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Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote
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RUT front intro f68r 0 # Introduction to Ruth<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Ruth<br><br>1. How Ruth came to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:1–22)<br>1. Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)<br>1. Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)<br>1. How Ruth became the wife of Boaz (4:1–16)<br>1. Obed born to Ruth and Boaz; the genealogy of David (4:13–22)<br><br>### What is the Book of Ruth about?<br><br>This book is about a non-Israelite woman named Ruth. It tells how she came to join the people of Yahweh. The book also explains how Ruth became an ancestor of King David.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>This book traditionally has the title **Ruth** because she is the main person in it. Translators can use a title such as **The Book about Ruth**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>### When did the events in the Book of Ruth occur?<br><br>The story of Ruth is set during the time when there were **judges** in Israel. This was after the people of Israel had entered into the land of Canaan, but before they had a king. The “judges” were men and women whom God chose to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. These leaders usually continued to help the people by deciding disputes among them. They also helped them make important decisions. Many of these leaders served all the people of Israel, but some of them may have served only certain tribes.<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### Why does Scripture include a book about a woman from the foreign land of Moab?<br><br>In a period when Israel was often unfaithful to Yahweh, a woman from Moab shows great faith in him. The Israelites’ frequent lack of faith in Yahweh is contrasted with the faith of this woman from a foreign land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])<br><br>### What important marriage custom is found in the Book of Ruth?<br><br>Israelites practiced what is called **levirate marriage**. In this custom, the closest male relative of a man who died without any children was obligated to provide for his widow by marrying her. Usually this would be one of the man’s brothers. Any children born to them were to be regarded as children of the dead man. They did this so that the dead man would have descendants. If the closest relative did not marry the woman, another relative could fulfil this obligation.<br><br>### What was a **kinsman-redeemer**?<br><br>A person’s close relative or relatives were expected to act as **kinsmen-redeemers** (2:20 ULT) for him or her. They were responsible to provide for a relative in need, fulfil obligations of **levirate marriage**, and buy back land into the family that had been sold to someone outside of the family. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz is one such kinsman-redeemer.<br><br>### What was **gleaning** in the Book of Ruth?<br><br>In Israel, poor people were allowed to follow after the men who harvested a field. These **gleaners** picked up stalks of grain that the harvesters missed or dropped. In this way, poor people were able to find some food. Ruth became a gleaner in a field belonging to Boaz.<br><br>### What is covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty?<br><br>A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill. Covenant faithfulness or covenant loyalty is when a person does what they said they would do, according to the covenant that they had made. God made a covenant with Israel, in which he promised that he would love and be faithful to the Israelites. The Israelites were to do the same toward him and toward each other.<br><br>The Book of Ruth shows that what kinsmen-redeemers do for their relatives is part of Israel’s duties in God’s covenant with them. The story of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi gives examples to all of Israel of the good effects of covenant faithfulness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]])<br><br>### What function did city gates have in the ancient Near East?<br><br>City gates in the time of Boaz were meeting places for the city elders. Elders were honored men who decided business matters and legal matters together. The city walls were thick, especially at the entryways, and the gates had guard towers beside and above them. Therefore the gateway opening provided a large shady area for public meetings, and there were places for important people to sit. For this reason, Boaz and the other elders sat in the gateway.<br><br>Some English Bible versions speak of Boaz sitting **at** the city gate, but it may be best for translators to make clear that Boaz sat **in** the city gateway.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How does the Book of Ruth change from one topic to another topic?<br><br>The Book of Ruth often changes to new topics or new parts of the story. The ULT uses various words to indicate these changes, such as **so,** **then,** and **now**. Translators should use the ways most natural in their own languages to signal these changes.
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RUT 1 intro irf4 0 # Ruth 1 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>### **It happened in the days when the judges ruled**<br><br>The events of this book occur during the period of Judges. The book is concurrent with the book of Judges. To understand the historical context of the book, the translator may wish to review the book of Judges.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Women without a husband or children<br><br>In the ancient Near East, if a woman lacked a husband or sons, she was considered to be in a dire circumstance. She would not have been able to provide for herself. This is why Naomi told her daughters to remarry.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Contrast<br><br>The actions of Ruth the Moabite are intended to contrast with the actions of Naomi the Jew. Ruth shows great faith in Naomi’s God, while Naomi does not trust in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])
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RUT 1 1 sb2j writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 Now it happened that **It was** or **This is what happened**. This is a common way of beginning a historical story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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RUT 1 1 m9nl grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בִּימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַשֹּׁפְטִ֔ים 1 in the days of the ruling of the judges **during the time when judges led and governed Israel** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
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RUT 1 1 nm13 figs-explicit בָּאָ֑רֶץ 1 in the land This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 1 1 mmb4 writing-participants אִ֜ישׁ 1 a certain man **a man**. This is a common way of introducing a character into a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
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RUT 1 2 e53a אֶפְרָתִ֔ים מִבֵּ֥ית לֶ֖חֶם יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 who were Ephrathites from Bethlehem of Judah The name **Ephrathites** refers to the people from the clan of Ephrathah, who lived in the area around Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “from the clan of Ephrathah, from Bethlehem, in Judah.”
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RUT 1 3 rxb1 הִ֖יא וּשְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶֽיהָ׃ 1 she was left, her and her two sons **Naomi had only her two sons remaining with her**
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RUT 1 4 pk7g figs-idiom וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם נָשִׁים֙ 1 they took wives for themselves **married women**. This is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 4 k7y9 מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת 1 from the women of Moab Naomi’s sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods.
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RUT 1 4 aee6 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙…וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית 1 the name of the first woman was … and the name of the second woman was **the name of one woman was … the name of the other woman was**
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RUT 1 4 rt4c כְּעֶ֥שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים 1 for about ten years About ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died.
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RUT 1 5 dbr3 וַתִּשָּׁאֵר֙ הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה מִשְּׁנֵ֥י יְלָדֶ֖יהָ וּמֵאִישָֽׁהּ 1 the woman was left without her two children or her husband Naomi was widowed and both her sons died.
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RUT 1 6 u9q2 וְכַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ 1 her daughters-in-law the women who married Naomi’s sons
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RUT 1 6 sa4z figs-explicit שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב 1 she had heard in a field of Moab **she had heard while still in the country of Moab**. It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: “she had heard from someone who came from Israel while she was in the region of Moab” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 1 6 ser2 יְהוָה֙ 1 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament.
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RUT 1 6 v86z פָקַ֤ד…אֶת־עַמּ֔וֹ 1 had visited his people God saw their need and provided good harvests for them. Alternate translation: “had helped the Israelites”
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RUT 1 6 ab01 figs-synecdoche לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֖ם לָֽחֶם׃ 1 giving them bread **Bread** here refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “giving them abundant harvests, so that they had plenty of food.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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RUT 1 7 w7ti וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ 1 and they traveled down the road **and they walked along the road**. To walk down a road means to travel along it by foot.
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RUT 1 8 fu39 לִשְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ 1 her two daughters-in-law **her two sons’ wives** or **the widows of her two sons**
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RUT 1 8 lxs2 figs-you אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 each woman Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of **you** would use that throughout her talk. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
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RUT 1 8 hsf7 לְבֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑הּ 1 to the house of her mother **to the home of each of your mothers**
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RUT 1 8 i262 חֶ֔סֶד 1 covenant faithfulness **covenant faithfulness** is what someone does who is fulfilling all of his obligations and loyalties to another person. See the discussion in the introduction.
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RUT 1 8 g4r8 figs-idiom עִם־הַמֵּתִ֖ים 1 with the dead **to your husbands, who died**. Naomi was referring to her two sons that had died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 8 acb4 figs-nominaladj הַמֵּתִ֖ים 1 the dead **your husbands, who died** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
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RUT 1 9 pm6y יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לָכֶ֔ם וּמְצֶ֣אןָ 1 May Yahweh grant to you that you shall find **May Yahweh give you** or **May Yahweh allow you to have**
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RUT 1 9 c74v figs-metaphor וּמְצֶ֣אןָ מְנוּחָ֔ה 1 that you shall find rest **Rest** here does not refer to sitting down to rest. It means a place where these women would belong, a home for them, which would include the security that comes through marriage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 1 9 v2vx figs-metonymy בֵּ֣ית אִישָׁ֑הּ 1 in the house of her husband This means with new husbands, not with their previous husbands who died or with someone else’s husband. **House** refers to both a physical house that belongs to the husband, and to the protection from shame and poverty that a husband provides. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 1 9 t69w figs-idiom וַתִּשֶּׂ֥אנָה קוֹלָ֖ן וַתִּבְכֶּֽינָה 1 and they lifted up their voices and cried To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 10 mag8 figs-exclusive נָשׁ֖וּב 1 we will return When Orpah and Ruth said **we,** they were referring to themselves and not Naomi. So languages that have inclusive and exclusive **we** would use the exclusive form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
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RUT 1 10 bq4j figs-you אִתָּ֥ךְ 1 with you Here **you** is the singular form referring to Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
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RUT 1 11 ggi3 figs-rquestion לָ֥מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑י 1 Why would you go with me? This is a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “It does not make sense for you to go with me.” or “You should not go with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 1 11 q2hn figs-rquestion הַֽעֽוֹד־לִ֤י בָנִים֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔י וְהָי֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם לַאֲנָשִֽׁים 1 Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may become your husbands? This is a rhetorical question. Naomi uses this question to say that she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 1 12 dyc4 figs-explicit זָקַ֖נְתִּי מִהְי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 I am too old to belong to a husband The reason a husband would be important can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I am too old to marry again and bear more children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 1 12 abc1 figs-rquestion כִּ֤י אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ יֶשׁ־לִ֣י תִקְוָ֔ה גַּ֣ם הָיִ֤יתִי הַלַּ֨יְלָה֙ לְאִ֔ישׁ וְגַ֖ם יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 If I said I have hope, if I belonged to a husband even tonight, and even if I would give birth to sons, This rhetorical question begins here and continues into the next verse. Naomi uses this question to say that she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: “Even if it were possible that I could expect to marry right away and also give birth to sons right away,…” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 1 12 kh9g יָלַ֥דְתִּי בָנִֽים 1 would give birth to sons **bear children** or **deliver baby boys**
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RUT 1 13 gmc2 figs-rquestion אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲלָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְבִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 would you therefore wait until the time when they are grown? Would you for this reason keep yourselves from belonging a husband? Naomi completes the rhetorical question she began in the previous verse, and asks a second rhetorical question which emphasizes the same meaning. Alternate translation: “…you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would need to marry a husband before then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 1 13 ab04 אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגְדָּ֔לוּ הֲלָהֵן֙ תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה לְבִלְתִּ֖י הֱי֣וֹת לְאִ֑ישׁ 1 would you therefore wait until the time when they are grown? Would you for this reason keep yourselves from belonging a husband? This refers to the practice of levirate marriage, in which it is expected that, if a married man dies, one of his brothers will marry the man’s widow. See the introduction for more explanation.
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RUT 1 13 gh99 figs-metaphor מַר־לִ֤י מְאֹד֙ 1 it is exceedingly bitter for me Bitterness is a metaphor for grief. Alternate translation: “It greatly grieves me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 1 13 z9u3 figs-metonymy יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me The word **hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or influence. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 1 13 ab02 figs-explicit יָצְאָ֥ה בִ֖י יַד־יְהוָֽה 1 the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me What Yahweh has done can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken away our husbands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 1 14 n47v figs-idiom וַתִּשֶּׂ֣נָה קוֹלָ֔ן וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ינָה 1 Then they lifted up their voices and cried This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 14 t4sl figs-explicit וְר֖וּת דָּ֥בְקָה בָּֽהּ 1 but Ruth clung to her **Ruth clung to her**. Alternate translation: “Ruth refused to leave her” or “Ruth would not leave her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 1 15 ld6g הִנֵּה֙ 1 Look **Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important**
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RUT 1 15 nqm3 writing-participants יְבִמְתֵּ֔ךְ 1 your sister-in-law **the wife of your husband’s brother** or **Orpah**. Use the most natural way in your language to refer to this person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
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RUT 1 15 man4 אֱלֹהֶ֑יהָ 1 her gods Before Orpah and Ruth married Naomi’s sons, they worshiped the gods of Moab. During their marriage, they began to worship Yahweh. Now, Orpah was going to worship the gods of Moab again.
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RUT 1 16 z5ug וּבַאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ 1 where you stay **where you live**
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RUT 1 16 b518 figs-explicit עַמֵּ֣ךְ עַמִּ֔י 1 your people are my people Ruth is referring to Naomi’s people, the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I will consider the people of your country as being my own people” or “I will consider your relatives as my own relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 1 17 lql7 figs-idiom בַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּמ֨וּתִי֙ אָמ֔וּת 1 Where you die, I will die This refers to Ruth’s desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 17 sje3 figs-idiom יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה יְהוָ֥ה לִי֙ וְכֹ֣ה יֹסִ֔יף כִּ֣י 1 May Yahweh do thus to me, and thus may he add This is an idiom that Ruth uses to show that she is very committed to doing what she says. She is making a curse on herself, asking God to punish her if she does not do what she has said. Use the form that your language uses to do this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 17 abc2 כִּ֣י הַמָּ֔וֶת יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֵֽךְ 1 if death separates between me and between you **If anything other than death separates us from each other** or **if I leave you while you and I are both still alive**
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RUT 1 17 ab05 figs-idiom יַפְרִ֖יד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֵֽךְ 1 separates between me and between you This is an idiom that refers to the space between two people. Alternate translation: “separates the two of us” or “comes between us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 1 18 rsq2 וַתֶּחְדַּ֖ל לְדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶֽיהָ 1 she refrained from speaking to her **Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth**
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RUT 1 19 j9wa writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 So the two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem This sentence introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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RUT 1 19 jdr1 grammar-connect-time-background כְּבֹאָ֨נָה֙ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 when they came to Bethlehem This is a background clause, explaining that the new event took place after Naomi had returned to Bethlehem with Ruth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
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RUT 1 19 y3us figs-metonymy כָּל־הָעִיר֙ 1 the entire town The **town** refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “everyone in the town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 1 19 abc3 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָעִיר֙ 1 the entire town Here **entire** is hyperbole. Many of the residents of the town were excited, but some of the residents may not have been excited by this news. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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RUT 1 19 xnb3 הֲזֹ֥את נָעֳמִֽי 1 Is this Naomi? Since it had been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and now she no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely that the women were expressing doubt that this woman was actually Naomi. Treat this as a real question, not a rhetorical one.
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RUT 1 20 stw5 אַל־תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖י נָעֳמִ֑י 1 Do not call me Naomi The name **Naomi** means **my delight**. Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels that her life matches her name.
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RUT 1 20 swe9 translate-names מָרָ֔א 1 Mara This is a literal rendering of a Hebrew name meaning “bitter.” Since it is a name, you may choose to use the English form, which is **Bitter**, and use a footnote to explain that the English term gives the meaning of the Hebrew name (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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RUT 1 21 n9zc אֲנִי֙ מְלֵאָ֣ה הָלַ֔כְתִּי וְרֵיקָ֖ם הֱשִׁיבַ֣נִי יְהוָ֑ה 1 I went out full, but Yahweh has caused me to return empty When Naomi left Bethlehem, she had her husband and her two sons, and she was happy. Naomi blames Yahweh for the death of her husband and sons, saying that he has caused her to return to Bethlehem without them, and now she is bitter and unhappy.
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RUT 1 21 jqx5 עָ֣נָה בִ֔י 1 has testified against me **has judged me guilty**
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RUT 1 21 t1p8 הֵ֥רַֽע לִֽי 1 has done evil to me **has brought calamity on me** or **has brought tragedy to me**
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RUT 1 22 cx7g writing-endofstory וַתָּ֣שָׁב נָעֳמִ֗י וְר֨וּת 1 So Naomi returned, with Ruth This begins a summary statement. English marks this by the word **So**. Determine how your language marks concluding or summary statements and follow that way here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
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RUT 1 22 jdr2 writing-background וְהֵ֗מָּה בָּ֚אוּ בֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the harvest of barley. The sentence gives background information, explaining that Naomi and Ruth had arrived in Bethlehem around the time when the Israelites were starting to harvest their barley. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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RUT 1 22 bgy3 figs-abstractnouns בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 at the beginning of the harvest of barley **the barley harvest**. The phrase **the harvest of barley** can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “when the farmers were just beginning to harvest barley” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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RUT 2 intro ld2v 0 # Ruth 2 General Notes<br><br>## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **Do not go to glean in another field**<br><br>Boaz said this because he could not guarantee Ruth’s safety in another person’s field. It seems that not everyone was as gracious and obedient to the law of Moses as Boaz was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 2 1 ab10 writing-background וּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְאִישָׁ֗הּ 1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband Verse 1 gives background information about Boaz so that the reader will understand who he is. Your language may also have a specific way to give background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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RUT 2 1 t2sn writing-participants וּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י מוֹדַ֣ע לְאִישָׁ֗הּ 1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband This sentence introduces the next part of the story, in which Ruth meets Boaz. Boaz is introduced here as a new participant in the story. Your language may also have a specific way to introduce new events or new characters in a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
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RUT 2 1 b4q7 אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל 1 a man of great worth **a prominent, wealthy man**. This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation.
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RUT 2 1 ab09 מִמִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ 1 from the clan of Elimelek The use of the term **clan** here means that Boaz was related to Elimelek but did not have the same parents as Elimelek. The text is not saying that the clan was named after Elimelek or that Elimelek was the patriarch or leader of the clan.
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RUT 2 2 am6a ר֨וּת הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 Ruth, the Moabite woman Here the story resumes. Indicate this in the way that your language restarts telling the events of a story after giving background information.
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RUT 2 2 c7rk הַמּוֹאֲבִיָּ֜ה 1 the Moabite woman This is another way of saying that the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab.
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RUT 2 2 qt4q וַאֲלַקֳטָּ֣ה בַשִׁבֳּלִ֔ים 1 and glean heads of grain **and gather heads of grain left behind by the harvesters** or **and pick up heads of grain left behind by the harvesters**
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RUT 2 2 j59b figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 In whose eyes I find favor The phrase **in whose eyes I will find favor** is an idiom which means “whoever will approve of me.” Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining permission or approval. Alternate translation: “who will be kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 2 abc5 figs-metaphor בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 in whose eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “who will decide [to be kind to me]” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 2 2 ed93 בִתִּֽי 1 my daughter Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother, and Naomi addressed Ruth affectionately as her daughter. If this is confusing in your language, use the term that would indicate this kind of close relationship between two women in your language.
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RUT 2 3 ht73 וַיִּ֣קֶר מִקְרֶ֔הָ 1 by chance This means that Ruth was not aware that the field that she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi’s relative Boaz.
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RUT 2 3 ab11 מִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ 1 from the clan of Elimelek The use of the term **clan** here means that Boaz was related to Elimelek but did not have the same parents as Elimelek. The text is not saying that the clan was named after Elimelek or that Elimelek was the patriarch or leader of the clan.
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RUT 2 4 vys2 figs-distinguish וְהִנֵּה 1 Then behold, The word **behold** alerts us to the important event of Boaz arriving at the field and seeing Ruth for the first time. Your language may also have a specific way of alerting someone to pay careful attention to what happens next in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
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RUT 2 4 q1lv בָּ֚א מִבֵּ֣ית לֶ֔חֶם 1 coming from Bethlehem The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem.
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RUT 2 4 r4bl יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֽה 1 May Yahweh bless you **May Yahweh do good things for you**. This is a general blessing.
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RUT 2 5 a5ht לְמִ֖י הַנַּעֲרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת 1 Who does this young woman belong to? In that culture, women were under the authority of their male relatives. Boaz was asking who Ruth’s husband or father might be. He did not think that Ruth was a slave.
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RUT 2 5 ab16 לְנַעֲר֔וֹ 1 to his servant This **servant** was a young man who worked for Boaz and who told the rest of Boaz’s workers what to do.
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RUT 2 5 sdf9 הַנִּצָּ֖ב עַל 1 who was set over **who was in charge of** or **who was managing**
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RUT 2 7 ab17 אֲלַקֳטָה־נָּא֙ 1 Please let me glean To **glean** meant to pick up grain or other produce that the workers dropped or missed as they were harvesting. This was part of the law that God gave to Moses, that the workers should not go back over the field for this produce, so that it would be left in the field for the poor or for foreign travelers to pick up. See verses such as Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy 24:21.
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RUT 2 7 kj7a הַבַּ֖יִת 1 the house **the hut** or **the shelter**. This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun where the workers could rest.
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RUT 2 8 ltk3 figs-rquestion הֲל֧וֹא שָׁמַ֣עַתְּ בִּתִּ֗י 1 Will you not listen to me, my daughter? This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “Listen to me, my daughter!” or “Note well what I am telling you, my daughter!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 2 8 ke9b figs-idiom בִּתִּ֗י 1 my daughter This was a kind way to address a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, but he was treating her kindly and respectfully. Use the term that communicates this in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 9 jq6n figs-metonymy עֵינַ֜יִךְ בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה 1 Keep your eyes on the field The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing. Alternate translation: “Watch only the field” or “Pay attention only to the field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 2 9 xc6u figs-rquestion הֲל֥וֹא צִוִּ֛יתִי אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ 1 Have I not instructed the young men not to touch you? Boaz used this question to emphasize his hospitality—that he had already made provision to help Ruth. Alternate translation: “I have given the men strict instructions not to harm you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 2 9 ub62 אֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים 1 the young men **young male workers** or **servants**. The words **young men** are used three times to refer to the young men who are harvesting in the field.
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RUT 2 9 v5e4 figs-euphemism לְבִלְתִּ֣י נָגְעֵ֑ךְ 1 not to touch you This was a polite way of saying that the men were not to harm Ruth physically or assault her sexually, and possibly also that the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
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RUT 2 9 ahr7 מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁאֲב֖וּן הַנְּעָרִֽים 1 from what the young men draw To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.
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RUT 2 10 az6y translate-symaction וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָה 1 Then she fell on her face and bowed down to the ground These are acts of respect and reverence. She was showing honor to Boaz out of gratefulness for what he had done for her. It was also a posture of humility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
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RUT 2 10 ab12 figs-doublet וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָ֑רְצָה 1 Then she fell on her face and bowed down to the ground These are two descriptions of a single action. If this is confusing in your language, use only one description, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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RUT 2 10 ab13 figs-idiom וַתִּפֹּל֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יהָ 1 Then she fell on her face This is an idiom that means that she bowed low with her face to the ground. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 10 ug7p מַדּוּעַ֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי וְאָּנֹכִ֖י נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner? Ruth is asking a real question.
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RUT 2 10 abc7 figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 have I found favor in your eyes The phrase **found favor in your eyes** is an idiom which means “you have approved of” someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone’s favor as gaining their kindness or approval. Alternate translation: “you have been kind to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 10 abc8 figs-metaphor בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 in your eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” or “that you decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 2 10 x6f8 נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 foreigner A **foreigner** is someone from another country. Even though Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, everyone knew that she was from Moab, not Israel. Often Israelites were not kind to foreigners, even though God wanted them to be kind to them. This shows that Boaz was living to please God.
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RUT 2 11 ab14 figs-doublet וַיַּ֤עַן בֹּ֨עַז֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Boaz answered and said Both **answered** and **said** describe the same action. If this is confusing in your language, you may want to use only one verb for this, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
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RUT 2 11 app6 figs-activepassive הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד לִ֗י 1 Everything … has fully been reported to me 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://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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RUT 2 11 abc9 figs-idiom הֻגֵּ֨ד הֻגַּ֜ד 1 Everything … has fully been reported Here two forms of the word for **report** are repeated in the original Hebrew text to emphasize the certainty or extent of the statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 11 r44n figs-metonymy וַתֵּ֣לְכִ֔י אֶל־עַ֕ם 1 and you came to a people Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion that she did not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 2 11 ab60 figs-idiom תְּמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃ 1 the day before yesterday This is an idiom that means “recently” or “previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 12 x5ct יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ 1 May Yahweh reward your work **May Yahweh repay you** or **May Yahweh pay you back**
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RUT 2 12 s2vm פָּעֳלֵ֑ךְ 1 your work This refers to everything that Boaz has just described in verse 11. Alternate translation: “your good deeds.”
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RUT 2 12 gnn5 figs-parallelism וּתְהִ֨י מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜ךְ שְׁלֵמָ֗ה מֵעִ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 may your full wages come from Yahweh This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh fully give to you everything that you deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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RUT 2 12 eh86 figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖את לַחֲס֥וֹת תַּֽחַת־כְּנָפָֽיו 1 under whose wings you have come for refuge This is a metaphor that uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them as a way to describe God’s protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: “in whose safe care you have placed yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 2 13 abc6 figs-idiom אֶמְצָא־חֵ֨ן 1 May I find favor Here **find favor** is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Alternate translation: “May you continue to approve of me” or “May you continue to be pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 2 13 v2q1 figs-metaphor בְּעֵינֶ֤יךָ 1 in your eyes The **eyes** are a metonym that represents seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “and accept me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 2 13 abc4 אֲדֹנִי֙ 1 my lord Boaz is not Ruth’s master, but he is the owner of the field where she is gleaning. He is also a Jew and a prominent man in the city. Therefore, Ruth is honoring him by calling him her **lord**, and speaking of herself as his servant. Alternate translation: “Sir” or “master”
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RUT 2 13 zc5n וְאָנֹכִי֙ לֹ֣א אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה כְּאַחַ֖ת שִׁפְחֹתֶֽיךָ 1 But as for me, I am not even like one of your female servants Ruth is expressing surprise and gratitude that Boaz is treating her as if she belongs among his workers, when she does not.
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RUT 2 14 yht2 לְעֵ֣ת הָאֹ֗כֶל 1 At the time of the meal This refers to the midday meal.
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RUT 2 14 p256 וְטָבַ֥לְתְּ פִּתֵּ֖ךְ בַּחֹ֑מֶץ 1 dip your piece in the vinegar This was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and pieces of broken bread. They would take a piece of bread and dip it in the wine vinegar to add flavor before they ate it.
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RUT 2 14 xr6s בַּחֹ֑מֶץ 1 the vinegar The **vinegar** was a sauce into which they dipped bread. The Israelites made vinegar from grape juice that was fermented beyond the point of being wine. At the vinegar stage, the juice becomes very sour and acidic.
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RUT 2 15 v6wr figs-explicit וַתָּ֖קָם לְלַקֵּ֑ט וַיְצַו֩ בֹּ֨עַז אֶת־נְעָרָ֜יו 1 Then she got up to glean. Then Boaz commanded his young men When Boaz spoke to his workers, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away not to hear Boaz’s instructions. Alternate translation: “And when Ruth got up to gather up grain, Boaz privately told his young men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 2 15 rct9 וַתָּ֖קָם 1 Then she got up **After she stood up**
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RUT 2 15 a5z9 גַּ֣ם בֵּ֧ין הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים 1 even among the bundles Here, the word **even** lets the workers know that they are to do above and beyond what they normally do. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working close to the harvested grain for fear that they might steal from the grain that was already harvested. But Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean close to the bundles of grain.
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RUT 2 16 u6hv שֹׁל־תָּשֹׁ֥לּוּ לָ֖הּ מִן־הַצְּבָתִ֑ים 1 pull some out from the bundles for her **take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her** or **leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect**. Here Boaz goes another step beyond what is normal, and tells his workers to drop some of the grain that was already harvested for Ruth to glean.
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RUT 2 16 nn9l וְלֹ֥א תִגְעֲרוּ־בָֽהּ 1 do not rebuke her **do not cause her shame** or **do not speak harshly to her**
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RUT 2 17 h3ap וַתַּחְבֹּט֙ 1 Then she beat out She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away.
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RUT 2 17 mq6b translate-bvolume כְּאֵיפָ֥ה שְׂעֹרִֽים 1 about an ephah of barley An **ephah** is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 22 liters of barley.” Use the normal measurement for grain in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])
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RUT 2 18 etn8 figs-explicit וַתִּשָּׂא֙ וַתָּב֣וֹא הָעִ֔יר 1 She lifted it up and went into the city It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 2 18 r6sz וַתֵּ֥רֶא חֲמוֹתָ֖הּ 1 Then her mother-in-law saw **Then Naomi saw**
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RUT 2 19 bg28 figs-parallelism אֵיפֹ֨ה לִקַּ֤טְתְּ הַיּוֹם֙ וְאָ֣נָה עָשִׂ֔ית 1 Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Naomi asked the same thing in two different ways to show that she was very interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day. Use the way that your language shows excitement and interest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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RUT 2 19 ab07 figs-metonymy מַכִּירֵ֖ךְ 1 the one who noticed you Here **noticed** is a metonymy that stands for not only seeing Ruth, but also doing something for her. Alternate translation: “the one who helped you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 2 20 p8km בָּר֥וּךְ הוּא֙ לַיהוָ֔ה 1 May he be blessed by Yahweh Naomi is asking God to reward Boaz for his kindness to Ruth and herself.
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RUT 2 20 ab20 figs-doublenegatives אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב חַסְדּ֔וֹ 1 who has not forsaken his loving kindness This can be stated positively: **who has continued to be loyal**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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RUT 2 20 ur7z אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־עָזַ֣ב 1 who has not forsaken The word **who** is most probably referring to Yahweh, who has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead by acting through Boaz. A less likely possibility is that it is referring to Boaz.
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RUT 2 20 ljz3 figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַחַיִּ֖ים 1 to the living Naomi and Ruth were the **living**. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective **the living**. Alternate translation: “to the people who are still living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
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RUT 2 20 wjr4 figs-nominaladj וְאֶת־הַמֵּתִ֑ים 1 and to the dead Naomi’s husband and sons were the **dead**. This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective **the dead**. Alternate translation: “the people who have already died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
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RUT 2 20 cyy2 figs-parallelism קָר֥וֹב לָ֨נוּ֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ הֽוּא 1 That man is closely related to us. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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RUT 2 20 zu5f מִֽגֹּאֲלֵ֖נוּ 1 kinsman-redeemers A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who had the responsibility to take care of any widows in the family. If one of his brothers died having had no children, he had the responsibility to marry the widow, if she was still of child-bearing age, to raise a child for his brother. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery. See the Introduction for more information.
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RUT 2 21 k2lz גַּ֣ם ׀ כִּי־אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֗י 1 In addition, he said to me **He even said to me**. This indicates that what follows is beyond what they would have expected a landowner to say to Ruth.
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RUT 2 21 g585 עִם־הַנְּעָרִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר־לִי֙ תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין 1 You should keep close by the servants who belong to me Boaz was expressing confidence that his workers would not harm Ruth.
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RUT 2 22 f2tw תֵֽצְאִי֙ עִם 1 you go out with **you work with**
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RUT 2 22 bcc4 וְלֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖ךְ 1 so that they do not harm you This could mean: (1) other workers might abuse Ruth or try to rape her or (2) in another field, the owner might interfere or stop her from gleaning while they are harvesting.
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RUT 2 22 ab64 grammar-connect-logic-result וְלֹ֥א יִפְגְּעוּ־בָ֖ךְ 1 so that they do not harm you This is the reason why Ruth should continue to work with Boaz’s servants. If it is more clear in your language to state the reason before the result, you can state this part of the sentence first, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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RUT 2 23 e2vq וַתִּדְבַּ֞ק 1 So she stayed close by Ruth worked in Boaz’s fields with his workers during the day, so she would be safe.
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RUT 2 23 a7qp וַתֵּ֖שֶׁב אֶת־חֲמוֹתָֽהּ 1 She lived with her mother-in-law Ruth went to Naomi’s home to sleep at night.
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RUT 3 intro t4y5 0 # Ruth 3 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Boaz’s integrity<br><br>Boaz showed great integrity in this chapter by not having sexual relations with Ruth until they were married. He was also concerned with preserving Ruth’s good reputation. Displaying Boaz’s good character is an important point in this chapter.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **So that it may be well with you**<br><br>Naomi wanted Ruth to have a secure home with a good husband who would care for her. She could see that Boaz would be the best husband for her. She also thought that Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, had an obligation to marry her. This could be true because, even though Ruth was a Gentile by birth, she had become part of Naomi’s family and part of the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 3 1 jdr3 writing-newevent וַתֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ נָעֳמִ֣י 1 Naomi … said to her, This sentence introduces the next part of the story, in which Ruth asks Boaz to perform the role of kinsman-redeemer for her and Naomi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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RUT 3 1 r7ar חֲמוֹתָ֑הּ 1 her mother-in-law Naomi is the mother of Ruth’s dead husband.
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RUT 3 1 f1uc בִּתִּ֞י 1 My daughter Ruth became part of Naomi’s family by marrying her son and became like a daughter to her by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem.
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RUT 3 1 nxr8 figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־לָֽךְ 1 should I not seek a resting place for you, that will be good for you? Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she planned to do. Alternate translation: “I must look for a place for you to rest, so that you will be taken care of.” or “I must find a husband to care for you, so that you can live without worry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 3 1 uw2p figs-metaphor לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ 1 a resting place for you This does not mean a place to rest temporarily from being tired. It means a place of permanent comfort and security, in a good home with a husband. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 3 2 jdr4 grammar-connect-logic-result וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 Connecting Statement: Naomi’s rhetorical question in verse 1 gave the reason for the advice that she is about to give to Ruth in verses 2-4. This word marks what follows as the result of verse 1. In other words, Naomi advises Ruth what to do (3:2-4) because she desires to find a good, secure home for Ruth (3:1) If it is more clear in your language to state the reason after the result, you may want to put verse 1 after verses 2-4, marked as verses 1-4 together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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RUT 3 2 b4h8 figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֥א בֹ֨עַז֙ מֹֽדַעְתָּ֔נוּ 1 is not Boaz our relative Naomi used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her (See 2:20), to introduce the reason for what she is about to say. Alternate translation: “As you know, Boaz is our relative.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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RUT 3 2 j31t figs-explicit הָיִ֖ית אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתָ֑יו 1 whose young female workers you have been working If it helps for understanding, the translation can make explicit that she was working in the fields with these female workers. Alternate translation: “female workers you have been with in the fields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 3 2 nd8v figs-distinguish הִנֵּה 1 Look The word **Look** indicates that the following statement is very important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
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RUT 3 2 ms25 זֹרֶ֛ה 1 will be winnowing **he will be winnowing** To winnow means to separate grain from the unwanted chaff by tossing both the grain and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow the chaff away.
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RUT 3 3 ru6z וָסַ֗כְתְּ 1 and anoint yourself This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, as a kind of perfume.
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RUT 3 3 e92h וְיָרַ֣דְתְּ הַגֹּ֑רֶן 1 and go down to the threshing floor This refers to leaving the city and going to the open, flat area where workers could thresh and winnow grain.
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RUT 3 4 jdr5 figs-imperative וִיהִ֣י 1 And let it be that **Then do like this:** This is a general instruction that introduces the next series of specific instructions that Naomi is about to give to Ruth. Translate this in the way that people would say this in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])
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RUT 3 4 ab21 grammar-connect-time-background בְשָׁכְב֗וֹ 1 when he lies down, This is a background clause, explaining when Ruth should watch to see where Boaz sleeps. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
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RUT 3 4 ln1m translate-symaction וְגִלִּ֥ית מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 and uncover his feet This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet (or legs). Perhaps this action by a woman could be interpreted as a proposal of marriage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
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RUT 3 4 zi01 מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 his feet The word used here could refer to his feet or his legs.
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RUT 3 4 l4we וְשָׁכָ֑בְתְּ 1 and lie down **and lie down there**
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RUT 3 4 w1u5 וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד לָ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעַשִֽׂין 1 Then he, himself, will tell you what you should do The specific custom of that time is unclear, but Naomi appears to believe that Boaz will understand Ruth’s action as a proposal of marriage. Boaz will then either accept or reject her offer.
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RUT 3 4 nn4g וְהוּא֙ יַגִּ֣יד 1 Then he, himself, will tell **When he wakes up, he will tell**
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RUT 3 6 ab22 figs-events וַתַּ֕עַשׂ כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוַּ֖תָּה חֲמוֹתָֽהּ׃ 1 and did according to everything that her mother-in-law had instructed her. This statement summarizes the actions that Ruth will do in verse 7. If people understand from this that Ruth did these actions in verse 6 and then did them again in verse 7, then you could translate this sentence as **and she obeyed her mother-in-law**. Or if it would make the order of events more clear, you could move this sentence to the end of verse 7, then combine the verse numbers as a verse bridge (6-7). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
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RUT 3 7 fz7e figs-metonymy וַיִּיטַ֣ב לִבּ֔וֹ 1 and his heart was good Here **heart** stands for “emotions” or “disposition.” Boaz’s emotions or feelings were good. This does not imply that Boaz was drunk. Alternate translation: “and he felt good” or “and he was in a good mood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 3 7 y6gk וַתָּבֹ֣א בַלָּ֔ט 1 Then she came quietly **Then she sneaked in** or **Then she came in quietly so that no one would hear her**
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RUT 3 7 eq2u וַתְּגַ֥ל מַרְגְּלֹתָ֖יו 1 and uncovered his feet **and removed the covering from his legs**
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RUT 3 7 pb6l וַתִּשְׁכָּֽב 1 and lay down **and lay down there**
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RUT 3 8 pz92 writing-newevent וַיְהִי֙ בַּחֲצִ֣י הַלַּ֔יְלָה 1 Then it happened in the middle of the night This clause introduces a new event in the story, explaining when Boaz woke up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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RUT 3 8 xun6 וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד 1 that … was startled It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet or legs.
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RUT 3 8 ab23 figs-exclamations וְהִנֵּ֣ה 1 And behold This word shows that what follows was very surprising to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
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RUT 3 8 e7ui אִשָּׁ֔ה שֹׁכֶ֖בֶת מַרְגְּלֹתָֽיו 1 a woman was lying at his feet The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness.
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RUT 3 9 wj9e writing-politeness אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ…אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ 1 your female servant Ruth was not one of Boaz’s servants, but she referred to herself as Boaz’s servant as a polite way to express respect to Boaz. Use your language’s way of expressing humility and respect. (See rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness)
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RUT 3 9 xp1b figs-idiom וּפָרַשְׂתָּ֤ כְנָפֶ֨ךָ֙ עַל־אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔ 1 And you can spread the edge of your cloak over your female servant This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: “Please marry me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 3 9 l5g4 גֹאֵ֖ל 1 a kinsman-redeemer See how you translated this term in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f).
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RUT 3 10 bjw9 הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן מִן־הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 You have made your covenant faithfulness better at the end than at the beginning **You are demonstrating even more loving kindness now than before**
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RUT 3 10 e7ka הֵיטַ֛בְתְּ חַסְדֵּ֥ךְ הָאַחֲר֖וֹן 1 You have made your covenant faithfulness better at the end This refers to Ruth asking Boaz to marry her. Boaz sees this as Ruth showing unselfish kindness and family loyalty to Naomi. By marrying Naomi’s relative, Ruth would also provide for Naomi, honor Naomi’s son, and continue Naomi’s family line.
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RUT 3 10 cbd3 הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן 1 at the beginning This refers to the way that Ruth had earlier provided for her mother-in-law by staying with her and gleaning grain for food for them.
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RUT 3 10 n84d figs-idiom לְבִלְתִּי־לֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵי֙ 1 by not going after **because you have not looked for marriage among**. Ruth could have ignored Naomi’s need and looked for a young and handsome husband for herself outside of Naomi’s relatives, but she did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 3 11 jdr6 grammar-connect-logic-result וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 Connecting Statement: This phrase indicates that what came before in verse 10 is the reason for what follows in verse 11. This can be indicated with a word like **Therefore**. If it 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://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]).
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RUT 3 11 ei93 בִּתִּי֙ 1 my daughter Boaz used this expression as a sign of respect toward Ruth as a younger woman. Use the form of address that would be appropriate in your language.
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RUT 3 11 ab08 figs-idiom כָּל־שַׁ֣עַר עַמִּ֔י 1 the whole gate of my people The gate was an area of the city where people gathered to do business, and the leaders met there to make decisions. So this was an idiom meaning “all of the important people in my city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
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RUT 3 11 ab31 אֵ֥שֶׁת חַ֖יִל 1 a woman of worth **a woman of good character**, **a good woman**
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RUT 3 12 jdr7 grammar-connect-words-phrases וְעַתָּה֙ 1 Connecting Statement: This phrase indicates that what follows is something else important that Ruth should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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RUT 3 12 ab30 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְגַ֛ם יֵ֥שׁ 1 but there is This phrase indicates a contrast between Boaz’s willingness to marry Ruth (verse 11) and the possibility of another man marrying her instead (verse 12). Alternate translation: “Even so, there is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]).
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RUT 3 12 fvq5 גֹּאֵ֖ל קָר֥וֹב מִמֶּֽנִּי 1 a kinsman-redeemer … nearer than I It was the duty of the male relative who was closest in family relationship to the man who died to help his widow. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f) and make sure that it also makes sense here.
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RUT 3 13 gcl8 figs-explicit אִם־יִגְאָלֵ֥ךְ 1 if he will redeem you **redeem** here means “marry according to our custom concerning widows.” Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth’s dead husband would marry her and raise a son to carry on the dead man’s family name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 3 13 tkz9 חַי־יְהוָ֑ה 1 as Yahweh lives **as surely as Yahweh lives** or **by the life of Yahweh**. This was a common Hebrew vow that obligated the speaker to perform what he said. Use the normal phrasing for a vow in your language.
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RUT 3 14 vn8p וַתִּשְׁכַּ֤ב מַרְגְּלוֹתָיו֙ 1 So she lay at his feet Ruth slept at Boaz’s feet. They did not have sex.
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RUT 3 14 dwx1 figs-idiom בְּטֶ֛רֶם יַכִּ֥יר אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 before a man could recognize his friend This is an idiom that referred to a condition of darkness. Alternate translation: “while it was still dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
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RUT 3 15 hj1e הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת 1 the cloak a thick piece of cloth worn over the shoulders for warmth
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RUT 3 15 f5zg שֵׁשׁ־שְׂעֹרִים֙ 1 six measures of barley The actual amount is not stated. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Most scholars think it was around 25 to 30 kilograms.
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RUT 3 15 gdn8 וַיָּ֣שֶׁת עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 put it on her The amount of grain was heavy, so Boaz put it on Ruth’s back so she could carry it.
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RUT 3 15 aj7u וַיָּבֹ֖א הָעִֽיר 1 Then he went into the city Most ancient copies have **he went**, referring to Boaz, but some have **she went**, referring to Ruth. Some English versions have “he” and some have “she” here. Most scholars believe that **he went** is the original meaning.
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RUT 3 16 s7dr figs-idiom מִי־אַ֣תְּ בִּתִּ֑י 1 Who are you, my daughter? This appears to be an idiom that probably means **What is your status, my daughter?** In other words, Naomi is probably asking if Ruth is now a married woman. Alternatively, the question could mean simply **Is that you, my daughter?** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 3 16 ab34 בִּתִּ֑י 1 my daughter Ruth is actually Naomi’s daughter-in-law, but Naomi calls her **my daughter** as an endearment. Keep this translation if it is acceptable in your culture. Otherwise, use “daughter-in law.”
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RUT 3 16 w9p9 אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָֽשָׂה־לָ֖הּ הָאִֽישׁ 1 all that the man had done for her **all that Boaz had done for her**
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RUT 3 17 abca שֵׁשׁ־הַשְּׂעֹרִ֥ים 1 six measures of barley See how you translated this in [3:15](../03/15/f5zg).
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RUT 3 17 e9xx figs-idiom אַל־תָּב֥וֹאִי רֵיקָ֖ם 1 You must not go empty To **go empty-handed** is an idiom that means to go to someone with nothing to offer that person. Alternate translation: **Do not go empty-handed** or **Do not go with nothing** or **You must take something** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
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RUT 3 18 ab36 figs-idiom שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔י 1 sit, my daughter **Sit** is an idiom that means that Ruth should calmly wait. Alternate translation: “Wait here” or “Be patient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 3 18 ab35 בִתִּ֔י 1 my daughter See how you translated this in 1:11-13; 2:2, 8, 22; 3:1, 10, 11, 16.
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RUT 3 18 ab37 figs-idiom אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר 1 how the matter falls This is an idiom that means “how the situation will turn out” or “what will happen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 3 18 zi02 figs-doublenegatives לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר 1 the man will not rest unless he has finished this matter This can be stated positively: **the man will certainly settle this matter** or **the man will surely resolve this issue**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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RUT 3 18 u5rn אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר 1 he has finished this matter **This matter** refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi’s property and marry Ruth.
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RUT 4 intro pz6m 0 # Ruth 4 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### King David<br><br>Despite being a Moabitess, Ruth became an ancestress of David. David was Israel’s greatest king. It may be surprising that a Gentile would become a part of such an important lineage, but it reminds us that God loves all people. Ruth had great faith in Yahweh. This shows us that God welcomes all who trust in him.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### **You must also acquire Ruth the Moabite woman**<br><br>With the privilege of using the family’s land came the responsibility to take care of the widows of the family. Therefore, the relative who wanted to use Naomi’s land had to also help Ruth to have a son who would carry on the family name and inheritance and provide for her.<br><br>### **This was the custom in former times**<br><br>This is a comment made by the writer of the text. This indicates that there was a considerable period of time between the events that occurred and the time when they were written down.
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RUT 4 1 jdr8 writing-newevent וּבֹ֨עַז עָלָ֣ה הַשַּׁעַר֮ 1 Now Boaz had gone up to the gate This clause introduces the next part of the story, in which Boaz takes the leading role as kinsman-redeemer and marries Ruth. Use your language’s way of introducing a new part of a story (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
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RUT 4 1 m4by הַשַּׁעַר֮ 1 to the gate **to the gate of the city** or **to the gate of Bethlehem**. This was the main entrance to the walled town of Bethlehem. Inside the gate was an open area that was used as a meeting place to discuss community matters.
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RUT 4 1 jdr9 figs-distinguish וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 And behold, The word **behold** alerts us to the important event of Boaz seeing the exact person whom he wanted to see walking by. Your language may also have a specific way of alerting someone to pay careful attention to what happens next in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
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RUT 4 1 kz1g הַגֹּאֵ֤ל 1 the kinsman-redeemer This was the closest living male relative to Elimelek. See how you translated **kinsman-redeemer** in [2:20](../02/20/zu5f).
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RUT 4 1 ab38 figs-idiom פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 a certain someone Boaz did not actually say these words; instead, he called the kinsman-redeemer by his name. This is an idiom that means that this is a specific person but the name is not given. The narrator has substituted this general term for the person’s name either because the specific name is not important for the story or the man’s name had been forgotten. If your language has an idiom to refer to a specific person without using his name, use that here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
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RUT 4 1 ab39 figs-quotations פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י 1 a certain someone In many languages, this is an awkward and unnatural way for someone to address another person. A way to make this more natural could be to turn this into an indirect quotation as in the UST. A combination of indirect and direct quotation is also possible: “Boaz called him by name, and said, ‘Turn aside and sit down here.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]).
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RUT 4 2 ab40 וַיִּקַּ֞ח עֲשָׂרָ֧ה אֲנָשִׁ֛ים 1 Then he took ten men **Then he chose ten men**
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RUT 4 2 bf74 מִזִּקְנֵ֥י הָעִ֖יר 1 from the elders of the city **from the leaders of the city**
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RUT 4 3 es9g חֶלְקַת֙ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה…מָכְרָ֣ה נָעֳמִ֔י 1 Naomi … is selling the portion of the field It was the responsibility of the nearest kinsman to Elimelek to buy back the land that had belonged to Elimelek and to care for Elimelek’s family.
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RUT 4 4 ab41 figs-idiom אֶגְלֶ֧ה אָזְנְךָ֣ 1 I should uncover your ear This is an idiom that means “I should tell you” or “I should let you know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]).
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RUT 4 4 c6xi נֶ֥גֶד 1 in the presence of **in the presence of**. Having these men as witnesses would make the transaction legal and binding.
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RUT 4 4 lgq1 גְּאָ֔ל 1 redeem it **redeem** means to buy the land to keep it within the family.
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RUT 4 4 ab42 grammar-connect-exceptions אֵ֤ין זוּלָֽתְךָ֙ לִגְא֔וֹל וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ 1 there is no one to redeem it besides you, and I am after you In some languages, it may be confusing to say these things together: (1) there is no one to redeem the land, (2) only you can redeem the land, (3) then I can redeem the land. If that is so in your language, see the UST for a way that is more clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
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RUT 4 4 u548 וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ 1 and I am after you Boaz was the next nearest kinsman to Elimelek, and so had the second right to redeem the land.
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RUT 4 5 ut23 בְּיוֹם־קְנוֹתְךָ֥…וּ֠מֵאֵת…קָנִ֔יתָה 1 On the day that you buy … you also acquire Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land. Alternate translation: “When you buy the land, you also get”
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RUT 4 5 ymn8 figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֣ד נָעֳמִ֑י 1 from the hand of Naomi Here the word **hand** represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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RUT 4 5 dya3 figs-idiom וּ֠מֵאֵת ר֣וּת…קָנִ֔יתָה 1 you also acquire Ruth **you must also marry Ruth** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 4 5 b3ps אֵֽשֶׁת־הַמֵּת֙ 1 the wife of the dead man **the widow of Elimelek’s son who died**
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RUT 4 5 b3sy לְהָקִ֥ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֖ת עַל־נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃ 1 In order to raise up the name of the dead over his inheritance **that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on her dead husband’s family name**
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RUT 4 5 ab43 figs-nominaladj הַמֵּ֖ת 1 the dead Ruth’s husband was **the dead**. This can be stated differently to avoid the nominal adjective **the dead**. Alternate translation: “the man who died” or “her husband who died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
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RUT 4 6 sx9k אַשְׁחִ֖ית אֶת־נַחֲלָתִ֑י 1 damaging my own inheritance The man would need to give some of his wealth in exchange for the property. Then if he were to marry Ruth, that property would belong to her son, not to his own children. In that way, he would be taking away from the wealth that his own children would inherit from him and giving it instead to the children that Ruth might bear. Alternate translation: “taking away from my own children’s inheritance.”
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RUT 4 6 sa7h גְּאַל־לְךָ֤ אַתָּה֙ אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתִ֔י 1 You redeem for yourself my right of redemption **You yourself redeem it instead of me**
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RUT 4 7 wga9 writing-background וְזֹאת֩ 1 Now … this is how **Now this was the custom**. The writer of the book stops telling the story in order to give some background information that explains the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth. Use your language’s way of giving background information in a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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RUT 4 7 lgf5 writing-background לְפָנִ֨ים 1 in earlier times **in earlier times** or **long ago**. This implies that this custom was no longer practiced when the book of Ruth was written. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
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RUT 4 7 d46w לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 to his friend **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.
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RUT 4 8 ab44 וַיֹּ֧אמֶר הַגֹּאֵ֛ל 1 So the kinsman-redeemer said The events of the story start again here after the background information of verse 7. Use your language’s way of starting to tell the events of the story again.
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RUT 4 9 zz42 figs-hyperbole לַזְּקֵנִ֜ים וְכָל־הָעָ֗ם 1 to the elders and to all the people This refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
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RUT 4 9 lwx9 figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֖ד נָעֳמִֽי 1 from the hand of Naomi The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. Since her husband and sons had died, the right to the property belonged to her. Alternate translation: “from Naomi” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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RUT 4 9 img5 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֶֽאֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְאֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְכִלְי֖וֹן וּמַחְל֑וֹן 1 everything that belonged to Elimelek and everything that belonged to Kilion and Mahlon This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi’s dead husband and sons.
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RUT 4 10 jdr0 grammar-connect-words-phrases וְגַ֣ם 1 Connecting Statement: This connecting phrase indicates that the people sitting at the gate are witnesses to the fact that Boaz is buying back Elimelek’s family land for Naomi (4:9) and also to the fact that Boaz is claiming Ruth to be his wife (4:10). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
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RUT 4 10 nm32 לְהָקִ֤ים שֵׁם־הַמֵּת֙ עַל־נַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ 1 to raise up the name of the dead man over his inheritance See how you translated this phrase in 4:5. Alternate translation: “so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man’s property”
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RUT 4 10 gg1m figs-metaphor וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֛ת מֵעִ֥ם אֶחָ֖יו 1 so that the name of the dead man will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place Being forgotten is spoken of as if one’s name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate translation: “so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers’ descendants and by the people of this town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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RUT 4 10 ab61 figs-doublenegatives וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת שֵׁם־הַמֵּ֛ת 1 so that the name of the dead man will not be cut off This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “so that his name will be preserved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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RUT 4 10 xpu5 figs-metonymy וּמִשַּׁ֣עַר מְקוֹמ֑וֹ 1 and from the gate of his place The gate of the town is where the leaders gathered and made important legal decisions, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land. Alternate translation: “and among the important people of his town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 4 10 ab45 עֵדִ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם הַיּֽוֹם 1 Today you are witnesses! **You have seen and heard these things today, and can speak of them tomorrow**
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RUT 4 11 ua2a הָעָ֧ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּשַּׁ֛עַר 1 the people who were in the gate **the people who were meeting together near the gate**
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RUT 4 11 hg6q figs-metonymy הַבָּאָ֣ה אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֗ךָ 1 who is coming into your house This has both a literal and a figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his house. “House” can be a metonym the represents “family,” so this also refers to becoming part of Boaz’s family by being his wife. Alternate translation: “who is becoming part of your family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 4 11 q47m כְּרָחֵ֤ל ׀ וּכְלֵאָה֙ 1 like Rachel and Leah These were the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
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RUT 4 11 cz4t בָּנ֤וּ…אֶת־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 built up the house of Israel **bore many children who became the nation of Israel**
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RUT 4 11 abcb figs-parallelism וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה וּקְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 Achieve honor in Ephrathah, and be renowned in Bethlehem! These two phrases are similar in meaning. The second phrase repeats somewhat and adds to the meaning of the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and become well-known for them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]).
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RUT 4 11 ab65 figs-imperative וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה וּקְרָא־שֵׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 Achieve honor in Ephrathah, and be renowned in Bethlehem! These phrases are a form of blessing. Use the style of blessing that is appropriate in your language. Alternate translation: “May you do good things in Bethlehem and may you become well-known for them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]).
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RUT 4 11 uk9q וַעֲשֵׂה־חַ֣יִל בְּאֶפְרָ֔תָה 1 Achieve honor in Ephrathah The area around the town of Bethlehem was known as Ephrathah, and that became another name for the town. Presumably this name came from the Israelite clan that settled in and around the city of Bethlehem.
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RUT 4 12 fn52 figs-metonymy וִיהִ֤י בֵֽיתְךָ֙ כְּבֵ֣ית פֶּ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה 1 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah **house** stands for “family” or “clan.” Perez had many descendants who became large clans in Israel, including the clan of Ephrathah. Also, many of his descendents became important people. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth’s children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
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RUT 4 12 a433 יָלְדָ֥ה תָמָ֖ר לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה 1 Tamar bore to Judah Tamar, like Ruth, was also a widow. Judah fathered a son with Tamar, who continued the family name of her dead husband.
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RUT 4 12 xym8 מִן־הַזֶּ֗רַע אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְךָ֔ 1 from the offspring that Yahweh gives you The people are asking for a blessing from Yahweh, that he would give Boaz many children through Ruth who would do good things, just as he did for Perez. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language.
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RUT 4 13 abcc figs-parallelism וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ וַתְּהִי־ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֔ה 1 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife These two phrases mean very much the same thing, as the second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew poetic style. The two phrases can be combined as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
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RUT 4 13 u21g grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֹּ֤עַז אֶת־רוּת֙ 1 So Boaz took Ruth This phrase indicates that Boaz did what he said he would do in verse 10. It does not imply any form of violence. Along with the following phrase, it simply means, **So Boaz married Ruth** or **So Boaz took Ruth as a wife**. Use a connecting word (like “so”) that indicates that this action by Boaz is a result of the agreement in verse 10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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RUT 4 13 gw77 figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶ֑יהָ 1 he went in to her This is a euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse. Alternate translation: “He had sexual relations with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
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RUT 4 14 ab46 figs-explicit הַנָּשִׁים֙ 1 the women These are the women of the town as mentioned in 1:19. This can be made clear if necessary. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 4 14 ab47 בָּר֣וּךְ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Blessed be Yahweh The women are praising God for what he has done for Naomi and Ruth. If it does not make sense in your language to “bless” God, use a word like “praise” or “we give thanks.” See the UST.
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RUT 4 14 qj8v figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א הִשְׁבִּ֥ית לָ֛ךְ גֹּאֵ֖ל הַיּ֑וֹם 1 who has not left you today without a kinsman-redeemer This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “who has provided you today with a kinsman to redeem you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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RUT 4 14 p8p3 וְיִקָּרֵ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 May his name be renowned This is a blessing, stating that the women desire that Naomi’s grandson will have a good reputation and character. Use the form of blessing that is appropriate in your language.
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RUT 4 15 hz3e לְמֵשִׁ֣יב נֶ֔פֶשׁ 1 a restorer of life This phrase refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having this grandson. Alternate translation: “one who brings joy to you again” or “one who will make you feel young/strong again”
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RUT 4 15 z5lw וּלְכַלְכֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׂיבָתֵ֑ךְ 1 and a nourisher of your old age **and he will take care of you when you become old**
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RUT 4 15 ab48 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 For **We know this because** Use a connecting word or phrase that indicates that what follows (the fact that Ruth has borne him) is the reason for the women’s confident prediction of his character. If it makes more sense to put the reason first, then follow the order in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
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RUT 4 15 rpc3 figs-idiom ט֣וֹבָה לָ֔ךְ מִשִּׁבְעָ֖ה בָּנִֽים 1 better to you than seven sons **seven** represented the idea of completeness or perfection. This is a way to praise Ruth for how she has provided for Naomi by bearing a grandson for her by Boaz, when Naomi’s sons could not provide for her because they had died. Alternate translation: “better to you than any son” or “worth more to you than many sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
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RUT 4 16 k1w4 וַתִּקַּ֨ח נָעֳמִ֤י אֶת־הַיֶּ֨לֶד֙ 1 Naomi took the child **Naomi picked up the child** This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth in any hostile way.
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RUT 4 16 ab49 וַתְּהִי־ל֖וֹ לְאֹמֶֽנֶת׃ 1 and became his nurse **and took care of him**
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RUT 4 17 ab50 וַתִּקְרֶאנָה֩ ל֨וֹ הַשְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת שֵׁם֙…וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה שְׁמוֹ֙ עוֹבֵ֔ד 1 So the neighbor women called out a name for him … And they called his name Obed. The first phrase introduces the naming event, and the second repeats it in order to report the event. If this is confusing, the two phrases can be combined. **So the neighbor women gave him the name Obed** or **The women of the neighborhood said … and they named him Obed**
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RUT 4 17 fkf2 יֻלַּד־בֵּ֖ן לְנָעֳמִ֑י 1 A son has been born to Naomi **It is as though Naomi has a son again**. It was understood that the child was Naomi’s grandson, not her physical son, but he would carry on the family line of both Naomi and Ruth.
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RUT 4 17 ab51 ה֥וּא אֲבִי־יִשַׁ֖י 1 He was the father of Jesse **Later, he became the father of Jesse** It may be necessary to make it clear that much time passed between the births of Obed, Jesse, and David.
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RUT 4 17 f9ha figs-explicit אֲבִ֥י דָוִֽד 1 the father of David **father of King David**. Though **King** is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that this David was King David. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
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RUT 4 18 mzm1 תּוֹלְד֣וֹת פָּ֔רֶץ 1 the generations of Perez **the successive descendants of our clan, starting with Perez**. Because it was mentioned earlier that Perez was the son of Judah, the writer continues listing the family line that came from Perez. Verse 17 was the end of the story about Naomi and Ruth, and verse 18 begins a final section that lists the family line of the clan of Ephrathah, showing how important Obed was as the grandfather of King David. Use a connecting word that signals that this is a new section. You may also need to make it clear that this verse refers to a much earlier time than the time period of the story.
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RUT 4 19 rl3k translate-names וְחֶצְרוֹן֙…עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃ 1 Hezron … Amminadab Use forms of these names that are natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
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RUT 4 22 abcd figs-explicit דָּוִֽד 1 David **King David**. See the note about **David** on [4:17](../04/17/f9ha). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) |