Ruth 2:21

Authorized King James Version

And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֣ר

H559

He said

to say (used with great latitude)

ר֣וּת

H7327

And Ruth

ruth, a moabitess

הַמּֽוֹאֲבִיָּ֑ה

H4125

the Moabitess

a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab

גַּ֣ם׀

H1571

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

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֣ר

H559

He said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֗י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַנְּעָרִ֤ים

H5288

by my 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

#10

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#11

לִי֙

#12

תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין

H1692

unto me also Thou shalt keep fast

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

#13

עַ֣ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#14

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#15

כִּלּ֔וּ

H3615

until they have ended

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#16

אֵ֥ת

H853

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

#17

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

הַקָּצִ֖יר

H7105

all my harvest

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

#19

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#20

לִֽי׃

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

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

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?
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?
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?

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