Ruth 3:13

Authorized King James Version

Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לִ֣ינִי׀

H3885

Tarry

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

הַלַּ֗יְלָה

H3915

this night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַבֹּֽקֶר׃

H1242

and it shall be in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

אִם

H518

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

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ

H1350

let him do the kinsman's part

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

טוֹב֙

H2896

well

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ

H1350

let him do the kinsman's part

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

וְאִם

H518

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

#10

לֹ֨א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

יַחְפֹּ֧ץ

H2654

but if he will

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

#12

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ

H1350

let him do the kinsman's part

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

#13

וּגְאַלְתִּ֥יךְ

H1350

let him do the kinsman's part

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

#14

אָנֹ֖כִי

H595

#15

חַי

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#16

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

to thee as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

שִׁכְבִ֖י

H7901

lie down

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

#18

עַד

H5704

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

#19

הַבֹּֽקֶר׃

H1242

and it shall be in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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