Ruth 1:3

Authorized King James Version

And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֥מָת
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
אֱלִימֶ֖לֶךְ
And Elimelech
elimelek, an israelite
#3
אִ֣ישׁ
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)
#4
נָֽעֳמִ֑י
Naomi's
noomi, an israelitess
#5
וַתִּשָּׁאֵ֥ר
and she was left
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#6
הִ֖יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
וּשְׁנֵ֥י
and her two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#8
בָנֶֽיהָ׃
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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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