Ruth 3:9

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
אָ֑תּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אָֽנֹכִי֙
i
#6
ר֣וּת
I am Ruth
ruth, a moabitess
#7
אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔
over thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#8
וּפָֽרַשְׂתָּ֤
spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#9
כְנָפֶ֙ךָ֙
therefore thy skirt
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
אֲמָ֣תְךָ֔
over thine handmaid
a maid-servant or female slave
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
גֹאֵ֖ל
for thou art a near 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
#14
אָֽתָּה׃
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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