Ruth 1:7

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּצֵ֗א
Wherefore she went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
הַמָּקוֹם֙
out of the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
הָֽיְתָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
שָּׁ֔מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#7
וּשְׁתֵּ֥י
where she was and her two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#8
כַלֹּתֶ֖יהָ
daughters in law
a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife
#9
עִמָּ֑הּ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
on the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
לָשׁ֖וּב
to return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#13
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
אֶ֥רֶץ
unto the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
יְהוּדָֽה׃
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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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