Ruth 1:17

Authorized King James Version

Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

אָמ֔וּת

H4191

Where thou diest

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אָמ֔וּת

H4191

Where thou diest

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְשָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶקָּבֵ֑ר

H6912

and there will I be buried

to inter

כֹּה֩

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֨ה

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִי֙

#10

וְכֹ֣ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#11

יֹסִ֔יף

H3254

so to me and more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#13

הַמָּ֔וֶת

H4194

also if ought but death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#14

יַפְרִ֖יד

H6504

part

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

#15

בֵּינִ֥י

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#16

וּבֵינֵֽךְ׃

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty 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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