Ruth 1:20

Authorized King James Version

And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ן
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#4
קְרֶ֤אןָ
call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#5
לִ֖י
H0
#6
נָֽעֳמִ֑י
me not Naomi
noomi, an israelitess
#7
קְרֶ֤אןָ
call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#8
לִי֙
H0
#9
מָרָ֔א
me Mara
mara, a symbolic name of naomi
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הֵמַ֥ר
bitterly
to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)
#12
שַׁדַּ֛י
for the Almighty
the almighty
#13
לִ֖י
H0
#14
מְאֹֽד׃
hath dealt very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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