Ruth 2:15

Authorized King James Version

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתָּ֖קָם

H6965

And when she was risen up

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

תְּלַקֵּ֖ט

H3950

Let her glean

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

וַיְצַו֩

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

בֹּ֨עַז

H1162

Boaz

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

אֶת

H853

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

נְעָרָ֜יו

H5288

his young men

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בֵּ֧ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#10

הָֽעֳמָרִ֛ים

H6016

even among the sheaves

properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure

#11

תְּלַקֵּ֖ט

H3950

Let her glean

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

#12

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

תַכְלִימֽוּהָ׃

H3637

and reproach

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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