Ruth 1:6

Authorized King James Version

Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתָּ֤קָם

H6965

Then she arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הִיא֙

H1931

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

וְכַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ

H3618

with her daughters in law

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

וַתָּ֖שָׁב

H7725

that she might return

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

בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה

H7704

from the country

a field (as flat)

מוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

of Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

שָֽׁמְעָה֙

H8085

for she had heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה

H7704

from the country

a field (as flat)

#10

מוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

of Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#12

פָקַ֤ד

H6485

had visited

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#13

יְהוָה֙

H3068

how that the LORD

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

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

עַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

his people

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

#16

לָתֵ֥ת

H5414

in giving

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

לָהֶ֖ם

#18

לָֽחֶם׃

H3899

them bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 sovereignty 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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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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