Ruth 3:11

Authorized King James Version

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

בִּתִּי֙

H1323

And now my daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י

H3372

fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כֹּ֥ל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

תֹּֽאמְרִ֖י

H559

to thee all that thou requirest

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה

H6213

not I will do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֑ךְ

#10

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#11

יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙

H3045

doth know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

שַׁ֣עַר

H8179

for all the city

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#14

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

of my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#15

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#16

אֵ֥שֶׁת

H802

woman

a woman

#17

חַ֖יִל

H2428

that thou art a virtuous

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#18

אָֽתְּ׃

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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