Ruth 1:8

Authorized King James Version

And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
נָֽעֳמִי֙
And Naomi
noomi, an israelitess
#3
לִשְׁתֵּ֣י
unto her two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#4
כַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ
daughters in law
a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife
#5
לֵ֣כְנָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
שֹּׁ֔בְנָה
return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
אִשָּׁ֖ה
each
a woman
#8
לְבֵ֣ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
אִמָּ֑הּ
to her mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#10
עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם
deal
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
עִמָּכֶם֙
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
חֶ֔סֶד
kindly
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#14
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם
deal
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#17
הַמֵּתִ֖ים
with the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#18
וְעִמָּדִֽי׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

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