Ruth 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

רוּת֙

H7327

And Ruth

ruth, a moabitess

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּפְגְּעִי

H6293

Intreat

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בִ֔י

לְעָזְבֵ֖ךְ

H5800

me not to leave

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

לָשׁ֣וּב

H7725

thee or to return

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

מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑יִךְ

H310

from following after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כִּ֠י

H3588

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

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

תֵּֽלְכִ֜י

H1980

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

#13

אֵלֵ֗ךְ

H1980

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

#14

וּבַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

אָלִ֔ין

H3885

I will lodge

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

#16

אָלִ֔ין

H3885

I will lodge

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

#17

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

shall be my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#18

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

shall be my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#19

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

and thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#20

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

and thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty 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 this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

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