Ruth 2:3

Authorized King James Version

And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
וַתָּבוֹא֙
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
וַתְּלַקֵּ֣ט
and gleaned
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
#4
הַשָּׂדֶה֙
in the field
a field (as flat)
#5
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
הַקֹּֽצְרִ֑ים
the reapers
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#7
וַיִּ֣קֶר
was to light
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#8
מִקְרֶ֔הָ
and her hap
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
#9
חֶלְקַ֤ת
on a part
properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery
#10
הַשָּׂדֶה֙
in the field
a field (as flat)
#11
לְבֹ֔עַז
belonging unto Boaz
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
#12
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
who was of the kindred
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#14
אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ׃
of Elimelech
elimelek, an israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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