Ruth 3:15

Authorized King James Version

Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
Also he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָ֠בִי
Bring
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
#3
הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת
the vail
a wide cloak (for a woman)
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עָלַ֛יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
וַתֹּ֣אחֶז
it And when she held
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#7
בָ֖הּ
H0
#8
וַתֹּ֣אחֶז
it And when she held
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#9
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#10
וַיָּ֤מָד
it he measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#11
שֵׁשׁ
six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#12
שְׂעֹרִים֙
measures of barley
barley (as villose)
#13
וַיָּ֣שֶׁת
and laid
to place (in a very wide application)
#14
עָלֶ֔יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
וַיָּבֹ֖א
it on her and she went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
הָעִֽיר׃
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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