Ruth 4:15

Authorized King James Version

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָ֤יָה

H1961

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

לָךְ֙

לְמֵשִׁ֣יב

H7725

And he shall be unto thee a restorer

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

נֶ֔פֶשׁ

H5315

of thy life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּלְכַלְכֵּ֖ל

H3557

and a nourisher

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵֽׂיבָתֵ֑ךְ

H7872

of thine old age

old age

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

כַלָּתֵ֤ךְ

H3618

for thy daughter in law

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

#10

אֲֽשֶׁר

H834

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

#11

אֲהֵבַ֙תֶךְ֙

H157

which loveth

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#12

יְלָדַ֔תּוּ

H3205

hath born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

הִיא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#15

ט֣וֹבָה

H2896

thee which is better

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

#16

לָ֔ךְ

#17

מִשִּׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

to thee than seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#18

בָּנִֽים׃

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?
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?

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