Ruth 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּשָּׂא֙

H5375

And she took it up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וַתָּב֣וֹא

H935

and went

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָעִ֔יר

H5892

into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַתֵּ֥רֶא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חֲמוֹתָ֖הּ

H2545

and her mother in law

a mother-in-law

אֵ֣ת

H853

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִקֵּ֑טָה

H3950

what she had gleaned

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

וַתּוֹצֵא֙

H3318

and she brought forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#10

וַתִּתֶּן

H5414

and gave

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

#11

לָ֔הּ

#12

אֵ֥ת

H853

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

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

הוֹתִ֖רָה

H3498

to her that she had reserved

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

#15

מִשָּׂבְעָֽהּ׃

H7648

after she was sufficed

satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ruth.

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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
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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