From 3cf787ea6664a75e76bc43c66682687888fee7ea Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: unfoldingWord Date: Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:41:46 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Update tn_RUT.tsv from master to prepare for book package release Signed-off-by: unfoldingWord --- tn_RUT.tsv | 562 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------------------------- 1 file changed, 293 insertions(+), 269 deletions(-) diff --git a/tn_RUT.tsv b/tn_RUT.tsv index f172bcd0be..8d94328b25 100644 --- a/tn_RUT.tsv +++ b/tn_RUT.tsv @@ -1,270 +1,294 @@ Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note -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 them 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 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://*/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, fulfil obligations of **levirate marriage**, and buy back land into the family that had been sold to someone outside of the family. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz is one such kinsman-redeemer.\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 in God’s covenant with them. The story of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi gives examples to all of Israel of the good effects of covenant faithfulness. (See: [[rc://*/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 walls were thick, especially at the entryways, and the gates had guard towers beside and above them. Therefore the gateway opening provided a large shady area for public meetings, and there were places for important people to sit. For this reason, Boaz and the other elders sat in the gateway.\n\nSome English Bible versions speak of Boaz sitting **at** the city gate, but it may be best for translators to make clear that Boaz sat **in** the city gateway.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How does the Book of Ruth change from one topic to another topic?\n\nThe 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. -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 **It was** or **This is what happened**. This is a common way of beginning a historical story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -1:1 m9nl rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בִּ⁠ימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַ⁠שֹּׁפְטִ֔ים 1 **during the time when judges led and governed Israel** (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) -1:1 nm13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בָּ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1:1 mmb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants אִ֜ישׁ 1 **a man**. This is a common way of introducing a character into a story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -1:2 e53a אֶפְרָתִ֔ים מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית לֶ֖חֶם יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 The name **Ephrathites** refers to the people from the clan of Ephrathah, who lived in the area around Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “from the clan of Ephrathah, from Bethlehem, in Judah.” -1:3 rxb1 הִ֖יא וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽי⁠הָ׃ 1 **Naomi had only her two sons remaining with her** -1:4 pk7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּשְׂא֣וּ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם נָשִׁים֙ 1 **married women**. This is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -1:4 k7y9 מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת 1 Naomi’s sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods. -1:4 aee6 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽ⁠אַחַת֙ & וְ⁠שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖ית 1 **the name of one woman was … the name of the other woman was** -1:4 rt4c כְּ⁠עֶ֥שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים 1 About ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died. -1:5 dbr3 וַ⁠תִּשָּׁאֵר֙ הָֽ⁠אִשָּׁ֔ה מִ⁠שְּׁנֵ֥י יְלָדֶ֖י⁠הָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠אִישָֽׁ⁠הּ 1 Naomi was widowed and both her sons died. -1:6 u9q2 וְ⁠כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 the women who married Naomi’s sons -1:6 sa4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּ⁠שְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב 1 **she had heard while still in the country of Moab**. It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: “she had heard from someone who came from Israel while she was in the region of Moab” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1:6 ser2 יְהוָה֙ 1 This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. -1:6 v86z פָקַ֤ד & אֶת־עַמּ֔⁠וֹ 1 God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. Alternate translation: “had helped the Israelites” -1:6 ab01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לָֽחֶם׃ 1 **Bread** here refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “giving them abundant harvests, so that they had plenty of food.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -1:7 w7ti וַ⁠תֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ 1 **and they walked along the road**. To walk down a road means to travel along it by foot. -1:8 fu39 לִ⁠שְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 **her two sons’ wives** or **the widows of her two sons** -1:8 lxs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of **you** would use that throughout her talk. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -1:8 hsf7 לְ⁠בֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑⁠הּ 1 **to the home of each of your mothers** -1:8 i262 חֶ֔סֶד 1 **covenant faithfulness** is what someone does who is fulfilling all of his obligations and loyalties to another person. See the discussion in the introduction. -1:8 g4r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עִם־הַ⁠מֵּתִ֖ים 1 **to your husbands, who died**. Naomi was referring to her two sons that had died. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -1:8 acb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj הַ⁠מֵּתִ֖ים 1 **your husbands, who died** (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -1:9 pm6y יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם וּ⁠מְצֶ֣אןָ 1 **May Yahweh give you** or **May Yahweh allow you to have** -1:9 c74v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וּ⁠מְצֶ֣אןָ מְנוּחָ֔ה 1 **Rest** here does not refer to sitting down to rest. It means a place where these women would belong, a home for them, which would include the security that comes through marriage. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -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. **House** refers to both a physical house that belongs to the husband, and to the protection from shame and poverty that a husband provides. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -1:9 t69w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖⁠ן וַ⁠תִּבְכֶּֽינָה 1 To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -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 **we** would use the exclusive form here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -1:10 bq4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you אִתָּ֥⁠ךְ 1 Here **you** is the singular form referring to Naomi. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -1:11 ggi3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֥⁠מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑⁠י 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1:11 q2hn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַֽ⁠עֽוֹד־לִ֤⁠י בָנִים֙ בְּֽ⁠מֵעַ֔⁠י וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם לַ⁠אֲנָשִֽׁים 1 This is a rhetorical question. Naomi uses this question to say that she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1:12 dyc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִ⁠הְי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -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 have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Even if it were possible that I could expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons right away, … ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -1:12 kh9g יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 **bear children** or **deliver baby boys** -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.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -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 Bitterness is a metaphor for grief. Alternate translation: “It greatly grieves me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -1:13 z9u3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖⁠י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 The word **hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or influence. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -1:13 ab02 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖⁠י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 What Yahweh has done can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken away our husbands” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1:14 n47v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔⁠ן וַ⁠תִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה 1 This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -1:14 t4sl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְ⁠ר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽ⁠הּ 1 **Ruth clung to her**. Alternate translation: “Ruth refused to leave her” or “Ruth would not leave her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1:15 ld6g הִנֵּה֙ 1 **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 wife of your husband’s brother** or **Orpah**. Use the most natural way in your language to refer to this person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -1:15 man4 אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 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. -1:16 z5ug וּ⁠בַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ 1 **where you live** -1:16 b518 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַמֵּ֣⁠ךְ עַמִּ֔⁠י 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -1:17 lql7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּמ֨וּתִי֙ אָמ֔וּת 1 This refers to Ruth’s desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -1:17 abc2 כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥⁠י וּ⁠בֵינֵֽ⁠ךְ 1 **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 is an idiom that refers to the space between two people. Alternate translation: “separates the two of us” or “comes between us.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -1:18 rsq2 וַ⁠תֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְ⁠דַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠הָ 1 **Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth** -1:19 j9wa rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 This sentence introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -1:19 jdr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background כְּ⁠בֹאָ֨⁠נָה֙ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 This is a background clause, explaining that the new event took place after Naomi had returned to Bethlehem with Ruth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) -1:19 y3us rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כָּל־הָ⁠עִיר֙ 1 The **town** refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “everyone in the town” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -1:19 abc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָ⁠עִיר֙ 1 Here **entire** is hyperbole. Many of the residents of the town were excited, but some of the residents may not have been excited by this news. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -1:19 xnb3 הֲ⁠זֹ֥את נָעֳמִֽי 1 Since it had been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and now she no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely that the women were expressing doubt that this woman was actually Naomi. Treat this as a real question, not a rhetorical one. -1:20 stw5 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. -1:20 swe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מָרָ֔א 1 This is a literal rendering of a Hebrew name meaning “bitter.” Since it is a name, you may choose to use the English form, which is **Bitter**, and use a footnote to explain that the English term gives the meaning of the Hebrew name (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -1:21 n9zc אֲנִי֙ מְלֵאָ֣ה הָלַ֔כְתִּי וְ⁠רֵיקָ֖ם הֱשִׁיבַ֣⁠נִי יְהוָ֑ה 1 When Naomi left Bethlehem, she had her husband and her two sons, and she was happy. Naomi blames Yahweh for the death of her husband and sons, saying that he has caused her to return to Bethlehem without them, and now she is bitter and unhappy. -1:21 jqx5 עָ֣נָה בִ֔⁠י 1 **has judged me guilty** -1:21 t1p8 הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽ⁠י 1 **has brought calamity on me** or **has brought tragedy to me** -1:22 cx7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory וַ⁠תָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְ⁠ר֨וּת 1 This begins a summary statement. English marks this by the word **So**. Determine how your language marks concluding or summary statements and follow that way here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) -1:22 jdr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְ⁠הֵ֗מָּה בָּ֚אוּ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם בִּ⁠תְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -1:22 bgy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns בִּ⁠תְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 **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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -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 Boaz was. (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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -2:1 t2sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants וּֽ⁠לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְ⁠אִישָׁ֗⁠הּ 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -2:1 b4q7 אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל 1 **a prominent, wealthy man**. This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation. -2:1 ab09 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 ר֨וּת הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 Here the story resumes. Indicate this in the way that your language restarts telling the events of a story after giving background information. -2:2 c7rk הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 This is another way of saying that the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab. -2:2 qt4q וַ⁠אֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַ⁠שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים 1 **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 phrase **in whose eyes I will find favor** is an idiom which means “whoever will approve of me.” Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: “who will be kind to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -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]” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -2:2 ed93 בִתִּֽ⁠י 1 Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother, and Naomi addressed Ruth affectionately as her daughter. If this is confusing in your language, use the term that would indicate this kind of close relationship between two women in your language. -2:3 ht73 וַ⁠יִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔⁠הָ 1 This means that Ruth was not aware that the field that she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi’s relative Boaz. -2:3 ab11 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-distinguish וְ⁠הִנֵּה 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) -2:4 q1lv בָּ֚א מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem. -2:4 r4bl יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָֽה 1 **May Yahweh do good things for you**. This is a general blessing. -2:5 a5ht לְ⁠מִ֖י הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת 1 In that culture, women were under the authority of their male relatives. Boaz was asking who Ruth’s husband or father might be. He did not think that Ruth was a slave. -2:5 ab16 לְ⁠נַעֲר֔⁠וֹ 1 This **servant** was a young man who worked for Boaz and who told the rest of Boaz’s workers what to do. -2:5 sdf9 הַ⁠נִּצָּ֖ב עַל 1 **who was in charge of** or **who was managing** -2:7 ab17 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. -2:7 kj7a הַ⁠בַּ֖יִת 1 **the hut** or **the shelter**. This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun where the workers could rest. -2:8 ltk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗⁠י 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -2:8 ke9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בִּתִּ֗⁠י 1 This was a kind way to address a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, but he was treating her kindly and respectfully. Use the term that communicates this in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -2:9 jq6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִ⁠ךְ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing. Alternate translation: “Watch only the field” or “Pay attention only to the field” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -2:9 xc6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 Boaz used this question to emphasize his hospitality—that he had already made provision to help Ruth. Alternate translation: “I have given the men strict instructions not to harm you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -2:9 ub62 אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים 1 **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. -2:9 v5e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 This was a polite way of saying that the men were not to harm Ruth physically or assault her sexually, and possibly also that the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -2:9 ahr7 מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ⁠ן הַ⁠נְּעָרִֽים 1 To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel. -2:10 az6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -2:10 ab12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה 1 These are two descriptions of a single action. If this is confusing in your language, use only one description, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -2:10 ab13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 This is an idiom that means that she bowed low with her face to the ground. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -2:10 ug7p מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ לְ⁠הַכִּירֵ֔⁠נִי וְ⁠אָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Ruth is asking a real question. -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 “you have approved of” someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining their kindness or approval. Alternate translation: “you have been kind to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -2:10 abc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” or “that you decided” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -2:10 x6f8 נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 A **foreigner** is someone from another country. Even though Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, everyone knew that she was from Moab, not Israel. Often Israelites were not kind to foreigners, even though God wanted them to be kind to them. This shows that Boaz was living to please God. -2:11 ab14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וַ⁠יַּ֤עַן בֹּ֨עַז֙ וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Both **answered** and **said** describe the same action. If this is confusing in your language, you may want to use only one verb for this, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -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** (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -2:11 r44n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַ⁠תֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם 1 Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion that she did not know. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -2:11 ab60 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom תְּמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃ 1 This is an idiom that means “recently” or “previously” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -2:12 x5ct יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה פָּעֳלֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 **May Yahweh repay you** or **May Yahweh pay you back** -2:12 s2vm פָּעֳלֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 This refers to everything that Boaz has just described in verse 11. Alternate translation: “your good deeds.” -2:12 gnn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וּ⁠תְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜⁠ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵ⁠עִ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh fully give to you everything that you deserve” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -2:12 eh86 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַ⁠חֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽי⁠ו 1 This is a metaphor that uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them as a way to describe God’s protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: “in whose safe care you have placed yourself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -2:13 abc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־חֵ֨ן 1 Here **find favor** is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Alternate translation: “May you continue to approve of me” or “May you continue to be pleased with me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -2:13 v2q1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֤י⁠ךָ 1 The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “and accept me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -2:13 abc4 אֲדֹנִ⁠י֙ 1 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” -2:13 zc5n וְ⁠אָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּ⁠אַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 Ruth is expressing surprise and gratitude that Boaz is treating her as if she belongs among his workers, when she does not. -2:14 yht2 לְ⁠עֵ֣ת הָ⁠אֹ֗כֶל 1 This refers to the midday meal. -2:14 p256 וְ⁠טָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖⁠ךְ בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ 1 This was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and pieces of broken bread. They would take a piece of bread and dip it in the wine vinegar to add flavor before they ate it. -2:14 xr6s 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. -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 told his young men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -2:15 rct9 וַ⁠תָּ֖קָם 1 **After she stood up** -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 **take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her** or **leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect**. Here Boaz goes another step beyond what is normal, and tells his workers to drop some of the grain that was already harvested for Ruth to glean. -2:16 nn9l וְ⁠לֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 **do not cause her shame** or **do not speak harshly to her** -2:17 h3ap וַ⁠תַּחְבֹּט֙ 1 She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away. -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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) -2:18 etn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּשָּׂא֙ וַ⁠תָּב֣וֹא הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -2:18 r6sz וַ⁠תֵּ֥רֶא חֲמוֹתָ֖⁠הּ 1 **Then Naomi saw** -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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -2:19 ab07 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מַכִּירֵ֖⁠ךְ 1 Here **noticed** is a metonymy that stands for not only seeing Ruth, but also doing something for her. Alternate translation: “the one who helped you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -2:20 p8km בָּר֥וּךְ הוּא֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֔ה 1 Naomi is asking God to reward Boaz for his kindness to Ruth and herself. -2:20 ab20 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔⁠וֹ 1 This can be stated positively: **who has continued to be loyal**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) -2:20 ur7z אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב 1 The word **who** is most probably referring to Yahweh, who has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead by acting through Boaz. A less likely possibility is that it is referring to Boaz. -2:20 ljz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַ⁠חַיִּ֖ים 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -2:20 wjr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מֵּתִ֑ים 1 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -2:20 cyy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism קָר֥וֹב לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ מִֽ⁠גֹּאֲלֵ֖⁠נוּ הֽוּא 1 The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -2:20 zu5f מִֽ⁠גֹּאֲלֵ֖⁠נוּ 1 A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who had the responsibility to take care of any widows in the family. If one of his brothers died having had no children, he had the responsibility to marry the widow, if she was still of child-bearing age, to raise a child for his brother. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery. See the Introduction for more information. -2:21 k2lz גַּ֣ם ׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗⁠י 1 **He even said to me**. This indicates that what follows is beyond what they would have expected a landowner to say to Ruth. -2:21 g585 עִם־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִ⁠י֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔י⁠ן 1 Boaz was expressing confidence that his workers would not harm Ruth. -2:22 f2tw תֵֽצְאִי֙ עִם 1 **you work with** -2:22 bcc4 וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖⁠ךְ 1 This could mean: (1) other workers might abuse Ruth or try to rape her or (2) in another field, the owner might interfere or stop her from gleaning while they are harvesting. -2:22 ab64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖⁠ךְ 1 This is the reason why Ruth should continue to work with Boaz’s servants. If it is more clear in your language to state the reason before the result, you can state this part of the sentence first, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -2:23 e2vq וַ⁠תִּדְבַּ֞ק 1 Ruth worked in Boaz’s fields with his workers during the day, so she would be safe. -2:23 a7qp וַ⁠תֵּ֖שֶׁב אֶת־חֲמוֹתָֽ⁠הּ 1 Ruth went 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 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -3:1 r7ar חֲמוֹתָ֑⁠הּ 1 Naomi is the mother of Ruth’s dead husband. -3:1 f1uc 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 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -3:1 uw2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לָ֛⁠ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ 1 This does not mean a place to rest temporarily from being tired. It means a place of permanent comfort and security, in a good home with a husband. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -3:2 jdr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nNaomi’s rhetorical question in verse 1 gave the reason for the advice that she is about to give to Ruth in verses 2-4. This word marks what follows as the result of verse 1. In other words, Naomi advises Ruth what to do (3:2-4) because she desires to find a good, secure home for Ruth (3:1) If it is more clear in your language to state the reason after the result, you may want to put verse 1 after verses 2-4, marked as verses 1-4 together. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -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), to introduce the reason for what she is about to say. Alternate translation: “As you know, Boaz is our relative.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -3:2 j31t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י⁠ו 1 If it helps for understanding, the translation can make explicit that she was working in the fields with these female workers. Alternate translation: “female workers you have been with in the fields” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -3:2 nd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish הִנֵּה 1 The word **Look** indicates that the following statement is very important. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) -3:2 ms25 זֹרֶ֛ה 1 **he will be winnowing** To winnow means to separate grain from the unwanted chaff by tossing both the grain and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow the chaff away. -3:3 ru6z וָ⁠סַ֗כְתְּ 1 This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, as a kind of perfume. -3:3 e92h וְיָרַ֣דְתְּ הַ⁠גֹּ֑רֶן 1 This refers to leaving the city and going to the open, flat area where workers could thresh and winnow grain. -3:4 jdr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וִ⁠יהִ֣י 1 **Then do like this:** This is a general instruction that introduces the next series of specific instructions that Naomi is about to give to Ruth. Translate this in the way that people would say this in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) -3:4 ab21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background בְ⁠שָׁכְב֗⁠וֹ 1 This is a background clause, explaining when Ruth should watch to see where Boaz sleeps. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) -3:4 ln1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וְ⁠גִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו 1 This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet (or legs). Perhaps this action by a woman could be interpreted as a proposal of marriage. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -3:4 zi01 מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו 1 The word used here could refer to his feet or his legs. -3:4 l4we וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ 1 **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. -3:4 nn4g וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד 1 **When he wakes up, he will tell** -3:6 ab22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events וַ⁠תַּ֕עַשׂ כְּ⁠כֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוַּ֖תָּ⁠ה חֲמוֹתָֽ⁠הּ׃ 1 This statement summarizes the actions that Ruth will do in verse 7. If people understand from this that Ruth did these actions in verse 6 and then did them again in verse 7, then you could translate this sentence as **and she obeyed her mother-in-law**. Or if it would make the order of events more clear, you could move this sentence to the end of verse 7, then combine the verse numbers as a verse bridge (6-7). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) -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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -3:7 y6gk וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣א בַ⁠לָּ֔ט 1 **Then she sneaked in** or **Then she came in quietly so that no one would hear her** -3:7 eq2u וַ⁠תְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו 1 **and removed the covering from his legs** -3:7 pb6l וַ⁠תִּשְׁכָּֽב 1 **and lay down there** -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. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -3:8 xun6 וַ⁠יֶּחֱרַ֥ד 1 It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet or legs. -3:8 ab23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations וְ⁠הִנֵּ֣ה 1 This word shows that what follows was very surprising to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing surprise. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) -3:8 e7ui אִשָּׁ֔ה שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת מַרְגְּלֹתָֽי⁠ו 1 The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness. -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. (See rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness) -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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -3:9 l5g4 גֹאֵ֖ל 1 See how you translated this term in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f). -3:10 bjw9 הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥⁠ךְ הָ⁠אַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 **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 הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 This refers to the way that Ruth had earlier provided for her mother-in-law by staying with her and gleaning grain for food for them. -3:10 n84d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְ⁠בִלְתִּי־לֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵי֙ 1 **because you have not looked for marriage among**. Ruth could have ignored Naomi’s need and looked for a young and handsome husband for herself outside of Naomi’s relatives, but she did not. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -3:11 jdr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThis phrase indicates that what came before in verse 10 is the reason for what follows in verse 11. This can be indicated with a word like **Therefore**. If it 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 (verse 10). If you choose this order, you will need to combine the verses and the verse numbers (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]). -3:11 ei93 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 was an idiom meaning “all of the important people in my city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]). -3:11 ab31 אֵ֥שֶׁת חַ֖יִל 1 **a woman of good character**, **a good woman** -3:12 jdr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְ⁠עַתָּה֙ 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThis phrase indicates that what follows is something else important that Ruth should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) -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 (verse 11) and the possibility of another man marrying her instead (verse 12). Alternate translation: “Even so, there is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]). -3:12 fvq5 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 **redeem** here means “marry according to our custom concerning widows.” Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth’s dead husband would marry her and raise a son to carry on the dead man’s family name. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -3:13 tkz9 חַי־יְהוָ֑ה 1 **as surely as Yahweh lives** or **by the life of Yahweh**. This was a common Hebrew vow that obligated the speaker to perform what he said. Use the normal phrasing for a vow in your language. -3:14 vn8p וַ⁠תִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מַרְגְּלוֹתָיו֙ 1 Ruth slept at Boaz’s feet. They did not have sex. -3:14 dwx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּטֶ֛רֶם יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 This is an idiom that referred to a condition of darkness. Alternate translation: “while it was still dark” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]). -3:15 hj1e הַ⁠מִּטְפַּ֧חַת 1 a thick piece of cloth worn over the shoulders for warmth -3:15 f5zg שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙ 1 The actual amount is not stated. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Most scholars think it was around 25 to 30 kilograms. -3:15 gdn8 וַ⁠יָּ֣שֶׁת עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 The amount of grain was heavy, so Boaz put it on Ruth’s back so she could carry it. -3:15 aj7u וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א הָ⁠עִֽיר 1 Most ancient copies have **he went**, referring to Boaz, but some have **she went**, referring to Ruth. Some English versions have “he” and some have “she” here. Most scholars believe that **he went** is the original meaning. -3:16 s7dr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מִי־אַ֣תְּ בִּתִּ֑⁠י 1 This appears to be an idiom that probably means **What is your status, my daughter?** In other words, Naomi is probably asking if Ruth is now a married woman. Alternatively, the question could mean simply **Is that you, my daughter?** (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -3:16 ab34 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 **all that Boaz had done for her** -3:17 abca שֵׁשׁ־הַ⁠שְּׂעֹרִ֥ים 1 See how you translated this in [3:15](../03/15/f5zg). -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** (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]). -3:18 ab36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔⁠י 1 **Sit** is an idiom that means that Ruth should calmly wait. Alternate translation: “Wait here” or “Be patient” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -3:18 ab35 בִתִּ֔⁠י 1 See how you translated this in 1:11-13; 2:2, 8, 22; 3:1, 10, 11, 16. -3:18 ab37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר 1 This is an idiom that means “how the situation will turn out” or “what will happen.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -3:18 zi02 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר 1 This can be stated positively: **the man will certainly settle this matter** or **the man will surely resolve this issue**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) -3:18 u5rn אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר 1 **This matter** refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi’s property and marry Ruth. -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 must 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 This clause introduces the next part of the story, in which Boaz takes the leading role as kinsman-redeemer and marries Ruth. Use your language’s way of introducing a new part of a story (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -4:1 m4by הַ⁠שַּׁעַר֮ 1 **to the gate of the city** or **to the gate of Bethlehem**. This was the main entrance to the walled town of Bethlehem. Inside the gate was an open area that was used as a meeting place to discuss community matters. -4:1 jdr9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish וְ⁠הִנֵּ֨ה 1 The word **behold** alerts us to the important event of Boaz seeing the exact person whom he wanted to see walking by. Your language may also have a specific way of alerting someone to pay careful attention to what happens next in the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) -4:1 kz1g הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֤ל 1 This was the closest living male relative to Elimelek. 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 these words; instead, he called the kinsman-redeemer by his name. This is an idiom that means that this is a specific person but the name is not given. The narrator has substituted this general term for the person’s name either because the specific name is not important for the story or the man’s name had been forgotten. If your language has an idiom to refer to a specific person without using his name, use that here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]). -4:1 ab39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 In many languages, this is an awkward and unnatural way for someone to address another person. A way to make this more natural could be to turn this into an indirect quotation as in the UST. A combination of indirect and direct quotation is also possible: “Boaz called him by name, and said, ‘Turn aside and sit down here.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]). -4:2 ab40 וַ⁠יִּקַּ֞ח עֲשָׂרָ֧ה אֲנָשִׁ֛ים 1 **Then he chose ten men** -4:2 bf74 מִ⁠זִּקְנֵ֥י הָ⁠עִ֖יר 1 **from the leaders of the city** -4:3 es9g חֶלְקַת֙ הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֔ה & מָכְרָ֣ה נָעֳמִ֔י 1 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 This is an idiom that means “I should tell you” or “I should let you know” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]). -4:4 c6xi נֶ֥גֶד 1 **in the presence of**. Having these men as witnesses would make the transaction legal and binding. -4:4 lgq1 גְּאָ֔ל 1 **redeem** means to buy the land to keep it within the family. -4:4 ab42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions אֵ֤ין זוּלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ לִ⁠גְא֔וֹל וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 In some languages, it may be confusing to say these things together: (1) there is no one to redeem the land, (2) only you can redeem the land, (3) then I can redeem the land. If that is so in your language, see the UST for a way that is more clear. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]]) -4:4 u548 וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 Boaz was the next nearest kinsman to Elimelek, and so had the second right to redeem the land. -4:5 ut23 בְּ⁠יוֹם־קְנוֹתְ⁠ךָ֥ & וּ֠⁠מֵ⁠אֵת & קָנִ֔יתָה 1 Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land. Alternate translation: “When you buy the land, you also get” -4:5 ymn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מִ⁠יַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י 1 Here the word **hand** represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -4:5 dya3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּ֠⁠מֵ⁠אֵת ר֣וּת & קָנִ֔יתָה 1 **you must also marry Ruth** (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -4:5 b3ps אֵֽשֶׁת־הַ⁠מֵּת֙ 1 **the widow of Elimelek’s son who died** -4:5 b3sy לְ⁠הָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת עַל־נַחֲלָתֽ⁠וֹ׃ 1 **that she may have 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 Ruth’s husband was **the dead**. This can be stated differently to avoid the nominal adjective **the dead**. Alternate translation: “the man who died” or “her husband who died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -4:6 sx9k אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑⁠י 1 The man would need to give some of his wealth in exchange for the property. Then if he were to marry Ruth, that property would belong to her son, not to his own children. In that way, he would be taking away from the wealth that his own children would inherit from him and giving it instead to the children that Ruth might bear. Alternate translation: “taking away from my own children’s inheritance.” -4:6 sa7h גְּאַל־לְ⁠ךָ֤ אַתָּה֙ אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתִ֔⁠י 1 **You yourself redeem it instead of me** -4:7 wga9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְ⁠זֹאת֩ 1 **Now this was the custom**. The writer of the book stops telling the story in order to give some background information that explains the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. Use your language’s way of giving background information in a story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -4:7 lgf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background לְ⁠פָנִ֨ים 1 **in earlier times** or **long ago**. This implies that this custom was no longer practiced when the book of Ruth was written. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -4:7 d46w לְ⁠רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 **to his friend**. This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his sandal. -4:8 ab44 וַ⁠יֹּ֧אמֶר הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֛ל 1 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 This refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -4:9 img5 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽ⁠אֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְ⁠אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠כִלְי֖וֹן וּ⁠מַחְל֑וֹן 1 This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi’s dead husband and sons. -4:10 jdr0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְ⁠גַ֣ם 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThis connecting phrase indicates that the people sitting at the gate are witnesses to the fact that Boaz is buying back Elimelek’s family land for Naomi (4:9) and also to the fact that Boaz is claiming Ruth to be his wife (4:10). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) -4:10 nm32 לְ⁠הָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔⁠וֹ 1 See how you translated this phrase in 4:5. Alternate translation: “so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man’s property” -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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -4:10 ab61 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives וְ⁠לֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֛ת 1 This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “so that his name will be preserved” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) -4:10 xpu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ 1 The gate of the town is where the leaders gathered and made important legal decisions, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land. Alternate translation: “and among the important people of his town” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -4:10 ab45 עֵדִ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם הַ⁠יּֽוֹם 1 **You have seen and heard these things today, and can speak of them tomorrow** -4:11 ua2a הָ⁠עָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּ⁠שַּׁ֛עַר 1 **the people who were meeting together near the gate** -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 house. “House” can be a metonym the represents “family,” so this also refers to becoming part of Boaz’s family by being his wife. Alternate translation: “who is becoming part of your family” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -4:11 q47m כְּ⁠רָחֵ֤ל ׀ וּ⁠כְ⁠לֵאָה֙ 1 These were the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. -4:11 cz4t בָּנ֤וּ & אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 **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 are similar in meaning. The second phrase repeats somewhat and adds to the meaning of the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and become well-known for them.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]). -4:11 ab65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וַ⁠עֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּ⁠אֶפְרָ֔תָה וּ⁠קְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּ⁠בֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 These phrases are a form of blessing. Use the style of blessing that is appropriate in your language. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and may you become well-known for them.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]). -4:11 uk9q וַ⁠עֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּ⁠אֶפְרָ֔תָה 1 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. -4:12 fn52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וִ⁠יהִ֤י בֵֽיתְ⁠ךָ֙ כְּ⁠בֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽ⁠יהוּדָ֑ה 1 **house** stands for “family” or “clan.” Perez had many descendants who became large clans in Israel, including the clan of Ephrathah. Also, many of his descendents became important people. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth’s children. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -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 מִן־הַ⁠זֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 The people are asking for a blessing from Yahweh, that he would give Boaz many children through Ruth who would do good things, just as he did for Perez. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language. -4:13 abcc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ וַ⁠תְּהִי־ל֣⁠וֹ לְ⁠אִשָּׁ֔ה 1 These two phrases mean very much the same thing, as the second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew poetic style. The two phrases can be combined as in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -4:13 u21g rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ 1 This phrase indicates that Boaz did what he said he would do in verse 10. It does not imply any form of violence. Along with the following phrase, it simply means, **So Boaz married Ruth** or **So Boaz took Ruth as a wife**. Use a connecting word (like “so”) that indicates that this action by Boaz is a result of the agreement in verse 10. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -4:13 gw77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 This is a euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: “He had sexual relations with her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -4:14 ab46 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙ 1 These are the women of the town as mentioned in 1:19. This can be made clear if necessary. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -4:14 ab47 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.” See the UST. -4:14 qj8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛⁠ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם 1 This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “who has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) -4:14 p8p3 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 refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having this grandson. Alternate translation: “one who brings joy to you again” or “one who will make you feel young/strong again” -4:15 z5lw וּ⁠לְ⁠כַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 **and he will take care of you when you become old** -4:15 ab48 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 **We know this because** Use a connecting word or phrase that indicates that what follows (the fact that Ruth has borne him) is the reason for the women’s confident prediction of his character. If it makes more sense to put the reason first, then follow the order in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -4:15 rpc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔⁠ךְ מִ⁠שִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים 1 **seven** represented the idea of completeness or perfection. This is a way to praise Ruth for how she has provided for Naomi by bearing a grandson for her by Boaz, when Naomi’s sons could not provide for her because they had died. Alternate translation: “better to you than any son” or “worth more to you than many sons” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -4:16 k1w4 וַ⁠תִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַ⁠יֶּ֨לֶד֙ 1 **Naomi picked up the child** This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth in any hostile way. -4:16 ab49 וַ⁠תְּהִי־ל֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠אֹמֶֽנֶת׃ 1 **and took care of him** -4:17 ab50 וַ⁠תִּקְרֶאנָה֩ ל֨⁠וֹ הַ⁠שְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת שֵׁם֙ & וַ⁠תִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ עוֹבֵ֔ד 1 The first phrase introduces the naming event, and the second repeats it in order to report the event. If this is confusing, the two phrases can be combined. **So the neighbor women gave him the name Obed** or **The women of the neighborhood said … and they named him Obed** -4:17 fkf2 יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֑י 1 **It is as though Naomi has a son again**. It was understood that the child was Naomi’s grandson, not her physical son, but he would carry on the family line of both Naomi and Ruth. -4:17 ab51 ה֥וּא אֲבִי־יִשַׁ֖י 1 **Later, he became the father of Jesse** It may be necessary to make it clear that much time passed between the births of Obed, Jesse, and David. -4:17 f9ha rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֲבִ֥י דָוִֽד 1 **father of King David**. Though **King** is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that this David was King David. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -4:18 mzm1 תּוֹלְד֣וֹת פָּ֔רֶץ 1 **the successive descendants of our clan, starting with Perez**. Because it was mentioned earlier that Perez was the son of Judah, the writer continues listing the family line that came from Perez. Verse 17 was the end of the story about Naomi and Ruth, and verse 18 begins a final section that lists the family line of the clan of Ephrathah, showing how important Obed was as the grandfather of King David. Use a connecting word that signals that this is a new section. You may also need to make it clear that this verse refers to a much earlier time than the time period of the story. -4:19 rl3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וְ⁠חֶצְרוֹן֙ & עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃ 1 Use forms of these names that are natural in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -4:22 abcd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit דָּוִֽד 1 **King David**. See the note about **David** on [4:17](../04/17/f9ha). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +front:intro f68r 0 # Introduction to Ruth\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of Ruth\n\n1. Naomi goes to Moab with her family (1:1–5)\n1. Ruth comes to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:6–22)\n1. Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)\n1. Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)\n1. Ruth becomes 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. If the church prefers, you could use a fuller 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. This shows us that God is the God of all people, not just of Israel. (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 fulfill 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 walls were thick, especially at the entryways, and the gates had guard towers beside and above them. Therefore, the gateway opening provided a large shady area for public meetings and there were places for important people to sit. For this reason, Boaz and the other elders sat in the gateway.\n\nSome English Bible versions speak of Boaz sitting at the city gate, but it may be best for translators to make clear that Boaz sat in the city gateway.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How does the book of Ruth change from one topic to another topic?\n\nThe 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. +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 phrase translates a common way of beginning a historical story in the Bible. Use a natural way of beginning a true story that happened a long time ago. 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. The famine probably lasted for years, not just days. 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. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. 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. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a new participant in a story. +1:2 e53a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶפְרָתִ֔ים 1 The term **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” +1:3 rxb1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּשָּׁאֵ֥ר הִ֖יא וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽי⁠הָ׃ 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. Alternate translation: “Naomi and her two sons remained in Moab without him” +1:4 pk7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּשְׂא֣וּ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם נָשִׁים֙ 1 The phrase **took wives for themselves** is an idiom that means that they married women. They did not take women by force or take women who were already married to other men. +1:4 aee6 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽ⁠אַחַת֙ עָרְפָּ֔ה וְ⁠שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖ית ר֑וּת 1 If your language must distinguish which woman married which son, you can say that Orpah married Kilion and that Ruth married Mahlon. Alternate translation: "the name of the woman who married Kilion was Orpah, and the name of the woman who married Mahlon was Ruth" +1:5 dbr3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּשָּׁאֵר֙ הָֽ⁠אִשָּׁ֔ה מִ⁠שְּׁנֵ֥י יְלָדֶ֖י⁠הָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠אִישָֽׁ⁠הּ 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. Alternate translation: “and the woman was alone without her husband or her two sons” or "and Naomi remained widowed and childless" +1:6 wsr0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַ⁠תָּ֤קָם הִיא֙ וְ⁠כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תָּ֖שָׁב 1 This part of the sentence forms an introductory summary of what will happen in the following section. It does not relate events in the timeline of the story. If your language does not use introductory summaries like this, you can translate these actions as events. Alternate translation: “Then she, along with her daughters-in-law, prepared to return” +1:6 tmq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants וַ⁠תָּ֤קָם הִיא֙ וְ⁠כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תָּ֖שָׁב 1 The verbs **arose** and **returned** are singular, and refer to Naomi. This shows that Naomi is the main character who takes the initiative in these actions. However, her daughters-in-law are included. If your language requires plural verbs when more than one person is included in an action, you can use them here. Alternate translation: “Then she and her daughters-in-law arose and returned” +1:6 u9q2 וְ⁠כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 Alternate translation: "and the women who had married her sons" +1:6 zo55 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֤י שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּ⁠שְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב כִּֽי־פָקַ֤ד יְהוָה֙ אֶת־עַמּ֔⁠וֹ\nלָ⁠תֵ֥ת לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לָֽחֶם 1 Naomi first heard about Yahweh visiting his people and then decided to return to Bethlehem, so it might be more natural to put this information first, as in the UST. +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-idiom פָקַ֤ד & אֶת־עַמּ֔⁠וֹ 1 Here, **visited** is an idiom that means “taken care of.” 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: “had relieved the hunger of his people” or “had come through for his people” +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 fu39 לִ⁠שְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 Alternate translation: "to her two sons’ wives" or "to the widows of her two sons" +1:8 lxs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual לֵ֣כְנָה שֹּׁ֔בְנָה אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Since Naomi is speaking to two people, the form of address would be dual here, if your language uses that form. +1:8 hizu לֵ֣כְנָה שֹּׁ֔בְנָה אִשָּׁ֖ה לְ⁠בֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑⁠הּ 1 If this custom seems strange to your readers, you could include a footnote to explain it, such as: “According to the custom of the ancient Hebrews, a young widow could either stay with the family of her deceased husband or return to live with her parents until she married again.” +1:8 hsf7 לְ⁠בֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑⁠הּ 1 Alternate translation: "to the home of your mother" +1:8 nnen rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing יעשה יְהוָ֤ה עִמָּ⁠כֶם֙ חֶ֔סֶד כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֧ר עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם עִם־הַ⁠מֵּתִ֖ים וְ⁠עִמָּדִֽ⁠י 1 Naomi is asking God to bless Orpah and Ruth. Use a natural form for a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “I pray that Yahweh will show you covenant faithfulness such as you have shown to the dead and to me.” +1:8 acb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj עִם־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: "toward your husbands, who died," +1:8 etw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns חֶ֔סֶד 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faithfulness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “loyally and faithfully” +1:9 pm6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם וּ⁠מְצֶ֣אןָ 1 Here, Naomi continues her blessing. Use a natural form for a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh give you" or "I pray that Yahweh will allow you to have" +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. Alternate translation: “a safe and stable home” +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. Alternate translation: “in her own husband's household” +1:9 t69w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖⁠ן וַ⁠תִּבְכֶּֽינָה 1 To lift up the voice is an idiom for speaking or crying loudly. Alternate translation: “and they cried loudly” or “and they 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. +1:10 hilu rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֖רְנָה 1 The word **But** here indicates a strong contrast between what Naomi said and what the daughters-in-law are about to say. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, they said” +1:10 u1dh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast כִּי־ 1 The daughters-in-law use the word **Rather** here to indicate a strong contrast between what Naomi wants them to do and what they propose to do. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Instead of that” +1:10 bq4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אִתָּ֥⁠ךְ 1 The word **you** is singular here because it refers to Naomi. +1:11 q849 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠תֹּ֤אמֶר נָעֳמִי֙ 1 The word **But** here indicates a strong contrast between what the daughters-in-law said and what Naomi is about to say. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “However, Naomi said” +1:11 b8q1 בְנֹתַ֔⁠י 1 Orpah and Ruth are Naomi's daughters-in-law, but here and in the next two verses she calls them **my daughters** as a term of affection. If your language would not do that, you can express the affection in another way. Alternate translation: “my beloved daughters-in-law” +1:11 ggi3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֥⁠מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑⁠י 1 Naomi 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 translation: “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 Naomi is using the question form to make the point that she cannot have other sons for the young women 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: “You know that I cannot 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 emphasize that she cannot provide 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: “Even if it were possible that I could expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons right away” +1:12 kh9g יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 Alternate translation: "I were to bear sons" or "I were to deliver baby boys" +1:13 gmc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לָהֵ֣ן ׀ תְּשַׂבֵּ֗רְנָה עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲ⁠לָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse and immediately asks another 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 הֲ⁠לָהֵ֣ן ׀ תְּשַׂבֵּ֗רְנָה עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲ⁠לָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 This idea refers to the custom among the ancient Hebrews that, if a married man died, one of his brothers would marry the man’s widow. See the introduction for more explanation. If it would be helpful, you could put some of this information in a footnote. +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: "Then they wailed and wept loudly" +1:14 t4sl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠ר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽ⁠הּ 1 This could mean: (1) Ruth refused to leave Naomi. Alternate translation: “but Ruth would not leave her” or (2) Ruth physically held on to Naomi and would not let go of her. Alternate translation: “but Ruth held on to her” +1:15 ld6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הִנֵּה֙ 1 Naomi is using the term **Behold** 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. Alternate translation: “Listen" or You know" +1:15 nqm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants יְבִמְתֵּ֔⁠ךְ 1 Naomi is using the phrase **your sister-in-law** to refer to Orpah, the widow of Ruth's deceased husband's brother. Use the natural term in your language to refer to that relationship. Alternate translation: "the widow of your husband’s brother" or "Orpah" +1:15 i9wa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession עַמָּ֖⁠הּ 1 Here, Naomi is using the possessive form to describe the **people** to whom Orpah belongs. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this in another way. Alternate translation: “the clan that she came from” +1:15 man4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 Here, Naomi is using the possessive form to describe the **god** of the Moabites that Orpah and Ruth used to worship before they married Naomi's sons and began to worship Yahweh. If your language would not use the possessive form to express the relationship between Orpah and this god, you could express this in another way. Alternate translation: "the god that they worship" +1:15 m9o6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 The word translated here as **god** is plural, but Hebrew quite commonly uses the plural when referring to a deity. Here it probably refers to the god of the Moabites named Chemosh, as it does in 1 Kings 11:33. If the Bible commonly used in your area uses a plural here, you may choose to do so too. Alternate translation: “her gods” +1:16 z5ug וּ⁠בַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: "and where you live" +1:16 wspu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet לְ⁠עָזְבֵ֖⁠ךְ לָ⁠שׁ֣וּב מֵ⁠אַחֲרָ֑יִ⁠ךְ 1 The phrase **turn back from behind you** further defines the phrase **forsake you**. Ruth is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could use a single phrase and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “to forget my commitment to remain loyal to you” +1:16 b518 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis עַמֵּ֣⁠ךְ עַמִּ֔⁠י וֵ⁠אלֹהַ֖יִ⁠ךְ אֱלֹהָֽ⁠י 1 With these phrases, Ruth completely identifies herself with the culture and religion of Naomi, an Israelite. The original does not have any verbs, so if your language requires verbs here, choose the ones that best communicate this. Alternate translation: “Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God” +1:17 sje3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula כֹּה֩ יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה יְהוָ֥ה לִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠כֹ֣ה יֹסִ֔יף 1 Ruth uses this oath formula to show that she is very committed to doing what she says. She calls down a curse on herself, asking God to punish her if she does not do what she has said she would do. In keeping with the custom, she did not express what that punishment would be. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh strike me dead, and may he do more, and may he do even more” +1:17 abc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥⁠י וּ⁠בֵינֵֽ⁠ךְ 1 This could mean: (1) even death cannot overcome Ruth's commitment to Naomi. This could be a form of hyperbole or simply a way to restate her commitment to be buried in the same place as Naomi is buried. Alternate translation: "if even death separates us from each other" (2) the only thing that can separate Ruth from Naomi would be the death of one of them. 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” +1:18 rsq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠תֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְ⁠דַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠הָ 1 This phrase expresses the result of the previous phrase. You may want to indicate this by using a connector that introduces a result. Alternate translation: "so she refrained from speaking to her further" +1:18 xncr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וַ⁠תֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְ⁠דַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠הָ 1 In this phrase, **she** refers to Naomi, and **her** refers to Ruth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use their names here. Also, this does not mean that Naomi was angry with Ruth or that she no longer spoke to her at all. It only means that she stopped trying to persuade Ruth to leave her. Alternate translation: "so Naomi stopped trying to persuade Ruth" +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: "while Naomi and Ruth were still walking into Bethlehem" +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 is 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. Alternate translation: "This must be Naomi, but I do not see her family!" +1:20 stw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אַל־תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖⁠י נָעֳמִ֑י 1 The name **Naomi** means “delight” or “pleasantness.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could include this information in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “It is no longer appropriate to call me Naomi, the Pleasant One.” +1:20 swe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מָרָ֔א 1 The name **Mara** means “bitter.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could include this information in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Mara, the Bitter One” +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” +1:21 be0f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֣⁠מָּה תִקְרֶ֤אנָה לִ⁠י֙ נָעֳמִ֔י 1 Naomi is using the question form to emphasize that there is no reason to call her Naomi. 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: “There is no reason to call me Naomi!” +1:21 dvyb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַֽ⁠יהוָה֙ עָ֣נָה בִ֔⁠י וְ⁠שַׁדַּ֖י הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽ⁠י 1 These two statements say the same thing using different words to emphasize the idea that God has made Naomi's life very hard. Both **Yahweh** and **the Almighty** refer to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the statements to show that the second statement is not saying a new thing. Alternate translation: “But as for Yahweh, the Almighty God, he has opposed me and treated me badly.” +1:21 jqx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor עָ֣נָה בִ֔⁠י 1 Here Naomi is speaking of **Yahweh** as if he were a witness who caused her to be punished for a crime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has brought punishment on me” +1:21 t1p8 הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽ⁠י 1 Alternate translation: "has brought calamity on me" or "has brought tragedy to me" +1:22 cx7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory וַ⁠תָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְ⁠ר֨וּת הַ⁠מּוֹאֲבִיָּ֤ה כַלָּתָ⁠הּ֙ עִמָּ֔⁠הּ הַ⁠שָּׁ֖בָה מִ⁠שְּׂדֵ֣י מוֹאָ֑ב 1 This sentence provides a brief summary and conclusion of the story so far. It does not provide new information or new events in the story. Your language may have its own way of showing that this is the end of a section of a story. 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. 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 if that would be helpful in your language. 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\n### “a man of great worth” (2:1)\n\nThis phrase describes Boaz as having good attributes, but in a very general way. The phrase could describe a man who is physically strong and able, wealthy, or of good, godly character, or all of those things. From the context of the story, we can see that Boaz has land, servants who respect him, and he lives in a way that honors God, so it seems that this phrase is describing his wealth and character. Think about how you would describe someone like this in your language. \n\n### "Do not go to glean in another field" (2:8)\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]])\n\n### “kinsman-redeemer” (2:20)\n\n\nA "kinsmen-redeemer" was a male relative who was responsible to provide for any close member of the same clan who was in need, fulfill obligations of levirate marriage, and buy back land into the family that had been sold to someone outside of the family. See the book introduction for more information. +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. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information. +2:1 t2sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants וּֽ⁠לְ⁠נָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְ⁠אִישָׁ֗⁠הּ 1 This phrase begins the introduction of **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. See the chapter introduction for more information. 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, but only that Elimelek and Boaz belonged to the same 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 j59b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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: “anyone who gives me permission” or “whoever will 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 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔⁠הָ 1 The phrase, **her chance chanced upon** indicates that Ruth did not know whose field she was in. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. 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 way of calling attention to this event that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then look” +2:4 q1lv rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense בָּ֚א מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 Here the writer uses the present tense in past narration in order to call attention to an important event in the story. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense and call attention to the event in another way. Alternate translation: “appeared, coming from Bethlehem” +2:4 q3zk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing יְהוָ֣ה עִמָּ⁠כֶ֑ם 1 This is a blessing used as a greeting. Use a form for this that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I ask Yahweh to be with you” +2:4 r4bl rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָֽה 1 This is a blessing used as a greeting. Use a form for this that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: "I ask Yahweh to do good things for you" +2:5 sdf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הַ⁠נִּצָּ֖ב עַל 1 Here, **set over** is an idiom that means “managing.” 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: "who was overseeing" or "who was in charge of" +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. +2:6 ty7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys וַ⁠יַּ֗עַן & וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֑ר 1 The two words **answered** and **said** express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “Then … answered him by saying” or “Then … said” +2:7 lqec rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַ⁠תֹּ֗אמֶר אֲלַקֳטָה־נָּא֙ וְ⁠אָסַפְתִּ֣י בָֽ⁠עֳמָרִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י הַ⁠קּוֹצְרִ֑ים 1 If your language would not use a direct quotation inside of a direct quotation, you could translate this second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “She asked me if she could glean and gather among the bundles of grain after the reapers” +2:7 n696 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys אֲלַקֳטָה־נָּא֙ וְ⁠אָסַפְתִּ֣י 1 The two words **glean** and **gather** express a single idea. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “Please let me glean by gathering” +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 Boaz is using the question form to draw Ruth's attention to what he will say 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 kindness and respect from a man to a younger woman in your language. +2:9 jq6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִ⁠ךְ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 Here, the word **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 ldfq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֔ן 1 Here, **them** is feminine and refers back to the “young female workers” in verse 8. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes that clear. Alternate translation: “behind the women” +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 interfere with 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 workmen” +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 assault you sexually” +2:9 ahr7 מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ⁠ן הַ⁠נְּעָרִֽים 1 Alternate translation: "from water pulled up from the well by the workmen" +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 az6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה 1 The action of falling **on her face** and bowing **down to the ground** was a symbol 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. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: "Then she prostrated herself before him to show gratitude and honor" +2:10 ab13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה 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. Alternate translation: "Then she bowed low, with her face to the ground” +2:10 ug7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ לְ⁠הַכִּירֵ֔⁠נִי וְ⁠אָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Ruth's question expresses surprise and also 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 that 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: “have you shown kindness to me” +2:11 ab14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys 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 nnmx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד 1 The words **It has been fully reported** translate a verb that is repeated twice to emphasize the fullness of the report. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation. +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 fully reported to me" +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.” 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: “before” or “a little while ago” +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 in a way that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “that is, may you receive everything that you deserve from Yahweh” +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 בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֤י⁠ךָ 1 Here **find favor in your eyes** is an idiom that means to be approved of or to 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 abc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness 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” +2:13 px4k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person עַל־לֵ֣ב שִׁפְחָתֶ֑⁠ךָ 1 Ruth is speaking about herself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “to the heart of me, your female servant” +2:13 d2hx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor עַל־לֵ֣ב 1 Here, **the heart** represents the inner thoughts and emotions of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different metaphor or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the liver of” or “with kindness to” or “in an encouraging way to” +2:13 nyr3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness שִׁפְחָתֶ֑⁠ךָ 1 Ruth is referring to herself as Boaz's servant to show respect to him. She is not actually one of his servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that clear. Alternate translation: “one who is as lowly as a servant” +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. She is being very humble, admitting that she does not even have the status of a servant before him. Use a form for addressing someone respectfully in your language. Alternate translation: “But I do not even have the status of being one of your servant girls” +2:14 yht2 לְ⁠עֵ֣ת הָ⁠אֹ֗כֶל 1 Alternate translation: "at the time of the midday meal" +2:14 jbri rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative גֹּ֤שִֽׁי הֲלֹם֙ וְ⁠אָכַ֣לְתְּ מִן־הַ⁠לֶּ֔חֶם וְ⁠טָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖⁠ךְ בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ 1 The verbs in this sentence are imperatives that communicate a gracious invitation rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a gracious invitation. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please come, and help yourself to the bread and dip it in the vinegar” +2:14 duch rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְ⁠אָכַ֣לְתְּ מִן־הַ⁠לֶּ֔חֶם וְ⁠טָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖⁠ךְ בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ 1 It would be necessary to dip the bread and then eat it, so it might be more natural in your language to put the information about dipping the bread first. Alternate translation: “and dip some of this bread in the vinegar and eat it” +2:14 p256 translate-unknown וְ⁠טָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖⁠ךְ בַּ⁠חֹ֑מֶץ 1 This was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and pieces of broken bread. They would take a piece of bread and dip it in the wine vinegar to add flavor before they ate it. 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. Alternate translation: "and please dip your piece of bread in the wine vinegar first" +2:15 v6wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַ⁠יְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜י⁠ו 1 When Boaz spoke to his workers, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away that she did not hear Boaz’s instructions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include this information. Alternate translation: “Then Boaz privately instructed his young men” +2:15 a5z9 translate-unknown 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 because then it would be easy for them to steal from the grain that was already harvested. But Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean close to the bundles of harvested grain. Alternate translation: “among the bundles as well” +2:15 usb1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְ⁠לֹ֥א תַכְלִימֽוּ⁠הָ 1 Boaz is referring to shaming Ruth by scolding her verbally. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and do not shame her by saying that she should stop” +2:16 u6hv translate-unknown וְ⁠גַ֛ם 1 Here Boaz goes another step beyond what is normal and tells his workers to also drop on the ground some of the grain that they had harvested for Ruth to pick up. Alternate translation: “Not only that, but also” +2:16 nn9l וְ⁠לֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 Alternate translation: "and do not cause her shame" or "and do not speak harshly to her" +2:17 h3ap translate-unknown וַ⁠תַּחְבֹּט֙ 1 Ruth would have beaten the barley stalks with a big stick until the kernels of edible grain came off. She would then keep only the kernels of grain. Alternate translation: "She beat the edible kernels of grain off of the stalks from" +2:17 mq6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume כְּ⁠אֵיפָ֥ה 1 An **ephah** is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Use the normal measurement for grain in your language. Alternate translation: “about 22 liters of” or “over half a bushel of” +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 excited and interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day. If it is not natural in your language to show excitement and interest by repeating a question, then use a more natural form. Alternate translation: “Wow, whose field did you work in today” +2:19 soyh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing יְהִ֥י מַכִּירֵ֖⁠ךְ בָּר֑וּךְ 1 Naomi is asking God to bless Boaz. You could express this as either a blessing or a prayer. Use whichever way is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God, bless the one who noticed Ruth today” +2:19 o7da rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יְהִ֥י מַכִּירֵ֖⁠ךְ בָּר֑וּךְ 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. Alternate translation: “May God bless the one who noticed you” +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” +2:19 lgh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַ⁠תַּגֵּ֣ד לַ⁠חֲמוֹתָ֗⁠הּ אֵ֤ת אֲשֶׁר־עָשְׂתָה֙ עִמּ֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠תֹּ֗אמֶר שֵׁ֤ם הָ⁠אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשִׂ֧יתִי עִמּ֛⁠וֹ הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם בֹּֽעַז 1 These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second sentence repeats the meaning of the first, while using different words in order to emphasize the importance of this information for the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the sentences or connect them in a way that shows that the second sentence is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Then she told her mother-in-law that the name of the man with whom she had worked that day was Boaz” or “Then she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked. She said, “The name of the man with whom I worked today is Boaz.” +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. Alternate translation: “I pray that he will be blessed by Yahweh” +2:20 gj3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive בָּר֥וּךְ הוּא֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֔ה 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. If you use an active form, you may need to start a new sentence afterward, as in the UST. +2:20 ab20 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב 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 to" +2:20 ur7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב 1 Here, **who** could refer to: (1) **Yahweh**, who has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead by acting through Boaz. (2) Boaz, who is showing faithfulness to Naomi's family by helping Ruth. +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: “with 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: “and with the people who have already died” +2:20 cyy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism קָר֥וֹב לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ מִֽ⁠גֹּאֲלֵ֖⁠נוּ הֽוּא 1 These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second sentence repeats the meaning of the first using different words in order to emphasize the importance of this information for the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the sentences or connect them in a way that shows that the second sentence is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “That man is closely related to us, which means that he is one of our kinsman-redeemers” or “That man is closely related to us. Yes, he is one of our kinsman-redeemers” +2:20 zu5f translate-unknown מִֽ⁠גֹּאֲלֵ֖⁠נוּ 1 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 anyone 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 ofkk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗⁠י עִם־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִ⁠י֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔י⁠ן עַ֣ד אִם־כִּלּ֔וּ אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַ⁠קָּצִ֖יר אֲשֶׁר־לִֽ⁠י 1 natural laIf your language would not use a direct quotation inside of a direct quotation, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “He said that I should keep close by his servants until they have finished all of his harvest” +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 bcc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖⁠ךְ 1 Here, **they** refers to anyone in general. Alternate translation: “so that someone does not harm you” or “so that no one would hurt you” +2:23 e2vq rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠תִּדְבַּ֞ק 1 Here, **So** indicates that what follows is a result of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a result of what came before. Alternate translation: “Because of these instructions, she stayed close” or "Therefore, Ruth continued to work" +2:23 svlg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive עַד־כְּל֥וֹת קְצִֽיר־הַ⁠שְּׂעֹרִ֖ים וּ⁠קְצִ֣יר הַֽ⁠חִטִּ֑ים 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. Alternate translation: “until Boaz's workers had harvested all of the barley and the wheat” +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 חֲמוֹתָ֑⁠הּ 1 The writer 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. Alternate translation: “After some time, Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, said to her” +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 ry8p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship נָעֳמִ֣י חֲמוֹתָ֑⁠הּ 1 **Naomi** is Ruth's **mother-in-law**. If it is not natural to include both the name and the relationship term in your language, choose the one that refers to Naomi most naturally. Alternate translation: “Ruth's mother-in-law” +3:1 y1ey rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns חֲמוֹתָ֑⁠הּ 1 In this verse, **her** refers to Ruth. Alternate translation: “Ruth's mother-in-law” +3:1 f1uc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship בִּתִּ֞⁠י 1 Ruth became Naomi's daughter-in-law by marrying Naomi's son. But here Naomi calls her **My daughter** to show that she loves her as much as she would love her own daughter. Use a form of address in your language that shows that Naomi loves Ruth as she would love a daughter. Alternate translation: “My dear one” +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, in a place that will be good for you.” or “I must find a husband to care for you, who will be good to you.” +3:1 uw2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מָנ֖וֹחַ 1 Here, Naomi is speaking of a permanent home as **a resting place**. 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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a permanent home” or “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 plan that she is about to tell to Ruth in verses [3:2–4](../03/02.md). Use a connector in your language that marks what follows as a planned result of what was said before. Alternate translation: “Because of that, I have been thinking.” +3:2 b4h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔⁠נוּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י⁠ו 1 Naomi uses the question form here to remind Ruth of something she had already told her (See [2:20](../02/20.md)). If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “as you know, Boaz, the one with whose young female workers you have been working, is our relative.” +3:2 j31t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑י⁠ו 1 The implication is that Boaz owned the fields where Ruth worked together with these young women, not that Boaz owned the young women. You could clarify this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the one who owns the fields where you have been working with the other female workers” +3:2 nd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הִנֵּה 1 Naomi is using the term **Behold** 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. Alternate translation: “Look” +3:3 ru6z וָ⁠סַ֗כְתְּ 1 Alternate translation: "rub sweet-smelling oil on yourself" +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" +3:3 m6zw figs-extrainfo לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֥ל וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁתּֽוֹת 1 If it would be unnatural to express these details of a meal in your language, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “his supper” +3:4 jdr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וִ⁠יהִ֣י 1 The phrase **And let it be** introduces the next series of specific instructions that Naomi is about to give to Ruth. Use a form in your language that introduces a series of instructions, or omit the phrase if your language does not do this. Use a colon to replace the comma. Alternate translation: “Do this:" +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, and probably also his legs. This action by a woman was probably a symbolic action that was interpreted as a proposal of marriage. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include this information in a footnote. +3:4 zi01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism 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 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 figs-rpronouns וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד 1 Here, the word **himself** emphasizes that Boaz will decide what happens next, not Naomi or Ruth. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “Then it will be Boaz who will tell” +3:6 ab22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure 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 [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 so quietly that no one could hear her" +3:7 eq2u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַ⁠תְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖י⁠ו 1 See how you translated **feet** in [3:4](../03/4.md). Alternate translation: "and removed the covering from his legs" +3:8 pz92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַ⁠יְהִי֙ בַּ⁠חֲצִ֣י הַ⁠לַּ֔יְלָה 1 This clause gives information about when the next event in the story happened. Use a natural way in your language to give background information. Alternate translation: “Hours later, in the middle of the night,” +3:8 xun6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַ⁠יֶּחֱרַ֥ד הָ⁠אִ֖ישׁ 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: “the man startled” +3:8 ab23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations וְ⁠הִנֵּ֣ה 1 Here 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. Alternate translation: “your humble handmaid” … “your humble handmaid” +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” +3:9 l5g4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship גֹאֵ֖ל 1 See how you translated this term in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f). +3:10 hvwq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing בְּרוּכָ֨ה אַ֤תְּ לַֽ⁠יהוָה֙ 1 Use a natural form for a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “A blessing from Yahweh on you” +3:10 qxnp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בִּתִּ֔⁠י 1 See how you translated **my daughter** in [2:8](../02/8.md). Boaz uses this phrase again here to communicate kindness and respect from a man to a younger woman. Use an appropriate phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “little one” +3:10 bjw9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥⁠ךְ הָ⁠אַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 By marrying Naomi’s relative who is a kinsman-redeemer, Ruth would also provide for Naomi, honor Naomi’s son, and continue Naomi’s family line. Boaz considers this to be Ruth's greatest demonstration of faithfulness to Naomi. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could put this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: "You are demonstrating even more loving kindness now than before" +3:10 cbd3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit 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 it would be helpful to your readers, 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 Elimelek'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. Use a natural connector for introducing a result. Alternate translation: “Therefore” +3:11 ei93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בִּתִּ⁠י֙ 1 See how you translated this in [2:8](../02/8.md) and [3:10](../03/10.md). Boaz uses this expression as a sign of kindness and 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-metonymy כָּל־שַׁ֣עַר עַמִּ֔⁠י 1 Here, **gate** represents the people who gather at the gate. The gate was an area of the city where people gathered to do business, and the leaders met there to make decisions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "all the important people of my city" +3:11 ab31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֵ֥שֶׁת חַ֖יִל 1 Alternate translation: "a woman of good character" or "a good woman" +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, as well as what Boaz introduced by saying "So now" in [3:11](../03/11.md). Alternate translation: “Another thing you must know” +3:12 ab30 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְ⁠גַ֛ם 1 The connector **but** 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). The contrast can be indicated here or at the beginning of the verse, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “even so” or ”nonetheless” +3:12 fvq5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship גֹאֵ֖ל & גֹּאֵ֖ל 1 See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f). This term refers to the male relative who was closest in family relationship to a man who died and who had the responsibility to help his widow. +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. You could include some of this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “if he will take care of you” or “if he will redeem you, that is, marry you” +3:13 w8g2 figs-rpronouns וּ⁠גְאַלְתִּ֥י⁠ךְ אָנֹ֖כִי 1 Boaz uses the word **myself** to emphasize that he was committed to taking care of Ruth. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “then I will certainly redeem you” +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 "I swear 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 all 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 that it was very early in the morning, before there was enough light to recognize the face of a familiar person. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you could see your hand in front of your face” or “while it was still quite dark” +3:14 q9ix rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Boaz probably said this before Ruth lay down to sleep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move this to the beginning of the verse, as in the UST, or indicate that this happened before Ruth lay down. Alternate translation: “She did this because Boaz had said” +3:14 qgjv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive אַל־יִוָּדַ֔ע 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. Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone know” +3:15 hj1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הַ⁠מִּטְפַּ֧חַת 1 A **cloak** was a long, thick outer garment usually made of cloth. Your language and culture may have a term for such a piece of clothing that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “the cape” or "the coat" +3:15 f5zg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙ 1 The actual amount is not stated. There is no word referring to the container that Boaz filled six times with barley. The original readers probably knew how big this container was, but we do not. The total amount was enough to be considered generous, yet not too much for Ruth to carry alone. Most scholars think that the total amount was around 25 to 30 kilograms. Alternate translation: “six measures of barley” +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: "into it and then put the cloak full of barley on Ruth’s back" +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 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 betrothed to be married. Alternate translation: “How is it with you” or “How did it go for you” +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. Use an appropriate endearment in your language, if there is one. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my daughter-in-law” +3:16 w9p9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָֽשָׂה־לָ֖⁠הּ הָ⁠אִֽישׁ 1 Most of what **the man had done for her** was verbal. That is, the main thing was that Boaz promised Ruth that he would make sure that she and Naomi were taken care of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate that what Boaz did included the things that he said to her. Alternate translation: “everything that the man had promised to do for her” +3:17 abca rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis שֵׁשׁ־הַ⁠שְּׂעֹרִ֥ים 1 See how you translated this in [3:15](../03/15/f5zg). Alternate translation: “six measures of barley” +3:17 ln7l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes כִּ֚י אָמַ֣ר אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם אֶל־חֲמוֹתֵֽ⁠ךְ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying to me that I should not go empty to my mother-in-law” +3:17 e9xx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם 1 To **go empty** is an idiom that means to go to someone with nothing to offer that person. Alternate translation: "You must 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 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. Alternate translation: “Stay quiet” or “Be patient” +3:18 ab35 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness בִתִּ֔⁠י 1 See how you translated this in 1:11–13; 2:2, 8, 22; 3:1, 10, 11, 16. +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-litotes לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם 1 Naomi is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, **not**, together with **rest**, which is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning and strengthen it another way. Alternate translation: "the man will diligently pursue this until" +3:18 u5rn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר 1 Here, **this matter** refers to the need of the two women for a kinsman-redeemer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: "unless he has resolved our problem" or "until he gets us a kinsman-redeemer" +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### "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\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### "In earlier times in Israel"\n\nVerse seven of chapter four 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, during which customs had changed. Consider how to indicate that this is a comment about the story rather than a part of the story. +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. Alternate translation: “As for Boaz, he went up to the town gate” +4:1 m4by rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַ⁠שַּׁעַר֮ 1 The original readers knew that **the gate** was the place inside the entrance to the town where community business was publicly conducted. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: "to the gathering place inside the gateway of the town" +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 ab39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּ֛אמֶר ס֥וּרָ⁠ה שְׁבָ⁠ה־פֹּ֖ה פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 In many languages, **a certain person** 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, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Boaz called to this certain person and asked him to turn aside and sit down there" +4:1 ab38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 Boaz did not actually say **a certain person**; 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 he did not want to give the specific name 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. Alternate translation: “so-and-so” or “such a one” +4:2 ab40 וַ⁠יִּקַּ֞ח עֲשָׂרָ֧ה אֲנָשִׁ֛ים 1 Alternate translation: "Then he chose ten men" +4:3 es9g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship לְ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠נוּ 1 Here the term **brother** is used in the broad sense to mean a male relative of an extended family. If your language has a word for this, it would be appropriate to use it here. +4:4 bvvo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אָמַ֜רְתִּי 1 Here, **said** refers to something that Boaz said to himself in his own mind. Alternate translation: “I said to myself that” or “I felt that” +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-explicit נֶ֥גֶד הַֽ⁠יֹּשְׁבִים֮ 1 Having these men as witnesses would make the transaction legal and binding. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “before these witnesses” +4:4 lgq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אִם־תִּגְאַל֙ 1 Here, Boaz is asking about the man's willingness to redeem the property. Use a natural way to express this in your language. Alternate translation: "If you are willing to buy it back to keep it in the family" +4:4 ab42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions אֵ֤ין זוּלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ לִ⁠גְא֔וֹל וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 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. It may appear that Boaz is making a statement and then contradicting it. If so, you could say this differently. Alternate translation: “you are the first in line to redeem it, and I am the next one in line” +4:4 r8no figs-rpronouns אָנֹכִ֥י אֶגְאָֽל 1 The man uses the word **myself** here to emphasize that he will do it and no one else. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “I will be the one who redeems it” +4:5 zifq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּ⁠יוֹם 1 Here, **On the day** is an idiom that means “at the time.” 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: “At the hour” or “At the same time” +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 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְ⁠הָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת עַל־נַחֲלָתֽ⁠וֹ׃ 1 Here, **raise up the name of the dead over** is an idiom that means “supply an heir for.” 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: "so 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 הַ⁠מֵּת֙ & הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת 1 Boaz 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 … the dead man” +4:6 sx9k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑⁠י 1 Here, **I damage my own inheritance** means that if the man marries Ruth, the property that he buys 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: “lest I take away from my own children’s inheritance.” +4:6 sa7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns גְּאַל־לְ⁠ךָ֤ אַתָּה֙ אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתִ֔⁠י 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of **right** or **redemption**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “I will allow you to redeem the property for yourself” +4:7 wga9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְ⁠זֹאת֩ 1 The word **Now** marks what follows as background information that the writer wants the reader to know in order to understand the story. Use your language’s way of giving background information in a story. Alternate translation: “You need to know this:” +4:7 i30y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠זֹאת֩ 1 Here some words are left out 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: “Now this was the custom” +4:7 lgf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background לְ⁠פָנִ֨ים 1 The word **formerly** implies that this custom was no longer practiced when the book of Ruth was written. Use a word or phrase that has this meaning. Alternate translation: “in earlier times” +4:7 d46w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְ⁠רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 The words **to his friend** refer to the person with whom a man was making the agreement. Alternate translation: “to the counterparty” or “to the man with whom he was making an agreement” +4:8 royi rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֧אמֶר הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֛ל לְ⁠בֹ֖עַז קְנֵה־לָ֑⁠ךְ וַ⁠יִּשְׁלֹ֖ף נַעֲלֽ⁠וֹ 1 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. +4:8 ab44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יֹּ֧אמֶר הַ⁠גֹּאֵ֛ל לְ⁠בֹ֖עַז קְנֵה־לָ֑⁠ךְ וַ⁠יִּשְׁלֹ֖ף נַעֲלֽ⁠וֹ 1 The word **So** at the beginning of this verse indicates that this event happened because of the custom described in the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “So the kinsman-redeemer took off his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself” +4:8 nvpp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּשְׁלֹ֖ף נַעֲלֽ⁠וֹ 1 The writer assumes that his readers will understand that the kinsman-redeemer gave the sandal to Boaz. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. See the UST. +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. Alternate translation: “to everyone there, including the elders” +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/figs-explicit וְ⁠גַ֣ם 1 This connecting phrase indicates that the people sitting at the gate are also witnesses to what follows. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You are also witnesses that” +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 t2rm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj הַ⁠מֵּת֙ & הַ⁠מֵּ֛ת 1 Boaz 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. See how you translated it in [4:5](../04/05.md). Alternate translation: “the man who died … the dead man” +4:10 gg1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠לֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֵּ֛ת מֵ⁠עִ֥ם אֶחָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ 1 Being forgotten is spoken of here as if one’s name were being cut off from a list of one's people. 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 מֵ⁠עִ֥ם אֶחָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ 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 the name of the dead man will be preserved among his brothers and at the gate of his place” +4:10 xpu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ 1 Here, **the gate** refers to the location where the leaders gathered and made important legal decisions for **his place**, which refers to his town. This location represents the people 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: “and the important people of his town” +4:10 ab45 עֵדִ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם הַ⁠יּֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: "You have seen and heard these things today and can speak of them tomorrow" +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 Boaz's meeting with the first 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 fcuk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing יִתֵּן֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֶֽת־הָ⁠אִשָּׁ֜ה הַ⁠בָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗⁠ךָ כְּ⁠רָחֵ֤ל ׀ וּ⁠כְ⁠לֵאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנ֤וּ שְׁתֵּי⁠הֶם֙ אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Here, the people are asking God to bless Ruth. Their blessing continues for Ruth and Boaz through verse 12. You could express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We ask Yahweh to make this woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built up the house of Israel” +4:11 q47m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כְּ⁠רָחֵ֤ל ׀ וּ⁠כְ⁠לֵאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנ֤וּ שְׁתֵּי⁠הֶם֙ אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 **Rachel** and **Leah** are the names of two women, the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. They are considered to be the female ancestors of the people of Israel. They had many children, so implied in this blessing is the request that God give Ruth many children. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “like Rachel and Leah, who bore many children who then became the nation of Israel” +4:11 cz4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בָּנ֤וּ & אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Here the people are speaking of the nation of **Israel** as if it were a **house**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “bore many children who then 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. 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. 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. Alternate translation: “May you prosper among your clan of Ephrathah, yes, may you be important in Bethlehem” +4:11 ab65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וַ⁠עֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּ⁠אֶפְרָ֔תָה וּ⁠קְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּ⁠בֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 The verbs here are command forms, but they communicate the good desire of the people rather than commands. They serve to continue the blessing while shifting it from Ruth to Boaz. Use the style of blessing that is appropriate in your language. Alternate translation: “And you, Boaz, may you prosper among your clan of Ephrathah, yes, may you be important in Bethlehem” +4:12 fn52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וִ⁠יהִ֤י בֵֽיתְ⁠ךָ֙ כְּ⁠בֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ 1 Here, **house** represents the people who might live in a house plus all of their descendants. Perez had many descendants who became large clans in Israel, including the clan of Ephrathah. Also, many of his descendants became important people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And may your clan become like the clan of Perez” +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 Yahweh 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 combine the clauses into one clause. Alternate translation: "So Boaz took Ruth home to be his wife" +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 phrase, **he went in to her** is a polite way of referring to sexual intercourse. Use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or, if it is not offensive, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “and he slept 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). You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the women of the town” +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. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh make him a great man” +4:14 yjfd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠יִקָּרֵ֥א שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Here, **name** represents the son's person and reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May he become a great man in Israel” +4:15 hz3e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor 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 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠לְ⁠כַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 Here, **old age** represents Naomi when she is old. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will provide for 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/translate-symaction 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. This probably indicates that Naomi held the child for a kind of ceremony of adoption. +4:16 ab49 וַ⁠תְּהִי־ל֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠אֹמֶֽנֶת׃ 1 Alternate translation: "and she took care of him" +4:17 ab50 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַ⁠תִּקְרֶאנָה֩ ל֨⁠וֹ הַ⁠שְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת שֵׁם֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר & 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 combine the clauses that both refer to calling out a name. Alternate translation: "Then the women of the neighborhood said … And they called 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: "Naomi now has a male heir again" +4:17 xa78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ עוֹבֵ֔ד 1 Here, **called his name** is an idiom that means “named.” 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: “And they called him Obed” or “And they gave him the name Obed” +4:17 ab51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship ה֥וּא אֲבִי־יִשַׁ֖י 1 Here the term **father** specifically refers to a male parent. 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: "who later became the 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" +4:18 ysd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names פֶּ֖רֶץ הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־חֶצְרֽוֹן׃ 1 **Perez** and **Hezron** are the names of men. Use forms of these names that are natural in your language. +4:19 rl3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וְ⁠חֶצְרוֹן֙ & רָ֔ם & עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃ 1 **Hezron**, **Ram**, and **Amminidab** are the names of men. Use forms of these names that are natural in your language. +4:20 l73u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names 1 **Amminidab**, **Nahshon**, and **Salmon** are the names of men. 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"