Ruth 2:10

Authorized King James Version

Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפֹּל֙
Then she fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
פָּנֶ֔יהָ
on her face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#5
אָ֑רְצָה
herself to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מַדּוּעַ֩
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#9
מָצָ֨אתִי
unto him Why have I found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#10
חֵ֤ן
grace
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#11
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
in thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי
that thou shouldest take knowledge
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#13
וְאָֽנֹכִ֖י
i
#14
נָכְרִיָּֽה׃
of me seeing I am a stranger
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of grace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes charis in Greek or hen in Hebrew, emphasizing unmerited divine favor, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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