases 1 Connecting Statement: 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 [Ruth 1:9]. -RUT 4 10 nm32 לְ⁠הָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔⁠וֹ 1 to raise up the name of the dead man through his inheritance The first son that Ruth bore would be legally considered Mahlon’s son and would inherit the land that Boaz bought from Naomi. Alternate translation: ***so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man’s property*** -RUT 4 10 gg1m figs-metaphor וְ⁠לֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֛ת מֵ⁠עִ֥ם אֶחָ֖י⁠ו 1 so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place Being forgotten is spoken of as if one’s name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate translation: ***so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers’ descendants and the people of this town*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +RUT 4 10 nm32 לְ⁠הָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔⁠וֹ 1 to raise up the name of the dead man through his inheritance The first son that Ruth bore would be legally considered Mahlon’s son and would inherit the land that Boaz bought from Naomi. Alternate translation: “so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man’s property” +RUT 4 10 gg1m figs-metaphor וְ⁠לֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֛ת מֵ⁠עִ֥ם אֶחָ֖י⁠ו 1 so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place Being forgotten is spoken of as if one’s name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate translation: “so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers’ descendants and the people of this town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) RUT 4 10 xpu5 וּ⁠מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ 1 and from the gate of his place The gate of the town is where important legal decisions were made, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land. RUT 4 11 ua2a הָ⁠עָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּ⁠שַּׁ֛עַר 1 the people who were in the gate ***people who were meeting together near the gate*** RUT 4 11 hg6q figs-metaphor הַ⁠בָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗⁠ךָ 1 who is coming into your house This has literal and figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his house. House can also refer to becoming part of Boaz’s family by being his wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -214,12 +214,12 @@ RUT 4 12 a433 יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽ⁠יהוּדָ֑ה 1 Tamar b RUT 4 12 xym8 מִן־הַ⁠זֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 through the offspring whom Yahweh will give you Yahweh would give Boaz children through Ruth. RUT 4 12 abcc figs-parallelism וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־ רוּת֙ וַ⁠תְּהִי־ ל֣⁠וֹ לְ⁠אִשָּׁ֔ה 1 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) RUT 4 13 u21g וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ 1 So Boaz took Ruth ***So Boaz married Ruth*** or ***So Boaz took Ruth as a wife*** -RUT 4 13 gw77 figs-euphemism וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 He went in to her This is a euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: ***He had sexual relations with her*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -RUT 4 14 qj8v figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛⁠ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם 1 who has not left you today without a kinsman-redeemer This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: ***who has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +RUT 4 13 gw77 figs-euphemism וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 He went in to her This is a euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: “He had sexual relations with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) +RUT 4 14 qj8v figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛⁠ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם 1 who has not left you today without a kinsman-redeemer This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “who has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) RUT 4 14 p8p3 וְ⁠יִקָּרֵ֥א שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ 1 May his name be famous This refers to the reputation and character of Naomi’s grandson. -RUT 4 15 hz3e לְ⁠מֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ 1 one who restores life This phrase probably refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having a new grandson. Alternate translation: ***one who brings joy to you again*** or ***one who will make you feel young again*** +RUT 4 15 hz3e לְ⁠מֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ 1 one who restores life This phrase probably refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having a new grandson. Alternate translation: “one who brings joy to you again” or “one who will make you feel young again” RUT 4 15 z5lw וּ⁠לְ⁠כַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 and a nourisher of your old age ***and he will take care of you when you become old*** -RUT 4 15 rpc3 figs-idiom ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔⁠ךְ מִ⁠שִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים 1 better to you than seven sons ***Seven*** was the Hebrew number of completeness. Naomi’s sons both died before they produced any offspring, but Ruth bore a grandson to Naomi by Boaz. Alternate translation: ***better to you than any son*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +RUT 4 15 rpc3 figs-idiom ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔⁠ךְ מִ⁠שִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים 1 better to you than seven sons **Seven** was the Hebrew number of completeness. Naomi’s sons both died before they produced any offspring, but Ruth bore a grandson to Naomi by Boaz. Alternate translation: “better to you than any son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) RUT 4 16 k1w4 וַ⁠תִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַ⁠יֶּ֨לֶד֙ 1 Naomi took the child This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth. RUT 4 16 jn29 וַ⁠תְּשִׁתֵ֣⁠הוּ בְ⁠חֵיקָ֔⁠הּ 1 laid him in her bosom ***held him close against her chest***. This is a statement of love and affection for the child. RUT 4 17 fkf2 יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֑י 1 A son has been born to Naomi ***The child is like a son to Naomi***. It was understood that the child was Naomi’s grandson, not her physical son. diff --git a/en_tn_32-JON.tsv b/en_tn_32-JON.tsv index 81a8b75795..e865fc0550 100644 --- a/en_tn_32-JON.tsv +++ b/en_tn_32-JON.tsv @@ -2,47 +2,47 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNo JON front intro hk4p 0 # Introduction to Jonah

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of Jonah

1. Jonah tries to run away from Yahweh (1:1-2:10)
- Jonah disobeys Yahweh’s first call to go to Nineveh (1:1–3)
- Jonah and the Gentile sailors (1:4–16)
- Yahweh provides a large fish to swallow Jonah, and he prays and is rescued (1:17–2:10)
1. Jonah in Nineveh (3:1-4:11)
- Yahweh again calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, and Jonah proclaims Yahweh’s message (3:1–4)
- Nineveh repents (3:5-9)
- Yahweh decides not to destroy Nineveh (3:10)
- Jonah is very angry with Yahweh (4:1–3)
- Yahweh teaches Jonah about grace and mercy (4:4–11)

### What is the Book of Jonah about?

Jonah, son of Amittai, was a prophet from Gath Hepher (2 Kings 14:25). This book tells about what happened to Jonah. It tells how Yahweh shows mercy and grace to Gentiles. It also tells how the Ninevites repented and called out to Yahweh for mercy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

Yahweh sent Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh that he was ready to punish them. Yahweh said that if they would repent he would not harm them. However, Jonah was an Israelite and he did not want the Ninevites to repent. So Jonah tried to sail away in the opposite direction instead of doing what Yahweh told him to do. But Yahweh stopped him by sending a storm and a large fish to swallow him.

Jonah repented and warned the Ninevites. As a result, Yahweh taught him that he is concerned about all people, not just the Israelites.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

This book is traditionally titled ***The Book of Jonah*** or just ***Jonah***. Translators may decide to use a clearer title such as ***The Book about Jonah***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

### Who wrote the Book of Jonah?

Jonah was probably involved in the writing of this book. However, scholars do not know who actually wrote it.

Jonah lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. He prophesied sometime between 800 and 750 B.C. during the reign of King Jeroboam II.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What was the nation of Assyria?

During the time of Jonah, Assyria was the most powerful kingdom in the ancient Near East. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria.

Assyria was cruel to its enemies. Eventually, Yahweh punished the Assyrians for the wicked things they did.

### Did Assyria convert to Judaism?

Some scholars think that the Assyrians started worshiping Yahweh alone. However, most scholars think they continued to worship other false gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])
JON 1 intro xvp2 0 # Jonah 01 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

The narrative of this chapter starts abruptly. This could cause difficulty for the translator. The translator should not attempt to smooth this introduction unless absolutely necessary.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Miracle

In verse [Jonah 17](./17.md), there is the mention of **a great fish**. It may be difficult to imagine a sea creature big enough to swallow a man whole and who then survives for three days and nights inside. Translators should not try to explain miraculous events in an attempt to make it easier to understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/miracle]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Situational irony

There is an ironic situation in this chapter. Jonah is a prophet of God and should endeavor to do God’s will. Instead, he is running away from God. Although the Gentile sailors are not Israelites, they act out of faith and fear of Yahweh when sending Jonah to a certain death by throwing him overboard. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/willofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

### Sea

People in the ancient Near East also saw the sea as chaotic and did not trust it. Some of the gods they worshiped were gods of the sea. Jonah’s people, the Hebrews, feared the sea greatly. However, Jonah’s fear of Yahweh was not enough to keep him from going into a ship and sailing to get away from Yahweh. His actions are contrasted by the actions of the Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Implicit information

Even though no one knows for sure where Tarshish was, the writer assumes that the reader knows that Jonah had to face away from Nineveh to go there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JON 1 1 jdr1 writing-newevent וַֽ⁠יְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה 1 Now the word of Yahweh came This phrase introduces the first half of the story of Jonah. The same phrase introduces the second half of the story [Jonah 3:1]. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -JON 1 1 ll6c figs-idiom וַֽ⁠יְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה 1 Now the word of Yahweh came This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. ***Yahweh spoke his message*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +JON 1 1 ll6c figs-idiom וַֽ⁠יְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה 1 Now the word of Yahweh came This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 1 1 qa3z דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה 1 the word of Yahweh ***the message of Yahweh*** JON 1 1 s6av יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this. JON 1 1 jv8c translate-names אֲמִתַּ֖י 1 Amittai This is the name of Jonah’s father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JON 1 2 x5ua ק֠וּם לֵ֧ךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֵ֛ה הָ⁠עִ֥יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֖ה 1 Get up and go to Nineveh, the great city ***Go to the important city of Nineveh*** JON 1 2 v2xt figs-idiom ק֠וּם לֵ֧ךְ 1 Get up and go This is a common expression for traveling to distant places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -JON 1 2 jqz9 figs-metonymy וּ⁠קְרָ֣א עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 speak out against it God is referring to the people of the city. Alternate translation: ***warn the people*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JON 1 2 jqz9 figs-metonymy וּ⁠קְרָ֣א עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 speak out against it God is referring to the people of the city. Alternate translation: “warn the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JON 1 2 rki2 עָלְתָ֥ה רָעָתָ֖⁠ם לְ⁠פָנָֽ⁠ 1 their wickedness has risen up before me ***I know they have been continually sinning*** JON 1 3 f5sr figs-idiom וַ⁠יָּ֤קָם יוֹנָה֙ לִ⁠בְרֹ֣חַ 1 But Jonah got up to run away ***But ran away from Yahweh***. **got up** is referring to Jonah leaving where he was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 1 3 n96t figs-metonymy מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֖י יְהוָ֑ה -1 from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JON 1 3 g66v figs-explicit לִ⁠בְרֹ֣חַ תַּרְשִׁ֔ישָׁ⁠ה 1 to go to Tarshish ***to flee to Tarshish***. Tarshish was in the opposite direction to Nineveh. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: ***and went in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish, away*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 1 3 g66v figs-explicit לִ⁠בְרֹ֣חַ תַּרְשִׁ֔ישָׁ⁠ה 1 to go to Tarshish ***to flee to Tarshish***. Tarshish was in the opposite direction to Nineveh. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and went in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish, away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 1 3 djv1 וַ⁠יֵּ֨רֶד יָפ֜וֹ 1 He went down to Joppa ***Jonah went to Joppa*** JON 1 3 w3uc אָנִיָּ֣ה 1 ship A **ship** is a very large type of boat that can travel on the sea and carry many passengers or heavy cargo. JON 1 3 pz67 וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֨ן שְׂכָרָ֜⁠הּ 1 So he paid the fare ***There Jonah paid for the trip*** JON 1 3 g5xp וַ⁠יֵּ֤רֶד בָּ⁠הּ֙ 1 went down into it ***got on the ship*** JON 1 3 i6bi עִמָּ⁠הֶם֙ 1 with them The word **them** refers to the others who were going on the ship. -JON 1 3 sw66 figs-metonymy מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֖י יְהוָֽה 1 from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: ***from Yahweh*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JON 1 3 sw66 figs-metonymy מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֖י יְהוָֽה 1 from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JON 1 4 jdr2 writing-newevent וַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה הֵטִ֤יל רֽוּחַ־גְּדוֹלָה֙ אֶל־הַ⁠יָּ֔ם 1 But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea This clause introduces the new event of Yahweh’s response to Jonah running away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -JON 1 4 jl77 figs-activepassive לְ⁠הִשָּׁבֵֽר 1 to be broken up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: ***to break apart*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JON 1 4 jl77 figs-activepassive לְ⁠הִשָּׁבֵֽר 1 to be broken up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to break apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JON 1 5 d13r הַ⁠מַּלָּחִ֗ים 1 the sailors the men who worked on the ship JON 1 5 u2bj אֱלֹהָי⁠ו֒ 1 his own god Here **god** refers to false gods and idols that people worship. JON 1 5 sh1b וַ⁠יָּטִ֨לוּ אֶת־הַ⁠כֵּלִ֜ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר בָּֽ⁠אֳנִיָּה֙ 1 They threw the cargo that was in the ship ***The men threw the heavy things off the ship***. This was done to keep the ship from sinking. -JON 1 5 tg27 לְ⁠הָקֵ֖ל מֵֽ⁠עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 to lighten it Making the ship lighter would make if float better. Alternate translation: ***to help the ship float better*** +JON 1 5 tg27 לְ⁠הָקֵ֖ל מֵֽ⁠עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 to lighten it Making the ship lighter would make if float better. Alternate translation: “to help the ship float better” JON 1 5 uzt4 writing-background וְ⁠יוֹנָ֗ה יָרַד֙ אֶל־יַרְכְּתֵ֣י הַ⁠סְּפִינָ֔ה 1 But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship Jonah did this before the storm started. (See: [[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JON 1 5 f63r יַרְכְּתֵ֣י הַ⁠סְּפִינָ֔ה 1 the innermost parts of the ship ***inside the ship*** JON 1 5 g4y4 וַ⁠יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב וַ⁠יֵּרָדַֽם 1 and had lain down and was deeply asleep ***and was lying there fast asleep*** or ***and was lying there and sleeping deeply***. For this reason, the storm did not wake him up. JON 1 6 laa3 וַ⁠יִּקְרַ֤ב אֵלָי⁠ו֙ רַ֣ב הַ⁠חֹבֵ֔ל וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖⁠וֹ 1 So the captain came to him and said to him ***The man in charge of the ship went to Jonah and said*** -JON 1 6 yx7e figs-rquestion מַה־לְּ⁠ךָ֣ נִרְדָּ֑ם 1 What are you doing sleeping? ***Why are you sleeping?*** He used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah. Alternate translation: ***Stop sleeping!*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JON 1 6 yx7e figs-rquestion מַה־לְּ⁠ךָ֣ נִרְדָּ֑ם 1 What are you doing sleeping? ***Why are you sleeping?*** He used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah. Alternate translation: “Stop sleeping!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JON 1 6 bd4f figs-idiom ק֚וּם 1 Get up! This refers to doing some activity. For Jonah, the Captain is telling him to wake up and pray to his god for safe passage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 1 6 k7a5 figs-idiom קְרָ֣א אֶל־אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 Call upon your god! ***Pray to your god!*** **Call** refers to getting the attention of someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -JON 1 6 sk7i figs-explicit אוּלַ֞י יִתְעַשֵּׁ֧ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֛ים לָ֖⁠נוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד 1 Maybe your god will notice us and we will not perish The implicit information that Jonah’s god might save them could be made explicit. Alternate translation: ***Maybe your god will hear and save us so that we will not die*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 1 6 sk7i figs-explicit אוּלַ֞י יִתְעַשֵּׁ֧ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֛ים לָ֖⁠נוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד 1 Maybe your god will notice us and we will not perish The implicit information that Jonah’s god might save them could be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Maybe your god will hear and save us so that we will not die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 1 7 sc57 וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֗⁠הוּ 1 They all said to each other ***The sailors all said to each other*** JON 1 7 l5xq לְכוּ֙ וְ⁠נַפִּ֣ילָה גֽוֹרָל֔וֹת וְ⁠נֵ֣דְעָ֔ה בְּ⁠שֶׁ⁠לְּ⁠מִ֛י הָ⁠רָעָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לָ֑⁠נוּ 1 Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know on whose account this evil is happening to us ***We should cast lots to know who has caused this trouble***. The men believed that the gods would control how the lots fell in order to tell them what they wanted to know. This was a form of divination. JON 1 7 d726 הָ⁠רָעָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את 1 this evil This refers to the terrible storm. JON 1 7 at67 וַ⁠יִּפֹּ֥ל הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֖ל עַל־יוֹנָֽה 1 the lot fell to Jonah ***the lot showed that Jonah was the guilty person*** JON 1 8 wkh6 וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔י⁠ו 1 Then they said to him ***Then the men who were working on the ship said to Jonah*** JON 1 8 e7wb הַגִּידָ⁠ה־נָּ֣א לָ֔⁠נוּ בַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לְ⁠מִי־הָ⁠רָעָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לָ֑⁠נוּ 1 Please tell us on whose account this evil is happening to us ***Who caused this bad thing that is happening to us?*** -JON 1 9 wav5 יְהוָ֞ה…אֲנִ֣י יָרֵ֔א 1 I fear Yahweh The word ***fear*** refers to Jonah having a deep respect for God. -JON 1 10 peg3 figs-rquestion מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֑יתָ 1 What is this that you have done? The men on the ship used this rhetorical question to show how angry they were at Jonah. Alternate translation: ***You have done a terrible thing!*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JON 1 10 us1r figs-metonymy מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ 1 from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: ***from Yahweh*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JON 1 10 hw1p figs-explicit כִּ֥י הִגִּ֖יד לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 because he had told them What he told them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: ***because he had said to them, ‘I am trying to get away from Yahweh.’*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 1 9 wav5 יְהוָ֞ה…אֲנִ֣י יָרֵ֔א 1 I fear Yahweh The word **fear** refers to Jonah having a deep respect for God. +JON 1 10 peg3 figs-rquestion מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֑יתָ 1 What is this that you have done? The men on the ship used this rhetorical question to show how angry they were at Jonah. Alternate translation: “You have done a terrible thing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JON 1 10 us1r figs-metonymy מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ 1 from the presence of Yahweh Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JON 1 10 hw1p figs-explicit כִּ֥י הִגִּ֖יד לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 because he had told them What he told them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because he had said to them, ‘I am trying to get away from Yahweh.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 1 11 kb4c וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֤וּ אֵלָי⁠ו֙ 1 Then they said to him ***Then the men on the ship said to Jonah*** or ***Then the sailors said to Jonah*** JON 1 11 ik6d מַה־ נַּ֣עֲשֶׂה לָּ֔⁠ךְ וְ⁠יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק הַ⁠יָּ֖ם מֵֽ⁠עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 What should we do to you so that the sea will calm down for us? ***What should we do with you in order to make the sea become calm?*** JON 1 11 wxr7 הַ⁠יָּ֖ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ⁠סֹעֵֽר 1 the sea became more and more violent This was the reason that the men asked Jonah what they should do. This reason can also be put at the beginning of verse 11 as in the UST. @@ -51,19 +51,19 @@ JON 1 13 lcd3 figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּחְתְּר֣וּ הָ⁠אֲנָשׁ JON 1 13 m3iq הַ⁠יָּ֔ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ⁠סֹעֵ֖ר 1 the sea was becoming more and more violent ***the storm became worse, and the waves became bigger*** JON 1 14 ap77 וַ⁠יִּקְרְא֨וּ 1 Therefore they cried out ***Because of this*** or ***Because the sea became more violent*** JON 1 14 q2xq וַ⁠יִּקְרְא֨וּ אֶל־יְהוָ֜ה 1 Therefore they cried out to Yahweh ***Therefore the men prayed to Yahweh*** -JON 1 14 jdr3 figs-exclamations אָנָּ֤ה 1 Ah! In this context, the word ***Ah!*** shows intense desperation. Represent this emotion in the most natural way for your language. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) +JON 1 14 jdr3 figs-exclamations אָנָּ֤ה 1 Ah! In this context, the word **Ah!** shows intense desperation. Represent this emotion in the most natural way for your language. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) JON 1 14 wz6z אָנָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ אַל־ נָ֣א נֹאבְדָ֗ה בְּ⁠נֶ֨פֶשׁ֙ הָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה 1 O Yahweh, we beg you, do not let us perish on account of the soul of this man ***O Yahweh, please do not kill us because we caused this man to die*** or ***O Yahweh, we are going to cause this man to die. But please do not kill us*** -JON 1 14 vv5t figs-metaphor וְ⁠אַל־תִּתֵּ֥ן עָלֵ֖י⁠נוּ דָּ֣ם נָקִ֑יא 1 and do not accuse us of shedding innocent blood ***and please do not blame us for his death*** or ***and do not consider us guilty when this man dies***. The author speaks of **guilt** as if it were an object that can be placed on top of a person. It refers to making that person accountable for their actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JON 1 14 vv5t figs-metaphor וְ⁠אַל־תִּתֵּ֥ן עָלֵ֖י⁠נוּ דָּ֣ם נָקִ֑יא 1 and do not accuse us of shedding innocent blood ***and please do not blame us for his death*** or ***and do not consider us guilty when this man dies***. The author speaks of guilt as if it were an object that can be placed on top of a person. It refers to making that person accountable for their actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JON 1 15 l9cf וַ⁠יַּעֲמֹ֥ד הַ⁠יָּ֖ם מִ⁠זַּעְפּֽ⁠וֹ 1 the sea stopped raging ***the sea stopped moving violently*** or ***the sea became calm*** JON 1 16 r3gs וַ⁠יִּֽירְא֧וּ הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֛ים יִרְאָ֥ה גְדוֹלָ֖ה אֶת־ יְהוָ֑ה 1 Then the men feared Yahweh with a great fear ***Then the men became greatly awed at Yahweh’s power*** JON 1 17 q87y 0 General Information: Some versions number this verse as the first verse of chapter 2. You may want to number the verses according to the main version that your language group uses. JON 1 17 jdr4 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְמַ֤ן יְהוָה֙ דָּ֣ג גָּד֔וֹל לִ⁠בְלֹ֖עַ אֶת־יוֹנָ֑ה 1 Now Yahweh had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, This clause introduces the next part of the story, where Yahweh saves Jonah from the sea, and Jonah prays. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -JON 1 17 fle4 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְמַ֤ן 1 Now…had prepared This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +JON 1 17 fle4 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְמַ֤ן 1 Now…had prepared The word **Now** is used in English to introduce a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JON 1 17 cjb6 שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֽוֹת 1 three days and three nights ***three days and nights*** JON 2 intro ae4k 0 # Jonah 02 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter begins with a prayer by Jonah, and many translators have chosen to set it apart by setting its lines farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. Translators can follow this practice, but they are not obligated to.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Sea

This chapter contains many terms from the sea.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Poetry

Prayers in Scripture often contain a poetic form. Poetry frequently uses metaphors to communicate something with a special meaning. For example, since Jonah was in a fish in the sea, being trapped is compared to a prison. Jonah is overwhelmed by the depth of the sea and expresses this by speaking about at the **base of the mountains** and in the **belly of Sheol**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Repentance

Scholars are divided over whether Jonah’s repentance was genuine or whether he was trying to save his life. In light of his attitude in chapter 4, it is uncertain if he was genuinely repentant. If possible, it is best for translators to avoid making a definitive stance on whether Jonah’s repentance was genuine. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
JON 2 1 alr2 יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהָ֑י⁠ו 1 Yahweh his God This means ***Yahweh, the God he worshiped***. The word **his** does not mean that Jonah owned God. JON 2 2 al5b וַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר 1 He said ***Jonah said*** -JON 2 2 s7fi קָ֠רָאתִי מִ⁠צָּ֥רָה לִ֛⁠י אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה 1 I called out to Yahweh from my distress ***I prayed to Yahweh about my great trouble***. Even though Jonah was praying to Yahweh, he used Yahweh’s name here and not ***you***. Alternate translation: ***Yahweh, I called out to you about my distress*** +JON 2 2 s7fi קָ֠רָאתִי מִ⁠צָּ֥רָה לִ֛⁠י אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה 1 I called out to Yahweh from my distress ***I prayed to Yahweh about my great trouble***. Even though Jonah was praying to Yahweh, he used Yahweh’s name here and not ***you***. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, I called out to you about my distress” JON 2 2 wdr4 וַֽ⁠יַּעֲנֵ֑⁠נִי 1 he answered me ***Yahweh responded to me*** or ***he helped me*** JON 2 2 w8wn figs-metaphor מִ⁠בֶּ֧טֶן שְׁא֛וֹל 1 from the belly of Sheol ***from the center of Sheol*** or ***from the deep part of Sheol***. Possible meanings are 1) Jonah was speaking as being in the belly of the whale was being in Sheol or 2) Jonah believed that he was about to die and go to Sheol or 3) He spoke as if he already had died and gone there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JON 2 3 bz4y figs-parallelism מְצוּלָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבַ֣ב יַמִּ֔ים 1 into the depths, into the heart of the seas Jonah uses two similar phrases to speak of the vastness of the ocean he was in. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) @@ -71,93 +71,93 @@ JON 2 3 glp2 בִּ⁠לְבַ֣ב יַמִּ֔ים 1 into the heart of the sea JON 2 3 abc1 figs-parallelism וְ⁠נָהָ֖ר יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי כָּל־ מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י⁠ךָ וְ⁠גַלֶּ֖י⁠ךָ עָלַ֥⁠י עָבָֽרוּ 1 and the currents surrounded me; all your billows and your waves passed over me Jonah uses two similar phrases to speak of the waters of the sea that closed in around him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) JON 2 3 p8fd וְ⁠נָהָ֖ר יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי 1 the currents surrounded me ***the sea water closed in around me*** JON 2 3 c6jx figs-doublet מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י⁠ךָ וְ⁠גַלֶּ֖י⁠ךָ 1 your billows and your waves These are disturbances on the surface of the ocean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -JON 2 4 jdr5 Grammar-connect-words-phrases וַ⁠אֲנִ֣י 1 But as for me, This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the actions of Yahweh, which Jonah had just talked about, and his own response. Alternate translation: ***Then I*** -JON 2 4 x1w9 figs-activepassive נִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי 1 I am driven out ssion in English shows that there is a contrast between the people Jonah had just spoken about and himself. They paid attention to useless gods, but he would worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: ***But I*** -JON 2 4 z1yx figs-synecdoche מִ⁠נֶּ֣גֶד עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 from before your eyes Here Yahweh is represented by his ***eyes***. Alternate translation: ***from you*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +JON 2 4 jdr5 Grammar-connect-words-phrases וַ⁠אֲנִ֣י 1 But as for me, This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the actions of Yahweh, which Jonah had just talked about, and his own response. Alternate translation: “Then I” +JON 2 4 x1w9 figs-activepassive נִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי 1 I am driven out ssion in English shows that there is a contrast between the people Jonah had just spoken about and himself. They paid attention to useless gods, but he would worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “But I” +JON 2 4 z1yx figs-synecdoche מִ⁠נֶּ֣גֶד עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 from before your eyes Here Yahweh is represented by his **eyes**. Alternate translation: “from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JON 2 4 b8vk אַ֚ךְ אוֹסִ֣יף לְ⁠הַבִּ֔יט אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ 1 yet I will again look toward your holy temple Jonah has hope that, in spite of all he is going through, he will see the temple. JON 2 5 abc2 figs-parallelism אֲפָפ֤וּ⁠נִי מַ֨יִם֙ עַד־ נֶ֔פֶשׁ תְּה֖וֹם יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי 1 The waters surrounded me up to my soul; the deep swirled around me; Jonah uses two similar phrases to speak of his hopeless situation as he was drowning in the sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) JON 2 5 rf4b מַ֨יִם֙ 1 The waters **The waters** refers to the sea. JON 2 5 ca31 נֶ֔פֶשׁ 1 my soul Some versions understand the Hebrew word in this expression to mean ***my life***. In that interpretation, the waters were about to take away Jonah’s life. JON 2 5 nr3v תְּה֖וֹם יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי 1 the deep swirled around me ***the deep water was all around me*** JON 2 5 p1fw ס֖וּף 1 seaweed grass that grows in the sea -JON 2 6 z36i figs-metaphor הָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ בְּרִחֶ֥י⁠הָ בַעֲדִ֖⁠י לְ⁠עוֹלָ֑ם 1 the earth with its bars closed upon me forever Jonah used a metaphor to compare the earth to a prison. Alternate translation: ***the earth was like a prison that was about to lock me in forever*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JON 2 6 dc3r figs-metaphor וַ⁠תַּ֧עַל מִ⁠שַּׁ֛חַת חַיַּ֖⁠י 1 Yet you brought up my life from the pit Jonah speaks of the place of the dead as if it were a pit. Alternate translation: ***But you saved my life from the place of the dead*** or ***But you saved me from the place where the dead people are*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JON 2 6 z36i figs-metaphor הָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ בְּרִחֶ֥י⁠הָ בַעֲדִ֖⁠י לְ⁠עוֹלָ֑ם 1 the earth with its bars closed upon me forever Jonah used a metaphor to compare the earth to a prison. Alternate translation: “the earth was like a prison that was about to lock me in forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JON 2 6 dc3r figs-metaphor וַ⁠תַּ֧עַל מִ⁠שַּׁ֛חַת חַיַּ֖⁠י 1 Yet you brought up my life from the pit Jonah speaks of the place of the dead as if it were a pit. Alternate translation: “But you saved my life from the place of the dead” or “But you saved me from the place where the dead people are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JON 2 6 i3mx יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהָֽ⁠י 1 Yahweh, my God! In some languages, it may be more natural to put this at the beginning of the sentence or next to the word **you**. JON 2 7 jdr6 Grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בְּ⁠הִתְעַטֵּ֤ף עָלַ⁠י֙ נַפְשִׁ֔⁠י  1 When my soul fainted within me, Jonahs says that he remembered Yahweh when he had lost hope of being rescued from the sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]] -JON 2 7 l2b6 אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה זָכָ֑רְתִּי 1 I remembered Yahweh Since Jonah was praying to Yahweh, it might be more clear in some languages to say ***I thought about you, Yahweh*** or ***Yahweh, I thought about you***. -JON 2 7 ue9g figs-metaphor וַ⁠תָּב֤וֹא אֵלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ תְּפִלָּתִ֔⁠י אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ 1 then my prayer came to you, to your holy temple Jonah speaks as if his prayers could travel to God and his temple. Alternate translation: ***then you in your holy temple heard my prayer*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JON 2 7 l2b6 אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה זָכָ֑רְתִּי 1 I remembered Yahweh Since Jonah was praying to Yahweh, it might be more clear in some languages to say “I thought about you, Yahweh” or “Yahweh, I thought about you.” +JON 2 7 ue9g figs-metaphor וַ⁠תָּב֤וֹא אֵלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ תְּפִלָּתִ֔⁠י אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ 1 then my prayer came to you, to your holy temple Jonah speaks as if his prayers could travel to God and his temple. Alternate translation: “then you in your holy temple heard my prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JON 2 8 u1l9 מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים הַבְלֵי־שָׁ֑וְא 1 Those who give attention to useless idols ***People who pay attention to useless gods*** JON 2 8 fac9 חַסְדָּ֖⁠ם יַעֲזֹֽבוּ 1 forsake loving faithfulness ***are rejecting you, who would be faithful to them*** -JON 2 9 q3yb Grammar-connect-words-phrases וַ⁠אֲנִ֗י 1 But as for me, This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the people Jonah had just spoken about and himself. They paid attention to useless gods, but he would worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: ***But I*** +JON 2 9 q3yb Grammar-connect-words-phrases וַ⁠אֲנִ֗י 1 But as for me, This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the people Jonah had just spoken about and himself. They paid attention to useless gods, but he would worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “But I” JON 2 9 nfd2 בְּ⁠ק֤וֹל תּוֹדָה֙ אֶזְבְּחָה־לָּ֔⁠ךְ 1 I will sacrifice to you with a voice of thanksgiving This means that Jonah would thank God while he offered a sacrifice to him. It is not clear whether Jonah planned to thank God by singing or shouting joyfully. -JON 2 9 r4j4 figs-abstractnouns יְשׁוּעָ֖תָ⁠ה לַ⁠יהוָֽה 1 Salvation is from Yahweh This can be reworded so that the abstract noun **salvation** is expressed as the verb ***save***. Alternate translation: ***Yahweh is the one who saves people*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +JON 2 9 r4j4 figs-abstractnouns יְשׁוּעָ֖תָ⁠ה לַ⁠יהוָֽה 1 Salvation is from Yahweh This can be reworded so that the abstract noun **salvation** is expressed as the verb ***save***. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one who saves people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) JON 2 10 dz3j אֶל־הַ⁠יַּבָּשָֽׁה 1 upon the dry land ***upon the ground*** or ***onto the shore*** JON 3 intro z3ut 0 # Jonah 03 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter returns to a narrative of Jonah’s life.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Animals

According to the king’s proclamation, the animals had to participate in the fast he ordered. This most likely reflects their pagan mindset. There was nothing in the law of Moses that instructed the people to have the animals participate in any religious acts. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Size of Nineveh

When the author talks about the size of Nineveh, the measurements he gives are confusing. The phrase ***three days’ journey*** is ambiguous in Hebrew, as many scholars have remarked. In Jonah’s day, cities were not as big as they are today. So although Nineveh was a big city, it was not as big as most modern cities.

### God repenting or relenting

The last verse of this chapter says, **So then God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it**. This concept of God changing His mind may be troubling for some translators and people may struggle to understand it. God’s character is consistent. This whole book is written from a human viewpoint and so it is hard to understand the mind of God.

Yahweh is just and merciful so even though God did not follow through with a judgment in this instance, God’s plan is always to punish evil. Later in history this nation did fall and was destroyed. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])
JON 3 1 jdr7 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה 1 The word of Yahweh came This phrase introduces the second half of the story of Jonah. The same phrase introduces the first half of the story [Jonah 1:1]. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -JON 3 1 xj6n figs-idiom וַ⁠יְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה 1 The word of Yahweh came This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. See how you translated this in [Jonah 1:1](../01/01.md). Alternate translation: ***Yahweh spoke his message*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +JON 3 1 xj6n figs-idiom וַ⁠יְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה 1 The word of Yahweh came This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. See how you translated this in [Jonah 1:1](../01/01.md). Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 3 2 ve4i ק֛וּם לֵ֥ךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֵ֖ה הָ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֑ה 1 Get up, go to Nineveh, the great city ***Go to the important city of Nineveh*** JON 3 2 cl3b figs-idiom ק֛וּם 1 Get up This refers to leaving the place one is at. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 3 2 ir79 וִּ⁠קְרָ֤א אֵלֶ֨י⁠הָ֙ אֶת־הַ⁠קְּרִיאָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י דֹּבֵ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 proclaim to it the message that I tell you ***tell the people what I tell you to tell them*** JON 3 3 k7k9 וַ⁠יָּ֣קָם יוֹנָ֗ה וַ⁠יֵּ֛לֶךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֶ֖ה כִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh ***This time Jonah obeyed Yahweh and went to Nineveh*** -JON 3 3 g4nk figs-metonymy כִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 the word of Yahweh Here ***word*** represents Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: ***the message of Yahweh*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JON 3 3 g4nk figs-metonymy כִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 the word of Yahweh Here **word** represents Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JON 3 3 j8x1 figs-idiom וַ⁠יָּ֣קָם יוֹנָ֗ה 1 So Jonah got up ***So Jonah left the beach***. The words **got up** refer to preparing to go somewhere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 3 3 dt1b writing-background  וְ⁠נִֽינְוֵ֗ה הָיְתָ֤ה עִיר־גְּדוֹלָה֙ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִ֔ים מַהֲלַ֖ךְ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים׃ 1 Now Nineveh was a very large city, a journey of three days. This sentence gives background information about the city of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JON 3 3 ye82 figs-idiom עִיר־ גְּדוֹלָה֙ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִ֔ים מַהֲלַ֖ךְ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים 1 a very large city, a journey of three days ***a very large city that was three days across***. A person had to walk for three days to completely go through it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JON 3 4 r2al מַהֲלַ֖ךְ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֑ד וַ⁠יִּקְרָא֙ 1 after a journey of one day, and he cried out Possible meanings are 1) ***after Jonah walked a day’s journey he called out*** or 2) ***while Jonah walked on the first day, he called out***. -JON 3 4 e1b9 מַהֲלַ֖ךְ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֑ד 1 after a journey of one day ***after a day’s walk***. A day’s journey is the distance that people would normally travel in one day. Alternate translation: ***after Jonah walked for one day*** +JON 3 4 e1b9 מַהֲלַ֖ךְ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֑ד 1 after a journey of one day ***after a day’s walk***. A day’s journey is the distance that people would normally travel in one day. Alternate translation: “after Jonah walked for one day” JON 3 4 r94k וַ⁠יִּקְרָא֙ וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֔ר 1 and he called out and said ***and he proclaimed*** or ***and he shouted*** -JON 3 4 q2nc translate-numbers אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם 1 forty days ***40 days*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) -JON 3 5 e5lm figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּלְבְּשׁ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֔ים 1 and put on sackcloth Why people put on sackcloth can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: ***They also put on coarse cloth to show that they were sorry for having sinned*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 3 4 q2nc translate-numbers אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם 1 40 days ***forty days*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) +JON 3 5 e5lm figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּלְבְּשׁ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֔ים 1 and put on sackcloth Why people put on sackcloth can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “They also put on coarse cloth to show that they were sorry for having sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 3 5 isk5 מִ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֖⁠ם וְ⁠עַד־קְטַנָּֽ⁠ם 1 from the greatest of them down to the least of them ***from the most significant to the least significant people*** or ***including all the important people and all the unimportant people*** JON 3 6 pna3 הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ 1 word ***Jonah’s message*** JON 3 6 h9wz וַ⁠יָּ֨קָם֙ מִ⁠כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ 1 He rose up from his throne ***He got up from his throne*** or ***He stood up from his throne***. The king left his throne to show that he was acting humbly. JON 3 6 pvp7 מִ⁠כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ 1 throne A throne is a chair that the king sits on. It shows that he is the king. JON 3 7 v29b וַ⁠יַּזְעֵ֗ק וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙…לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר 1 He proclaimed and said ***He sent out an official announcement that said*** or ***He sent his messengers to announce to the people in Nineveh*** JON 3 7 n5fn וּ⁠גְדֹלָ֖י⁠ו 1 nobles important men who helped the king rule the city -JON 3 7 xw6c הַ⁠בָּקָ֣ר וְ⁠הַ⁠צֹּ֗אן 1 herd nor flock This refers to two kinds of animals that people care for. Alternate translation: ***cattle nor sheep*** +JON 3 7 xw6c הַ⁠בָּקָ֣ר וְ⁠הַ⁠צֹּ֗אן 1 herd nor flock This refers to two kinds of animals that people care for. Alternate translation: “cattle nor sheep” JON 3 7 fw18 figs-explicit אַ֨ל־יִרְע֔וּ וּ⁠מַ֖יִם אַל־יִשְׁתּֽוּ 1 Let them not eat, nor drink water ***They must not eat nor drink anything***. The reason they were not to eat or drink anything can be made explicit by adding ***in order to show that they are sorry for their sins***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JON 3 8 bmf5 figs-activepassive וְ⁠יִתְכַּסּ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֗ים הָֽ⁠אָדָם֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה 1 But let man and animal be covered with sackcloth This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: ***But let people and animals wear sackcloth*** or ***But let people cover themselves and their animals with sackcloth*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JON 3 8 bmf5 figs-activepassive וְ⁠יִתְכַּסּ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֗ים הָֽ⁠אָדָם֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה 1 But let man and animal be covered with sackcloth This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But let people and animals wear sackcloth” or “But let people cover themselves and their animals with sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JON 3 8 x6ct וְ⁠יִתְכַּסּ֣וּ…הָֽ⁠אָדָם֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה 1 But let man and animal ***But let both*** JON 3 8 mzx6 וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה 1 animal The word ***animal*** refers to animals that people own. -JON 3 8 jh7e figs-explicit וְ⁠יִקְרְא֥וּ אֶל־אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּ⁠חָזְקָ֑ה 1 let them cry out loudly to God ***pray earnestly to God***. What they were to pray for can be made explicit. Alternate translation: ***let them cry out loudly to God and ask for mercy*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 3 8 jh7e figs-explicit וְ⁠יִקְרְא֥וּ אֶל־אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּ⁠חָזְקָ֑ה 1 let them cry out loudly to God ***pray earnestly to God***. What they were to pray for can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “let them cry out loudly to God and ask for mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 3 8 n3ls הֶ⁠חָמָ֖ס אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּ⁠כַפֵּי⁠הֶֽם 1 the violence that is in his hands This means ***the violent things that he does***. This refers to each of the people of Nineveh, and not to God. -JON 3 9 wbt6 figs-rquestion מִֽי־יוֹדֵ֣עַ 1 Who knows? The king used this rhetorical question to get the people to think about something that they might not have thought possible, that if they would stop sinning, God might not kill them. It could be translated as a statement: ***We do not know***. Or it could be stated as a word and be part of the next sentence: ***Perhaps***. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JON 3 9 wbt6 figs-rquestion מִֽי־יוֹדֵ֣עַ 1 Who knows? The king used this rhetorical question to get the people to think about something that they might not have thought possible, that if they would stop sinning, God might not kill them. It could be translated as a statement: “We do not know”. Or it could be stated as a word and be part of the next sentence: “Perhaps”. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JON 3 9 z3jj יָשׁ֔וּב וְ⁠נִחַ֖ם הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 God may turn and relent ***God may decide to do something different*** or ***God may not do what he said he will do*** -JON 3 9 uvp9 וְ⁠לֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד 1 so that we do not perish ***so we do not die***. +JON 3 9 uvp9 וְ⁠לֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד 1 so that we do not perish ***so we do not die*** JON 3 10 w3uu וַ⁠יַּ֤רְא הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽת־מַ֣עֲשֵׂי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 God saw their works ***God understood that they stopped doing evil actions*** JON 3 10 k8am figs-metaphor שָׁ֖בוּ מִ⁠דַּרְכָּ֣⁠ם הָ⁠רָעָ֑ה 1 they turned from their evil The author speaks of the people stop sinning as if they turned their back to an object. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JON 3 10 i1gp figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּנָּ֣חֶם הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל־הָ⁠רָעָ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר לַ⁠עֲשׂוֹת־לָ⁠הֶ֖ם 1 So God relented concerning the disaster that he had said he would do to them Here God deciding not to do the punishment he had planned is spoken of is if he changed his mind. Alternate translation: ***So God changed his thinking about the punishment that he had said he would do to them*** or ***Then God decided not to punish them as he had said he would*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JON 3 10 it1a figs-explicit וְ⁠לֹ֥א עָשָֽׂה 1 and he did not do it What God did not do can be made explicit. Alternate translation: ***and he did not punish them*** or ***and he did not destroy them*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 3 10 i1gp figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּנָּ֣חֶם הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל־הָ⁠רָעָ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר לַ⁠עֲשׂוֹת־לָ⁠הֶ֖ם 1 So God relented concerning the disaster that he had said he would do to them Here God deciding not to do the punishment he had planned is spoken of is if he changed his mind. Alternate translation: “So God changed his thinking about the punishment that he had said he would do to them” or “Then God decided not to punish them as he had said he would” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JON 3 10 it1a figs-explicit וְ⁠לֹ֥א עָשָֽׂה 1 and he did not do it What God did not do can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and he did not punish them” or “and he did not destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 4 intro ys57 0 # Jonah 04 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Jonah continues the narrative while bringing the book to what seems like an unusual end. This emphasizes that the book is not really about Jonah. It is about God’s desire to be merciful on anyone, whether Jew or pagan. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Jonah’s anger

It is important to see the relationship between a prophet and Yahweh. Aprophet was to prophesy for Yahweh, and his words must come true. According to the law of Moses, if that did not happen, the penalty was death. When Jonah told the city of Nineveh that it was going to be destroyed in forty days, he was certain it was going to happen. When it did not happen, Jonah was angry with God because he hated the people of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical questions

As in other places, Jonah asks rhetorical questions to show how angry he was at Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

### Parallel to Mount Sinai

In verse 2, Jonah attributes a series of characteristics to God. A Jewish reader of this book would recognize this as a formula Moses used in speaking about God when he was meeting God on Mount Sinai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### God’s grace

When Jonah went outside the city, he got very hot and God graciously provided some relief through the plant. God was trying to teach Jonah through an object lesson. It is important for the reader to see this clearly. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]])
JON 4 1 jdr8 writing-newevent וַ⁠יֵּ֥רַע אֶל־יוֹנָ֖ה רָעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה וַ⁠יִּ֖חַר לֽ⁠וֹ׃ 1 But this was evil to Jonah—extremely evil—and he burned with anger. This sentence introduces the next part of the story where Jonah responds to God saving the city of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JON 4 1 abc3 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּ֖חַר 1 and burned with anger Here Jonah's anger is spoken of as if was a fire burning inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JON 4 2 q6bb figs-exclamations אָנָּ֤ה 1 Ah! In this context, the word ***Ah!*** shows intense frustration. Represent this emotion in the most natural way for your language. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) -JON 4 2 k24b figs-rquestion אָנָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ הֲ⁠לוֹא־ זֶ֣ה דְבָרִ֗⁠י עַד־ הֱיוֹתִ⁠י֙ עַל־ אַדְמָתִ֔⁠י 1 O, Yahweh, was this not my word when I was in my country? Jonah used this rhetorical question to show God how angry he was. Also, what Jonah said when he was back in his own country can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: ***Now Yahweh, when I was still in my own country I knew that if I warned the people of Nineveh, they would repent, and you would not destroy them.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 4 2 q6bb figs-exclamations אָנָּ֤ה 1 Ah! In this context, the word **Ah!** shows intense frustration. Represent this emotion in the most natural way for your language. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) +JON 4 2 k24b figs-rquestion אָנָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ הֲ⁠לוֹא־ זֶ֣ה דְבָרִ֗⁠י עַד־ הֱיוֹתִ⁠י֙ עַל־ אַדְמָתִ֔⁠י 1 O, Yahweh, was this not my word when I was in my country? Jonah used this rhetorical question to show God how angry he was. Also, what Jonah said when he was back in his own country can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now Yahweh, when I was still in my own country I knew that if I warned the people of Nineveh, they would repent, and you would not destroy them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 4 2 jv5c וְ⁠רַב־חֶ֔סֶד 1 and abundant in covenant faithfulness ***and very faithful*** or ***and you love people very much*** -JON 4 2 wl7j וְ⁠נִחָ֖ם עַל־הָ⁠רָעָֽה 1 and one who relents from sending disaster This means ***and you say that you will send disaster on sinners, but then you decide not to***. Alternate translation: ***and you decide not to punish people who sin*** -JON 4 3 dm5t figs-explicit קַח־ נָ֥א אֶת־ נַפְשִׁ֖⁠י מִמֶּ֑⁠נִּי 1 take my soul from me Jonah’s reason for wanting to die can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: ***since you will not destroy Nineveh as you said you would, please allow me to die*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 4 2 wl7j וְ⁠נִחָ֖ם עַל־הָ⁠רָעָֽה 1 and one who relents from sending disaster This means ***and you say that you will send disaster on sinners, but then you decide not to***. Alternate translation: “and you decide not to punish people who sin” +JON 4 3 dm5t figs-explicit קַח־ נָ֥א אֶת־ נַפְשִׁ֖⁠י מִמֶּ֑⁠נִּי 1 take my soul from me Jonah’s reason for wanting to die can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “since you will not destroy Nineveh as you said you would, please allow me to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 4 3 yk5v כִּ֛י ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖⁠י מֵ⁠חַיָּֽ⁠י 1 for it is better for me to die than for me to live ***I would prefer to die than live*** or ***because I want to die. I do not want to live*** -JON 4 4 eb4a figs-rquestion הַ⁠הֵיטֵ֖ב חָ֥רָה לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 Is it good for you to burn with anger? God used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah for being angry about something he should not have been angry about. Alternate translation: ***Your anger is not good.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JON 4 4 eb4a figs-rquestion הַ⁠הֵיטֵ֖ב חָ֥רָה לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 Is it good for you to burn with anger? God used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah for being angry about something he should not have been angry about. Alternate translation: “Your anger is not good.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JON 4 5 q1f7 וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֤א יוֹנָה֙ מִן־הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 Then Jonah went out of the city ***Then Jonah left the city of Nineveh*** -JON 4 5 af46 מַה־יִּהְיֶ֖ה בָּ⁠עִֽיר 1 what might happen to the city ***what would become of the city***. Jonah wanted to see if God would destroy the city or not destroy it. Alternate translation: ***what God would do to the city*** +JON 4 5 af46 מַה־יִּהְיֶ֖ה בָּ⁠עִֽיר 1 what might happen to the city ***what would become of the city***. Jonah wanted to see if God would destroy the city or not destroy it. Alternate translation: “what God would do to the city” JON 4 6 i4r4 מֵ⁠עַ֣ל לְ⁠יוֹנָ֗ה לִֽ⁠הְי֥וֹת צֵל֙ עַל־רֹאשׁ֔⁠וֹ 1 over Jonah so that it might be shade over his head ***over Jonah’s head for shade*** JON 4 6 t21k לְ⁠הַצִּ֥יל ל֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠רָֽעָת֑⁠וֹ 1 to rescue him from his distress ***to protect Jonah from the heat of the sun*** JON 4 7 t7il וַ⁠יְמַ֤ן הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִים֙ תּוֹלַ֔עַת 1 But God prepared a worm ***But God sent a worm*** JON 4 7 rw7z וַ⁠תַּ֥ךְ אֶת־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֖וֹן 1 It attacked the plant ***The worm chewed the plant*** -JON 4 7 d16m וַ⁠יִּיבָֽשׁ 1 so that it withered The plant became dry and died. Alternate translation: ***so that the plant died*** +JON 4 7 d16m וַ⁠יִּיבָֽשׁ 1 so that it withered The plant became dry and died. Alternate translation: “so that the plant died” JON 4 8 jdr9 Grammar-connect-time-background וַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ כִּ⁠זְרֹ֣חַהַ⁠שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ 1 It came about that when the sun rose, The hot wind from the east started blowing shortly after the sun rose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) -JON 4 8 hmi4 figs-explicit וַ⁠יְמַ֨ן אֱלֹהִ֜ים ר֤וּחַ קָדִים֙ חֲרִישִׁ֔ית 1 God prepared a hot east wind God caused a hot wind from the east to blow on Jonah. If wind can only mean a cool or cold wind then you can try this. Alternate translation: ***God sent a very hot warmth from the east to Jonah*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 4 8 hmi4 figs-explicit וַ⁠יְמַ֨ן אֱלֹהִ֜ים ר֤וּחַ קָדִים֙ חֲרִישִׁ֔ית 1 God prepared a hot east wind God caused a hot wind from the east to blow on Jonah. If wind can only mean a cool or cold wind then you can try this. Alternate translation: “God sent a very hot warmth from the east to Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 4 8 mnu9 וַ⁠תַּ֥ךְ הַ⁠שֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ 1 the sun beat down ***the sun was very hot*** -JON 4 8 u2pl figs-synecdoche עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ יוֹנָ֖ה 1 on the head of Jonah Jonah may have felt the heat most on his head. Alternate translation: ***on Jonah*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +JON 4 8 u2pl figs-synecdoche עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ יוֹנָ֖ה 1 on the head of Jonah Jonah may have felt the heat most on his head. Alternate translation: “on Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JON 4 8 z95v וַ⁠יִּתְעַלָּ֑ף 1 and he became faint ***and he became very weak*** or ***and he lost his strength*** JON 4 8 eln6 ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖⁠י מֵ⁠חַיָּֽ⁠י 1 It is better for me to die than for me to live ***I would prefer to die than live*** or ***I want to die. I do not want to live***. See how you translated this in [Jonah 4:3](../04/03.md). -JON 4 9 a5f5 figs-rquestion הַ⁠הֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֑וֹן 1 Is it good for you to burn with anger about the plant? God challenges Jonah for being angry that the plant died and yet wanted God to kill the people of Nineveh. Alternate translation: ***Your anger about the plant dying is not good.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JON 4 9 w24z figs-explicit הַ⁠הֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֑וֹן 1 Is it good for you to burn with anger about the plant? Implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: ***You should be more concerned about the people in Nineveh dying than about the plant dying.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 4 9 a5f5 figs-rquestion הַ⁠הֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֑וֹן 1 Is it good for you to burn with anger about the plant? God challenges Jonah for being angry that the plant died and yet wanted God to kill the people of Nineveh. Alternate translation: “Your anger about the plant dying is not good.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JON 4 9 w24z figs-explicit הַ⁠הֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֑וֹן 1 Is it good for you to burn with anger about the plant? Implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You should be more concerned about the people in Nineveh dying than about the plant dying.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 4 9 h43a הֵיטֵ֥ב חָֽרָה־לִ֖⁠י עַד־מָֽוֶת 1 It is good for me to burn with anger, even to death. ***It is good that I am angry. Now I am angry enough to die!*** -JON 4 10 gkz7 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh said It may be helpful to say that Yahweh was speaking to Jonah. Alternate translation: ***Yahweh said to Jonah*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JON 4 10 gkz7 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh said It may be helpful to say that Yahweh was speaking to Jonah. Alternate translation: “Yahweh said to Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JON 4 11 jdr0 Grammar-connect-words-phrases וַֽ⁠אֲנִי֙ 1 So as for me, The expression in English shows a comparison between Jonah’s attitude toward the plant and Yahweh’s attitude toward the people of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) -JON 4 11 ecl1 figs-rquestion וַֽ⁠אֲנִי֙ לֹ֣א אָח֔וּס עַל־ נִינְוֵ֖ה הָ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־ בָּ֡⁠הּ הַרְבֵּה֩ מִֽ⁠שְׁתֵּים־ עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־ יָדַע֙ בֵּין־ יְמִינ֣⁠וֹ לִ⁠שְׂמֹאל֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֖ה רַבָּֽה 1 So as for me, should I not have compassion for Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand, and also many cattle? God used this question to emphasize his claim that he should have compassion on Nineveh. Alternate translation: ***I certainly should have compassion for Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand, and also many cattle.*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JON 4 11 ecl1 figs-rquestion וַֽ⁠אֲנִי֙ לֹ֣א אָח֔וּס עַל־ נִינְוֵ֖ה הָ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־ בָּ֡⁠הּ הַרְבֵּה֩ מִֽ⁠שְׁתֵּים־ עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־ יָדַע֙ בֵּין־ יְמִינ֣⁠וֹ לִ⁠שְׂמֹאל֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֖ה רַבָּֽה 1 So as for me, should I not have compassion for Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand, and also many cattle? God used this question to emphasize his claim that he should have compassion on Nineveh. Alternate translation: “I certainly should have compassion for Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand, and also many cattle.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JON 4 11 dqi1 אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־בָּ֡⁠הּ הַרְבֵּה֩ 1 in which there are more than This can also be the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: ***There are more than*** or ***It has more than*** -JON 4 11 c3b7 translate-numbers מִֽ⁠שְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם 1 one hundred and twenty thousand people ***120,000 people*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) +JON 4 11 c3b7 translate-numbers מִֽ⁠שְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם 1 120,000 people ***one hundred and twenty thousand people*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) JON 4 11 j35h אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יָדַע֙ בֵּין־יְמִינ֣⁠וֹ לִ⁠שְׂמֹאל֔⁠וֹ 1 who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand This may be a way of saying ***who cannot tell the difference between right and wrong***. JON 4 11 q55i writing-background וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֖ה רַבָּֽה 1 and also many cattle The author is pointing out the depth of Nineveh’s repentance to the extent that Yahweh takes note of the beasts’ participation in the act of repentance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])