Ruth 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
אָמְנָ֔ם
And now it is true
verily
#4
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
גֹּאֵ֖ל
a kinsman
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#7
אָנֹ֑כִי
i
#8
וְגַ֛ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
יֵ֥שׁ
howbeit there is
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#10
גֹּאֵ֖ל
a kinsman
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#11
קָר֥וֹב
nearer
near (in place, kindred or time)
#12
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 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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