Ruth 2:6

Authorized King James Version

And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֗עַן
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
הַנַּ֛עַר
And the servant
(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
#3
הַנִּצָּ֥ב
that was set
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
הַקּֽוֹצְרִ֖ים
over the reapers
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#6
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
נַֽעֲרָ֤ה
damsel
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#8
מֽוֹאֲבִיָּה֙
It is the Moabitish
a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab
#9
הִ֔יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
הַשָּׁ֥בָה
that came back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#11
עִֽם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
נָעֳמִ֖י
with Naomi
noomi, an israelitess
#13
מִשְּׂדֵ֥י
out of the country
a field (as flat)
#14
מוֹאָֽב׃
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People