Ruth 1:4

Authorized King James Version

And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ
And they took
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
לָהֶ֗ם
H0
#3
נָשִׁים֙
of the women
a woman
#4
מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת
of Moab
a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab
#5
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
הָֽאַחַת֙
of the one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
עָרְפָּ֔ה
was Orpah
orpah, a moabites
#8
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
of the other
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#10
ר֑וּת
Ruth
ruth, a moabitess
#11
וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ
and they dwelled
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#12
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#13
כְּעֶ֥שֶׂר
there about ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#14
שָׁנִֽים׃
years
a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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