Ruth 1:12

Authorized King James Version

Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

Word-by-Word Analysis

שֹׁ֤בְנָה

H7725

Turn again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בְנֹתַי֙

H1323

my daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לֵ֔כְןָ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זָקַ֖נְתִּי

H2204

your way for I am too old

to be old

מִֽהְי֣וֹת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאִ֔ישׁ

H376

if I should have an husband

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙

H559

If I should say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

יֶשׁ

H3426

I have

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#11

לִ֣י

#12

תִקְוָ֔ה

H8615

hope

literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy

#13

גַּ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#14

הָיִ֤יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙

H3915

also to night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#16

לְאִ֔ישׁ

H376

if I should have an husband

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#17

וְגַ֖ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#18

יָלַ֥דְתִּי

H3205

and should also bear

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#19

בָנִֽים׃

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of hope connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about hope, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Ruth's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ruth Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes hope in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ruth chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding hope in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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