front:intro f68r 0 # Introduction to Ruth\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of Ruth\n\n1. How Ruth came to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:1–22)\n1. Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)\n1. Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)\n1. How Ruth became the wife of Boaz (4:1–16)\n1. Obed born to Ruth and Boaz; the genealogy of David (4:13–22)\n\n### What is the book of Ruth about?\n\nThis 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.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThis 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### When did the events in the book of Ruth occur?\n\nThe story of Ruth is set during the time when there were judges in Israel. This was after the people of Israel had entered into the land of Canaan, but before they had a king. The judges were men and women whom God chose to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. These leaders usually continued to help the people by deciding disputes among them. They also helped the people make important decisions. Many of these leaders served all the people of Israel, but some of them may have served only certain tribes.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Why does Scripture include a book about a woman from the foreign land of Moab?\n\nIn a period when Israel was often unfaithful to Yahweh, a woman from Moab showed 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])\n\n### What important marriage custom is found in the book of Ruth?\n\nIsraelites practiced what is called "levirate marriage." In this custom, the closest male relative of a man who died without any children was obligated to provide for his widow by marrying her. Usually this would be one of the man’s brothers. Any children born to them were to be regarded as children of the dead man. They did this so that the dead man would have descendants. If the closest relative did not marry the woman, another relative could fulfil this obligation.\n\n### What was a "kinsman-redeemer"?\n\nA 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, fulfill obligations of levirate marriage, and buy back land into the family that had been sold to someone outside of the family. In the book of Ruth, Boaz is one such kinsman-redeemer.\n\n### What was "gleaning" in the book of Ruth?\n\nIn Israel, poor people were allowed to follow after the men who harvested a field. These gleaners picked up stalks of grain that the harvesters missed or dropped. In this way, poor people were able to find some food. Ruth became a gleaner in a field belonging to Boaz.\n\n### What is covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty?\n\nA covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill. Covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty is when a person does what they said they would do according to the covenant that they had made. God made a covenant with Israel in which he promised that he would love and be faithful to the Israelites. The Israelites were to do the same toward him and toward each other.\n\nThe book of Ruth shows that what kinsmen-redeemers do for their relatives is part of Israel’s duties according to God’s covenant with them. The story of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi gives examples to all of Israel of the good effects of covenant faithfulness. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]])\n\n### What function did city gates have in the ancient Near East?\n\nCity gates in the time of Boaz were meeting places for the city elders. Elders were honored men who decided business matters and legal matters together. The city wa
1:intro irf4 0 # Ruth 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n### **It happened in the days when the judges ruled**\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Women without a husband or children\n\nIn 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.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Contrast\n\nThe 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])
1:1 sb2j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 This is a common way of beginning a historical story. Alternative translation: "It was"
1:1 m9nl rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בִּימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַשֹּׁפְטִ֔ים 1 The phrase **in the days of** indicates the time period during which the famine happened. Use a natural form in your language for introducing the time during which another event happened. Alternate translation: “in the time when the judges ruled”
1:1 nm13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בָּאָ֑רֶץ 1 This phrase, **in the land**, refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel”
1:1 mmb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants אִ֜ישׁ 1 This is a common way of introducing a character into a story.
1:2 e53a אֶפְרָתִ֔ים מִבֵּ֥ית לֶ֖חֶם יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 The name **Ephrathites** refers to the people from the clan of Ephrathah, people who lived in the area around Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “from the clan of Ephrathah, from Bethlehem, in Judah.”
1:3 rxb1 הִ֖יא וּשְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽיהָ׃ 1 **so that Naomi had only her two sons remaining with her**
1:4 pk7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם נָשִׁים֙ 1 The phrase **took wives for themselves** is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married.
1:4 k7y9 figs-extrainfo מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת 1 Naomi’s sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods and descendants of Moabites were forbidden from becoming part of Israel. If it would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in a footnote or introduction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
1:4 aee6 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ & וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית 1 Alternate translation: "the name of one woman was … and the name of the other woman was"
1:6 sa4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב 1 It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: “while she was in the region of Moab, she had heard from someone who came from Israel”
1:6 v86z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit פָקַ֤ד & אֶת־עַמּ֔וֹ 1 The implication is that God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “had helped the Israelites”
1:6 ab01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֖ם לָֽחֶם׃ 1 Here, **bread** refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “giving them abundant harvests, so that they had plenty of food.”
1:7 w7ti וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: "And they walked along the road"
1:8 lxs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Since Naomi is speaking to two people, the form of "you" would be dual here, if your language uses that form.
1:8 hsf7 לְבֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: "to the home of your mother"
1:8 g4r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עִם־הַמֵּתִ֖ים 1 Here, **with the dead** is referring to Naomi's two sons, who had died. Alternate translation: "toward your husbands, who died,"
1:8 acb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj הַמֵּתִ֖ים 1 The writer is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean those who have died. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: "your husbands, who died"
1:9 c74v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וּמְצֶ֣אןָ מְנוּחָ֔ה 1 The word **rest** here does not refer to sitting down to rest. It means a place where these women would belong, a home for them, which would include the security that comes through marriage.
1:9 v2vx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בֵּ֣ית אִישָׁ֑הּ 1 This means with new husbands, not with their previous husbands, who died, or with someone else’s husband. The word **house** refers to both a physical house that belongs to the husband, and to the protection from shame and poverty that a husband provides.
1:9 t69w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖ן וַתִּבְכֶּֽינָה 1 To lift up the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried loudly or wept bitterly.
1:10 mag8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive נָשׁ֖וּב 1 When Orpah and Ruth said **we,** they were referring to themselves and not Naomi. So languages that have inclusive and exclusive forms of **we** would use the exclusive form here.
1:11 ggi3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֥מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑י 1 The author is using the question form here to convince the young women of her own conviction. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate \ntranslation: “It does not make sense for you to go with me.” or “You should not go with me!”
1:11 q2hn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַֽעֽוֹד־לִ֤י בָנִים֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔י וְהָי֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם לַאֲנָשִֽׁים 1 The writer is using the question form to cause the young women to say that she cannot have other sons for them to marry. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It is certainly not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands.”
1:12 dyc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִהְי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 The implication is that Naomi cannot again marry and provide them with husbands. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am too old to marry again and bear more children”
1:12 abc1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion כִּ֤י אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ יֶשׁ־לִ֣י תִקְוָ֔ה גַּ֣ם הָיִ֤יתִי הַלַּ֨יְלָה֙ לְאִ֔ישׁ וְגַ֖ם יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 This rhetorical question begins here and continues into the next verse. Naomi uses this question to say that she cannot provide other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Even if it were possible that I could expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons right away”
1:13 gmc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲלָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְבִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse and asks a second rhetorical question which emphasizes the same meaning. Alternate translation: “you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would need to marry a husband before then.”
1:13 ab04 אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲלָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְבִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 This refers to the practice of levirate marriage, in which it is expected that, if a married man dies, one of his brothers will marry the man’s widow. See the introduction for more explanation.
1:13 gh99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מַר־לִ֤י מְאֹד֙ 1 Here, bitterness is a metaphor for grief. Alternate translation: “it is a great grief for me”
1:13 z9u3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 Here, **hand** represents the power of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me”
1:13 ab02 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 The implication is that Yahweh caused the deaths of Naomi's family. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken away our husbands”
1:14 n47v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔ן וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה 1 Here, **they lifted up their voices** is an idiom meaning that they expressed themselves loudly. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "they wailed and wept loudly"
1:14 t4sl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽהּ 1 The implication is that Ruth would not let go of her. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Ruth refused to leave her” or “Ruth would not leave her”
1:15 ld6g הִנֵּה֙ 1 Alternate translation, punctuated as a separate sentence: "Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important."
1:15 nqm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants יְבִמְתֵּ֔ךְ 1 The author is using the phrase **your sister-in-law** to refer to Orpha, a participant in the story. If your language has its own way of referring to participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: "the wife of your husband’s brother" or "Orpah"
1:15 man4 אֱלֹהֶ֑יהָ 1 Here, **her gods** is using the possessive form to describe the gods of the Moabites. 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. Alternate translation: "the gods that she used to worship"
1:16 b518 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַמֵּ֣ךְ עַמִּ֔י 1 Here the implication of the phrase **Your people are my people** is that Ruth wants to be adopted into the culture and religion of Naomi, who is an Israelite. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. 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”
1:17 lql7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּמ֨וּתִי֙ אָמ֔וּת 1 The phrase **in the place where you die, I will die** is an idiom that refers to Ruth’s desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.
1:17 sje3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה יְהוָ֥ה לִי֙ וְכֹ֣ה יֹסִ֔יף כִּ֣י 1 This is an idiom that Ruth uses to show that she is very committed to doing what she says. She is making a curse on herself, asking God to punish her if she does not do what she has said. Use the form that your language uses to do this.
1:17 abc2 כִּ֣י הַמָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֵֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: "if anything other than death separates us from each other" or "if I leave you while you and I are both still alive"
1:17 ab05 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֵֽךְ 1 This phrase is an idiom that means “separates you and me.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “separates the two of us” or “comes between us”
1:19 j9wa rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 **And it happened** introduces a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: "And it came about"
1:19 jdr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background כְּבֹאָ֨נָה֙ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 This phrase provides background information about their arrival to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information. Alternate translation: "after Naomi had returned to Bethlehem with Ruth"
1:19 y3us rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כָּל־הָעִיר֙ 1 Here, **town** represents the people who live there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everyone who lived there”
1:19 abc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָעִיר֙ 1 The word **entire** here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Many of the residents of the town were excited, but not all of the residents may have been excited by this news. Alternate translation: "most of the residents"
1:19 xnb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲזֹ֥את נָעֳמִֽי 1 The writer is using a rhetorical question to emphasize the reaction of the people to Naomi's condition upon her return. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Because it had been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and now she no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely that the women were expressing shock that this woman was actually Naomi. Treat this as a rhetorical question functioning as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "This must be Naomi!"
1:20 stw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אַל־תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖י נָעֳמִ֑י 1 The name **Naomi** means **my delight**. Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels that her life matches her name. Alternate translation: "I no longer am called Naomi."
1:20 swe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מָרָ֔א 1 **Mara** is a literal rendering of a Hebrew name meaning “bitter.” Since it is a name, you may choose to use the English form, which is **Bitter**, and use a footnote to explain that the English term gives the meaning of the Hebrew name
1:21 n9zc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֲנִי֙ מְלֵאָ֣ה הָלַ֔כְתִּי וְרֵיקָ֖ם הֱשִׁיבַ֣נִי יְהוָ֑ה 1 Here, Naomi is speaking of herself as a container that can be **full** or **empty**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As for me, I went out with a complete family, but Yahweh has brought me back with no one”
1:22 cx7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory וַתָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְר֨וּת 1 The word **So** introduces information about what happened at the end of the story so far. Your language may have its own way of presenting such information. Follow that way here.
1:22 jdr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְהֵ֗מָּה בָּ֚אוּ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 This sentence provides background information to help readers understand what happens next in the story. It explains that Naomi and Ruth had arrived in Bethlehem as the Israelites were beginning to harvest their barley. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.
1:22 bgy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 The phrase **the harvest of barley** can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “when the farmers were just beginning to harvest barley” or "when the farmers started harvesting the barley"
2:intro ld2v 0 # Ruth 2 General Notes\n\n## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### "Do not go to glean in another field"\n\nBoaz said this because he could not guarantee Ruth’s safety in another person’s field. It seems that not everyone was as gracious and obedient to the law of Moses as was Boaz. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:1 ab10 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְאִישָׁ֗הּ 1 Verse 1 gives background information about Boaz so that the reader will understand who he is. Your language may also have a specific way to give background information.
2:1 t2sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants וּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְאִישָׁ֗הּ 1 This phrase introduces **Boaz** as a new participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation.
2:1 b4q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל 1 The expression **a man of great worth** describes Boaz as a person who was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state this plainly. Alternate translation: "a prominent, wealthy man"
2:1 ab09 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship מִמִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ 1 The use of the term **clan** here means that Boaz was related to Elimelek but did not have the same parents as Elimelek. The text is not saying that the clan was named after Elimelek or that Elimelek was the patriarch or leader of the clan.
2:2 am6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants ר֨וּת הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 Here the writer reintroduces Ruth after giving background information about someone else. If your language has its own way of reintroducing old participants when it resumes a story, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “the same Moabite woman, Ruth”
2:2 c7rk הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 Alternate translation: "from the country of Moab"
2:2 qt4q וַאֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַשִׁבֳּלִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: "and gather heads of grain left behind by the harvesters" or "and pick up heads of grain left behind by the harvesters"
2:2 j59b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 The idiom **in whose eyes I find favor** means “whoever will approve of me.” Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission, kindness, or approval. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who will be kind to me”
2:2 abc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “who will decide [to be kind to me]”
2:2 ed93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship בִתִּֽי 1 Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother, and Naomi addressed Ruth affectionately as her daughter. If it would be helpful in your language, use the term in your language that would indicate this kind of close relationship between two women.
2:3 ht73 וַיִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔הָ 1 Alternate translation: "Being unaware of who owned the field, Ruth came to"
2:3 ab11 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship מִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ 1 The use of the term **clan** here means that Boaz was related to Elimelek but did not have the same parents as Elimelek. The text is not saying that the clan was named after Elimelek or that Elimelek was the patriarch or leader of the clan.
2:4 vys2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְהִנֵּה 1 The writer is using the term **behold** to alert us to the important event of Boaz arriving at the field and seeing Ruth for the first time. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation.
2:4 r4bl יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: "May Yahweh do good things for you"
2:5 a5ht rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship לְמִ֖י הַנַּעֲרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת 1 In that culture, women were under the authority of their male relatives. Boaz was asking whom Ruth’s husband or father might be. He did not think that Ruth was a slave.
2:5 sdf9 הַנִּצָּ֖ב עַל 1 Alternate translation: "who was in charge of" or "who was managing"
2:7 ab17 translate-unknown אֲלַקֳטָה־נָּא֙ 1 To **glean** meant to pick up grain or other produce that the workers dropped or missed as they were harvesting. This was part of the law that God gave to Moses, that the workers should not go back over the field for this produce, so that it would be left in the field for the poor or for foreign travelers to pick up. See verses such as Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy 24:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
2:7 kj7a translate-unknown הַבַּ֖יִת 1 Here, **the house** was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun where the workers could rest. Alternate translation: "in the hut" or "in the shed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
2:8 ltk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗י 1 The writer is using the question form to draw Ruth's attention to what Boaz says to her. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Listen to me, my daughter!” or “Note well what I am telling you, my daughter!”
2:8 ke9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בִּתִּ֗י 1 Boaz's use of the term, **my daughter** was a kind way to address a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, but he was treating her kindly and respectfully. Use the term that communicates this in your language.
2:9 jq6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִךְ בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 Here, **eyes* represents the capability of a person to see, watch or observe. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Watch only the field” or “Pay attention only to the field”
2:9 xc6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ 1 Boaz is using the question form to emphasize his hospitality—that he had already made provision to help Ruth. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I have given the men strict instructions not to harm you.”
2:9 ub62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים 1 The writer assumes that his readers will understand the implications of a woman toiling in a field near young male workers. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the workers”
2:9 v5e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ 1 The writer is referring to harm or sexual assault in a polite way by using the phrase **touch you**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “not to harm her or assault her sexually”
2:10 az6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָה 1 Falling **on her face** and bowing **down to the ground** were symbolic 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. \nIf this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: "Then she prostrated herself before him"
2:10 ab12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָה 1 These are two descriptions of a single action. The writer may be using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternative translation: "Then she prostrated herself before him"
2:10 ab13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ 1 The idiom **fell on her face** means that she bowed low with her face to the ground. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state the meaning plainly.
2:10 ug7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי וְאָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Using a question form, here Ruth explicitly states the reason why she is surprised by Boaz’s kindness. It is a contrast from her expectations. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. In some languages you may need to make part of her question a statement. Alternate translation: “Why have I found favor in your eyes? Israelites never show Moabites this sort of kindness.” or "People never show foreigners this sort of kindness."
2:10 abc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 The phrase **found favor in your eyes** is an idiom which means that you have approved of someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining their kindness or approval. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have been kind to me”
2:10 abc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 Naomi uses the phrase **in your eyes** to mean "in the judgment of Boaz." Alternate translation: “in your judgment” or “that you decided”
2:11 ab14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וַיַּ֤עַן בֹּ֨עַז֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Both **answered** and **said** describe the same action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use only one verb for this, as in the UST Alternate translation: "Then Boaz responded"
2:11 app6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד לִ֗י 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: "people have reported to me" or "people have told me"
2:11 abc9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד 1 Here two forms of the word for **report** are repeated in the original Hebrew text to emphasize the certainty or extent of the statement. In your translation, be sure to express the fullness of the report given to Boaz.
2:11 r44n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַתֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם 1 With the words **you came to a people**, Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country and religion that she did not know.
2:11 ab60 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom תְּמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃ 1 Here, **the day before yesterday** is an idiom that means “recently” or “previously”
2:12 s2vm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ 1 The implication is that her **work** was the good things she had done, everything Boaz had just described. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your good deeds.”
2:12 gnn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וּתְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵעִ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 This clause and the previous clause mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh fully give to you everything that you deserve”
2:12 eh86 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַחֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽיו 1 Here, **under whose wings** is a metaphor that uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them as a way to describe God’s protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: “in whose safe care you have placed yourself”
2:13 abc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־חֵ֨ן 1 Here **find favor** is an idiom that means be approved of or be found to be pleasing. Alternate translation: “May you continue to approve of me” or “May you continue to be pleased with me”
2:13 v2q1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonym בְּעֵינֶ֤יךָ 1 The word **eyes** is a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: "according to your judgment" or “from you”
2:13 abc4 אֲדֹנִי֙ 1 Ruth speaks to Boaz using a respectful title, **my lord**. Use a form for addressing someone respectfully in your language. Boaz is not Ruth’s master, but he is the owner of the field where she is gleaning. He is also a Jew and a prominent man in the city. Therefore, Ruth is honoring him by calling him her **lord**, and speaking of herself as his servant. Alternate translation: “sir” or “master” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness]])
2:13 zc5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness וְאָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּאַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ 1 Ruth is expressing surprise and gratitude that Boaz is treating her as if she belongs among his workers, which she does not.
2:14 p256 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְטָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖ךְ בַּחֹ֑מֶץ 1 This verse provides background information about the meal to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.\nThis was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and pieces of broken bread. They would take a piece of bread and dip it in the wine vinegar to add flavor before they ate it.
2:14 xr6s translate-unknown בַּחֹ֑מֶץ 1 The **vinegar** was a sauce into which they dipped bread. The Israelites made vinegar from grape juice that was fermented beyond the point of being wine. At the vinegar stage, the juice becomes very sour and acidic. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
2:15 v6wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתָּ֖קָם לְלַקֵּ֑ט וַיְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜יו 1 When Boaz spoke to his workers, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away not to hear Boaz’s instructions. Alternate translation: “And when Ruth got up to gather up grain, Boaz privately instructed his young men”
2:15 a5z9 גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים 1 Here, the word **even** lets the workers know that they are to do above and beyond what they normally do. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working close to the harvested grain for fear that they might steal from the grain that was already harvested. But Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean close to the bundles of grain.
2:16 u6hv שֹׁל־תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖הּ מִן־הַצְּבָתִ֑ים 1 Here Boaz goes another step beyond what is normal and tells his workers to drop some of the grain that was already harvested for Ruth to glean. Alternate translation: "take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her" or 'leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect"
2:16 nn9l וְלֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: "do not cause her shame" or "do not speak harshly to her"
2:17 h3ap וַתַּחְבֹּט֙ 1 Alternate translation: "She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away, from"
2:17 mq6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume כְּאֵיפָ֥ה שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 An **ephah** is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 22 liters of barley.” Use the normal measurement for grain in your language.
2:18 etn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתִּשָּׂא֙ וַתָּב֣וֹא הָעִ֔יר 1 It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home.
2:19 bg28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism אֵיפֹ֨ה לִקַּ֤טְתְּ הַיּוֹם֙ וְאָ֣נָה עָשִׂ֔ית 1 Naomi asked the same thing in two different ways to show that she was very interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day. Use the way that your language shows excitement and interest.
2:19 ab07 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מַכִּירֵ֖ךְ 1 The writer is using the term **noticed** to mean that the person not only saw Ruth but also did something kind for her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who helped you”
2:20 p8km rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing בָּר֥וּךְ הוּא֙ לַיהוָ֔ה 1 Naomi is asking God to bless Boaz. You could express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language.
2:20 ab20 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔וֹ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative word **forsaken**. Alternate translation: "who has continued to be loyal"
2:20 ur7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב 1 Here, **who** most likely refers to “Yahweh," who has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead by acting through Boaz. A less likely possibility is that it is referring to Boaz. If it would be helpful in your language, you could repeat the word “Yahweh” here. Alternate translation: “Yahweh”
2:20 ljz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַחַיִּ֖ים 1 Naomi is using the adjective **living** as a noun to mean those who continue to live, referring to herself and Ruth. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to the people who are still living”
2:20 wjr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj וְאֶת־הַמֵּתִ֑ים 1 Naomi is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean those who have died. She is referring to her husband and sons. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who have already died”
2:20 cyy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism קָר֥וֹב לָ֨נוּ֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ הֽוּא 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional.
2:20 zu5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ 1 This phrase provides background information about cultural legal obligations to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information. A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who had the responsibility to take care of any widows in the family. If one of his brothers died childless, he had the responsibility to marry the widow, if she was still of child-bearing age, to raise a child for his brother. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery. See the Introduction for more information.
2:21 k2lz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit גַּ֣ם ׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗י 1 The implication is that what follows is beyond what they would have expected a landowner to say to Ruth. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He even said to me”
2:21 g585 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עִם־הַנְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִי֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין 1 The implication is that Boaz wants to protect and provide for Ruth. Boaz was expressing confidence that his workers would not harm Ruth. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: "I want you to glean safely, near my field workers,"
2:22 f2tw תֵֽצְאִי֙ עִם 1 Alternate translation: "you work with" or "you glean alongside"
2:22 ab64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְלֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖ךְ 1 This is the reason why Naomi agrees that Ruth should continue to work with Boaz’s servants. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: "so that you are kept safe from danger"
2:23 e2vq וַתִּדְבַּ֞ק 1 Alternate translation: "Therefore, Ruth continued to work"
2:23 a7qp וַתֵּ֖שֶׁב אֶת־חֲמוֹתָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: "Ruth returned to Naomi’s home to sleep at night"
3:intro t4y5 0 # Ruth 3 General Notes\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Boaz’s integrity\n\nBoaz showed great integrity in this chapter by not having sexual relations with Ruth until they were married. He was also concerned with preserving Ruth’s good reputation. Displaying Boaz’s good character is an important point in this chapter.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### **So that it may be well with you**\n\nNaomi wanted Ruth to have a secure home with a good husband who would care for her. She could see that Boaz would be the best husband for her. She also thought that Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, had an obligation to marry her. This could be true because, even though Ruth was a Gentile by birth, she had become part of Naomi’s family and part of the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:1 jdr3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַתֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ נָעֳמִ֣י 1 The write is using the word translated **Then** to introduce the next part of the story, in which Ruth asks Boaz to perform the role of kinsman-redeemer for her and Naomi. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.
3:1 r7ar rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship חֲמוֹתָ֑הּ 1 Naomi is the mother of Ruth’s dead husband, and thus, is Ruth's **mother-in-law**. Alternate translation: "the mother of Ruth's dead husband"
3:1 f1uc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship בִּתִּ֞י 1 Ruth became part of Naomi’s family by marrying her son and became like a daughter to her by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem.
3:1 nxr8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־לָֽךְ 1 Naomi is using the question form to cause Ruth to think of her future. Here, Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she plans to do. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. 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.”
3:1 uw2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ 1 Here, Naomi is speaking of **a resting place** as if it were a form of security. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. This does not mean a place to rest temporarily from being tired. It means a place of permanent comfort and security in a good home with a husband.
3:2 jdr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 Naomi’s rhetorical question in [3:1](../03/01.md) gave the reason for the advice that she is about to give to Ruth in verses [3:2–4](../03/02.md). This word marks what follows as the result of [3:1](../03/01.md). In other words, Naomi advises Ruth what to do in [3:2–4](../03/02.md) because she desires to find a good, secure home for Ruth (See [3:1](../03/01.md)). If it is more clear in your language to state the reason after the result, you may want to put verse 1 after verses 2–4, marked as verses 1–4 together.
3:2 b4h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּ 1 Naomi used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her (See [2:20](../02/20.md)), as she introduces the reason for what she is about to say. Alternate translation: “As you know, Boaz is our relative.”
3:2 j31t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יו 1 The implication is that they worked together in the fields of Boaz. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “female workers you have been with in the fields”
3:2 nd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הִנֵּה 1 Naomi is using the term **Look** to focus Ruth's attention on what she is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation.
3:2 ms25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown זֹרֶ֛ה 1 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. Your language and culture may have a term for **winnowing** that you could use in your translation. You could also explain the meaning of the term **winnowing** as UST does.
3:3 e92h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְיָרַ֣דְתְּ הַגֹּ֑רֶן 1 A **threshing floor** is an open, flat area where workers could thresh and winnow grain. It would be outside of the city, which was high on a hill, and thus, one would go "down" to it. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of agricultural site, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: "and leave the city to go to the flat place where he will thresh and winnow his grain"
3:4 jdr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וִיהִ֣י 1 This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request.\nThe phrase **And let it be that** introduces the next series of specific instructions that Naomi is about to give to Ruth. Alternate translation; Please be sure to watch that"
3:4 ab21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background בְשָׁכְב֗וֹ 1 In this clause, Naomi describes the scene that Ruth (and the reader ) can expect to occur next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. Alternate translation: "as he settles himself for sleep"
3:4 ln1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וְגִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 To **uncover his feet** means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet (or legs). Perhaps this action by a woman is part of a symbolic action that could be interpreted as a proposal of marriage.
3:4 zi01 מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 The word translated feet could be used as a euphemism for a man's private parts, but here it refers to the man's feet or legs. If your language has a word that works in this way, you can use it here. Otherwise, use a word for “feet” or “legs” and consider putting this information in a footnote.
3:4 l4we וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ 1 Alternate translation: "and lie down there"
3:4 w1u5 וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂין 1 The specific custom of that time is unclear, but Naomi appears to believe that Boaz will understand Ruth’s action as a proposal of marriage. Boaz will then either accept or reject her offer. If it would be helpful, you could include this information in a footnote.
3:4 nn4g וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד 1 Alternate translation: "When Boaz awakens, he will instruct"
3:6 ab22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-inforstructure וַתַּ֕עַשׂ כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוַּ֖תָּה חֲמוֹתָֽהּ׃ 1 This statement summarizes the actions that Ruth will do in [3:7](../03/7.md). If people misunderstand from this that Ruth did these actions in [3:6](../03/6.md) and then did them again in [3:7](../03/7.md), then you could translate this sentence as **and she obeyed her mother-in-law**. Or if it would make the order of events more clear, you could move this sentence to the end of verse [3:7](../03/7.md), then combine the verse numbers as a verse bridge (6–7).
3:7 fz7e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔וֹ 1 Here **heart** stands for “emotions” or “disposition.” Boaz’s emotions or feelings were good. This does not imply that Boaz was drunk. Alternate translation: “and he felt good” or “and he was in a good mood”
3:7 y6gk וַתָּבֹ֣א בַלָּ֔ט 1 Alternate translation: "Then she sneaked in" or "Then she came in quietly so that no one would hear her"
3:7 eq2u וַתְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 The word translated feet could in some circumstances be used as a euphemism for a man's private parts, but here it refers to the man's feet or legs. If your language has a word that works in this way, you can use it here. Otherwise, use a word for “feet” or “legs” and consider putting this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: "and removed the covering from his legs"
3:8 pz92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִי֙ בַּחֲצִ֣י הַלַּ֔יְלָה 1 This clause introduces a new event in the story, explaining when Boaz woke up.
3:8 xun6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet or legs. Alternate translation: “that the man startled”
3:8 ab23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations וְהִנֵּ֣ה 1 The word **behold** shows that what follows was very surprising to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing surprise. Alternate translation: "and much to his surprise"
3:9 wj9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ & אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ 1 Ruth was not one of Boaz’s servants, but she referred to herself as Boaz’s servant as a polite way to express respect to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing humility and respect.
3:9 xp1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּפָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ 1 This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: “Please marry me”
3:10 bjw9 הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 Alternate translation: "You are demonstrating even more loving kindness now than before"
3:10 e7ka הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן 1 This refers to Ruth asking Boaz to marry her. Boaz sees this as Ruth showing unselfish kindness and family loyalty to Naomi. By marrying Naomi’s relative, Ruth would also provide for Naomi, honor Naomi’s son, and continue Naomi’s family line.
3:10 cbd3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 Boaz is using the phrase **at the beginning** to refer to the way that Ruth had earlier provided for her mother-in-law by staying with her and gleaning grain for food for both of them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when you first came here with Naomi”
3:10 n84d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְבִלְתִּי־לֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵי֙ 1 Boaz is praising Ruth for **not going after* the young men, by which he means that Ruth could have ignored Naomi’s need and looked for a young and handsome husband for herself outside of Naomi’s relatives, but she did not. Alternate translation: "because you have not looked for marriage among"
3:11 jdr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 **So now** indicates that what came before in verse [3:10](../03/10.md) is the reason for what follows here in verse 11. This can be indicated with a word like **Therefore**. If it would be helpful in your language to put the reason after the result, the order would be: Boaz is motivated to perform the role of kinsman-redeemer (verse 11) because he has seen how much kindness Ruth has shown to Naomi in ([3:10](../03/10.md). If you choose this order, you will need to combine the verses and the verse numbers
3:11 ei93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness בִּתִּי֙ 1 Boaz used this expression as a sign of respect toward Ruth as a younger woman. Use the form of address that would be appropriate in your language.
3:11 ab08 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כָּל־שַׁ֣עַר עַמִּ֔י 1 The gate was an area of the city where people gathered to do business, and the leaders met there to make decisions. So this is an idiom meaning “all of the important people in my city” Alternate translation: "all the important people of my city"
3:12 jdr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְעַתָּה֙ 1 The phrase **And now** indicates that what follows is something else important that Ruth should pay attention to. Alternate translation: ”Nonetheless"
3:12 ab30 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְגַ֛ם יֵ֥שׁ 1 This phrase indicates a contrast between Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth [3:11](../03/11.md) and the possibility of another man marrying her instead [3:12](../03/12.md). Alternate translation: “even so, there is”
3:12 fvq5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship גֹּאֵ֖ל קָר֥וֹב מִמֶּֽנִּי 1 It was the duty of the male relative who was closest in family relationship to the man who died to help his widow. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f) and make sure that it also makes sense here.
3:13 gcl8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אִם־יִגְאָלֵ֥ךְ 1 The implication of the word **redeem** is that in this culture it means “marry according to our custom concerning widows.” Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth’s dead husband would marry her and raise a son to carry on the dead man’s family name.
3:13 tkz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula חַי־יְהוָ֑ה 1 The phrase **as Yahweh lives** is an oath formula. This was a common Hebrew vow that obligated the speaker to perform what he said. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: "as surely as Yahweh lives" or "by the life of Yahweh"
3:14 vn8p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מַרְגְּלוֹתָיו֙ 1 The implication of **So she lay at his feet** is that although Ruth and Boaz were alone together over night, they did not sin sexually. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: Ruth slept at the feet of Boaz"
3:14 dwx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּטֶ֛רֶם יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 The idiom **before a man could recognize his friend** means very early in the morning, before there was enough light to recognize the face of a familiar person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “while it was still quite dark”
3:15 hj1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת 1 A **cloak** was a long, thick outer garment usually made of cloth or leather. Your language and culture may have a term such a piece of clothing which you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “the coat” or "the cape"
3:15 f5zg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙ 1 The actual amount is not stated. We do not know how much barley was in each of the **measures**. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Most scholars think it was around 25 to 30 kilograms.
3:15 gdn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וַיָּ֣שֶׁת עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 The writer is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: "and Boaz put the barley on Ruth’s back so she could carry it home with her"
3:15 aj7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants וַיָּבֹ֖א הָעִֽיר 1 Many ancient manuscripts read **he went**, referring to Boaz. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “she went,” referring to Ruth. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
3:16 s7dr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מִי־אַ֣תְּ בִּתִּ֑י 1 Naomi's question to Ruth, **"Who are you, my daughter?"** appears to be an idiom that probably asks about her current status. In other words, it is likely that Naomi is asking if Ruth is now a married woman.
3:16 ab34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship בִּתִּ֑י 1 Ruth is actually Naomi’s daughter-in-law, but Naomi calls her **my daughter** as an endearment. Keep this translation if it is acceptable in your culture. Otherwise, use “daughter-in law.”
3:16 w9p9 אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָֽשָׂה־לָ֖הּ הָאִֽישׁ 1 Alternate translation: "all that Boaz had done for her"
3:17 e9xx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם 1 To **go empty-handed** is an idiom that means to go to someone with nothing to offer that person. Alternate translation: "Do not go empty-handed" or "Do not go with nothing" or "You must take something"
3:18 ab36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔י 1 Here, **Sit** is an idiom that means to wait patiently and calmly. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. \nAlternate translation: “Wait here” or “Be patient”
3:18 ab37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר 1 Here, **how the matter falls** is an idiom that means "what is going to happen". If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how the situation will turn out” or “what will happen”
3:18 zi02 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative phrase **unless he has finished**. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "the man will certainly settle this matter" or "the man will surely resolve this issue"
3:18 u5rn אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר 1 Here, **this matter** is an idiom that means the need of the two women for a kinsman-redeemer. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.\nAlternate translation: "until he has resolved this question" or "before he has settled the matter"
4:intro pz6m 0 # Ruth 4 General Notes\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### King David\n\nDespite being a Moabitess, Ruth became an ancestress of David. David was Israel’s greatest king. It may be surprising that a Gentile would become a part of such an important lineage, but it reminds us that God loves all people. Ruth had great faith in Yahweh. This shows us that God welcomes all who trust in him.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### "You also acquire Ruth the Moabite woman"\n\nWith the privilege of using the family’s land came the responsibility to take care of the widows of the family. Therefore, the relative who wanted to use Naomi’s land had to also help Ruth to have a son who would carry on the family name and inheritance and provide for her.\n\n### "This was the custom in former times"\n\nThis is a comment made by the writer of the text. This indicates that there was a considerable period of time between the events that occurred and the time when they were written down.
4:1 jdr8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וּבֹ֨עַז עָלָ֣ה הַשַּׁעַר֮ 1 The writer is using this clause to introduce the next part of the story, in which Boaz takes the leading role as kinsman-redeemer and marries Ruth. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.
4:1 m4by rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הַשַּׁעַר֮ 1 Here, **the gate** represents the place in the town where community business was publicly conducted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "to the gate of the city" or "to the gate of Bethlehem"
4:1 jdr9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 The writer is using the term **behold** to focus our attention on the important event of Boaz seeing the exact person whom he wanted to see walking by. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: "And amazingly" or "To his delight"
4:1 kz1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship הַגֹּאֵ֤ל 1 The term **kinsman-redeemer** specifically refers to the closest living male relative to Elimelek. If your language has a specific word for such a person, it would be appropriate to use it here. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f).
4:1 ab38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 Boaz did not actually say **a certain someone**; instead, he called the kinsman-redeemer by his name. This is an idiom that means a specific person, but the name is not given. The narrator has substituted this general term for the person’s name either because the specific name is not important for the story or because the man’s name had been forgotten. If your language has an idiom to refer to a specific person without using his name, use that here.
4:1 ab39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 In many languages, **a certain someone** is an awkward and unnatural way for someone to address another person. A way to make this more natural could be to turn this into an indirect quotation. A combination of indirect and direct quotation is also possible: Boaz called him by name and asked him to turn aside and sit down here.
4:3 es9g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit חֶלְקַת֙ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה & מָכְרָ֣ה נָעֳמִ֔י 1 The implication is that **Naomi selling the portion of the field** will be of great interest to the kinsman-redeemer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. It was the responsibility of the nearest kinsman to Elimelek to buy back the land that had belonged to Elimelek and to care for Elimelek’s family.
4:4 ab41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶגְלֶ֧ה אָזְנְךָ֣ 1 **I should uncover your ear** is an idiom that means “I should tell you” or “I should let you know.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "I should inform you"
4:4 c6xi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom נֶ֥גֶד 1 Here, **in the presence of those who are sitting here** is an idiom that means “before witnesses.” Having these men as witnesses would make the transaction legal and binding. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.
4:4 ab42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions אֵ֤ין זוּלָֽתְךָ֙ לִגְא֔וֹל וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ 1 If, in your language, it would appear that Boaz is making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. In some languages, it may be confusing to say these things together: (1) there is no one to redeem the land besides you, (2) I can redeem the land after you. If that is so in your language, see the UST for a way that is more clear.
4:4 u548 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ 1 Boaz was the next nearest kinsman to Elimelek, and so had the second right to redeem the land.
4:5 ymn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י 1 Boaz is using one part of a person, the **hand of Naomi**, to represent Naomi herself and her legal possession of the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from Naomi”
4:5 dya3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּ֠מֵאֵת ר֣וּת & קָנִ֔יתָה 1 Boaz is using the term **acquire** to mean that the man must marry the Moabite woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "you must also marry Ruth"
4:5 b3ps אֵֽשֶׁת־הַמֵּת֙ 1 Alternate translation: "the widow of Elimelek’s son who died"
4:5 b3sy לְהָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֖ת עַל־נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃ 1 Alternate translation: "that she may give birth to a son to inherit the property and carry on her dead husband’s family name"
4:5 ab43 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj הַמֵּ֖ת 1 Luke is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean the one who died. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the man who died” or “her husband who died”
4:6 sx9k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑י 1 The kinsman-redeemer's words, **damaging my own inheritance**, mean that \nthe man would need to give some of his wealth in exchange for the property. Then, if he marries Ruth, that property would belong to her son, not to his own children. In that way, he would be taking away from the wealth that his own children would inherit from him and giving it instead to the children that Ruth might bear. Alternate translation: “taking away from my own children’s inheritance.”
4:7 wga9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְזֹאת֩ 1 With the clause, **Now this is how any matter was confirmed**, the writer of the book stops telling the story in order to give some background information that explains the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. Use your language’s way of giving background information in a story.
4:7 lgf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background לְפָנִ֨ים 1 The expression **in earlier times** implies that this custom was no longer practiced when the book of Ruth was written.
4:7 d46w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 This verse provides background information about how an agreement was sealed to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information. The words **to his friend** refer to the person with whom a man was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his sandal.
4:8 ab44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיֹּ֧אמֶר הַגֹּאֵ֛ל 1 The word translated **So** at the beginning of this phrase indicates that this event happened after the previous event that the story described. Use a natural form in your language for introducing the next event in a story. The events of the story start again here after the background information of verse 7. Use your language’s way of starting to tell the events of the story again.
4:9 zz42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole לַזְּקֵנִ֜ים וְכָל־הָעָ֗ם 1 Here, **to the elders and to all the people** refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town. The writer uses it here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis.
4:9 lwx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי 1 The **hand of Naomi** represents Naomi. Since her husband and sons had died, the right to the property belonged to her. Alternate translation: “from Naomi”
4:9 img5 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽאֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְאֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְכִלְי֖וֹן וּמַחְל֑וֹן 1 Alternate translation: "all the property that was formerly owned by Naomi's deceased husband and sons"
4:10 jdr0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְגַ֣ם 1 If the connection, **And**, between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. This connecting phrase indicates that the people sitting at the gate are witnesses to the fact that Boaz is buying back Elimelek’s family land for Naomi [4:9](../04/09.md) and also to the fact that Boaz is claiming Ruth to be his wife (4:10).
4:10 nm32 לְהָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ 1 See how you translated this phrase in [4:5](../04/05.md). Alternate translation: “so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man’s property”
4:10 gg1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֛ת מֵעִ֥ם אֶחָ֖יו 1 Being forgotten is spoken of as if one’s name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate translation: “so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers’ descendants and by the people of this town”
4:10 ab61 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֛ת 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative **be cut off**. Alternate translation: “so that his name will be preserved”
4:10 xpu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּמִשַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑וֹ 1 Here, **the gate of his place** represents the location where the leaders gathered and made important legal decisions, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly.\nAlternate translation: “and among the important people of his town”
4:11 ua2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הָעָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּשַּׁ֛עַר 1 The implication is that **the people who were in the gate** are the same people who heard and observed the meeting between Boaz and the man who had been first as kinsman-redeemer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: "the people who had observed and heard Boaz's meeting and agreement with the man who had given up his right to serve as kinsman-redeemer"
4:11 hg6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הַבָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗ךָ 1 This has both a literal and a figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his physical house. “House” can be a metonym that represents “family,” so this also refers to becoming part of Boaz’s family by being his wife. Alternate translation: “who is becoming part of your family”
4:11 q47m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing כְּרָחֵ֤ל ׀ וּכְלֵאָה֙ 1 The words **Rachel** and **Leah** are the name of two women, the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. They are considered to be the mothers of the people of Israel., so this is an implied blessing.
4:11 cz4t rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing בָּנ֤וּ & אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 In referring to how Rachel and Leah are said to have built up the house of Israel, the elders are implying a blessing upon the coming marriage of Boaz and Ruth. Alternate translation: "bore many children, who became the nation of Israel"
4:11 abcb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה וּקְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. \nAlternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and become well-known for them.”.
4:11 ab65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה וּקְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. These phrases are also a form of blessing. Use the style of blessing that is appropriate in your language. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and may you become well-known for them.”
4:11 uk9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה 1 These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The area around the town of Bethlehem was known as Ephrathah, and that became another name for the town. Presumably, this name came from the Israelite clan that settled in and around the city of Bethlehem. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional.
4:12 fn52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וִיהִ֤י בֵֽיתְךָ֙ כְּבֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה 1 Here, **house** refers to “family” or “clan.” Perez had many descendants who became large clans in Israel, including the clan of Ephrathah. Also, many of his descendants became important people. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth’s children.
4:12 a433 יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה 1 Tamar, like Ruth, was also a widow. Judah fathered a son with Tamar, who continued the family name of her dead husband.
4:12 xym8 rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing מִן־הַזֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְךָ֔ 1 The people are asking for a blessing from Yahweh, that through Ruth he would give Boaz many children who would do good things, just as he did for Perez. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language.
4:13 abcc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ וַתְּהִי־ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֔ה 1 These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: "So Boaz married Ruth"
4:13 u21g rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ 1 The word translated as **So** indicates that Boaz did what he said he would do in verse [4:10](../04/10.md). Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. This phrase does not imply any form of violence. Along with the following phrase, it simply means that Boaz married Ruth. Use a connecting word that indicates that this action by Boaz is a result of the agreement in verse [4:10](../04/10.md).
4:13 gw77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑יהָ 1 The euphemism, **he went in to her** refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: “and he had sexual relations with her”
4:14 ab46 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַנָּשִׁים֙ 1 These are **the women** of the town as mentioned in [1:19](../01/19.md). This can be made clear if necessary.
4:14 ab47 rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing בָּר֣וּךְ יְהוָ֔ה 1 The women are praising God for what he has done for Naomi and Ruth. If it does not make sense in your language to “bless” God, use a word like “praise” or “we give thanks.” Alternate translation: "We give thanks to Yahweh"
4:14 qj8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַיּ֑וֹם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative preposition **without**. Alternate translation: “has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you”
4:14 p8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing וְיִקָּרֵ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 This is a blessing, stating that the women desire that Naomi’s grandson will have a good reputation and character. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language.
4:15 hz3e לְמֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ 1 This phrase, **a restorer of life**, refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having this grandson. Alternate translation: “one who brings joy to you again” or “one who will make you feel young and strong again”
4:15 z5lw וּלְכַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: "and he will take care of you when you become old"
4:15 ab48 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 **For** indicates that what follows this word gives the reason for what came before it. Here, **For** indicates that what follows (the fact that Ruth has borne him) is the reason for the women’s confident prediction of his character. Use a connection word or other way to indicate that the second sentence of this verse explains the first one. Alternate translation: “We know this because” or “It is certain because” (See also: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-result]])
4:15 rpc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔ךְ מִשִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים 1 In this culture, the number **seven** represented the idea of completeness or perfection. This is a way to praise Ruth for how she has provided for Naomi by bearing a grandson for her by Boaz, when Naomi’s husband and sons could not provide for her because they had died. Alternate translation: “better to you than any son” or “worth more to you than many sons”
4:16 k1w4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish וַתִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַיֶּ֨לֶד֙ 1 The phrase **And Naomi took the child** does not mean that she took him away from Ruth in any hostile way. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation.
4:17 ab50 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַתִּקְרֶאנָה֩ ל֨וֹ הַשְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת שֵׁם֙ & וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה שְׁמוֹ֙ עוֹבֵ֔ד 1 These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The first phrase introduces the naming event, and the second repeats it in order to report the event. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: "So the neighbor women gave him the name Obed" or "The women of the neighborhood said … and they named him Obed"
4:17 fkf2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְנָעֳמִ֑י 1 **A son has been born to Naomi** is an idiom that means “Naomi now has a grandson, a male in her family line.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "It is as though Naomi has a son again"
4:17 ab51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship ה֥וּא אֲבִי־יִשַׁ֖י 1 Here the term **father** specifically refers to a male parent. If your language has a specific word for a male parent, it would be appropriate to use it here. It may be necessary to make it clear that much time passed between the births of Obed, Jesse, and David. Alternate translation: "Later, Obed fathered a son, Jesse"
4:17 f9ha rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֲבִ֥י דָוִֽד 1 Though **King** is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that this David was King David. Alternate translation: "father of King David"
4:18 mzm1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent תּוֹלְד֣וֹת פָּ֔רֶץ 1 Because it was mentioned earlier that Perez was the son of Judah, the writer continues listing the family line that came from Perez. Verse [4:17](../04/17.md) was the end of the story about Naomi and Ruth, and verse [4:18](../04/18.md) begins a final section that lists the family line of the clan of Ephrathah, showing how important Obed was as the grandfather of King David. Use a connecting word that signals that this is a new section. You may also need to make it clear that this verse refers to a much earlier time than the time period of the story. Alternate translation: "the successive descendants of our clan, starting with Perez"
4:19 rl3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וְחֶצְרוֹן֙ & עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃ 1 Use forms of these names that are natural in your language.
4:22 abcd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit דָּוִֽד 1 See the note about **David** on [4:17](../04/17/f9ha). Alternate translation: "King David"
See in Reader
