Ruth 4:5

Authorized King James Version

Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בֹּ֔עַז
Boaz
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
#3
בְּיוֹם
What day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
קָנִ֔יתָי
thou buyest
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#5
הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה
the field
a field (as flat)
#6
מִיַּ֣ד
of the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
נָֽעֳמִ֑י
of Naomi
noomi, an israelitess
#8
וּ֠מֵאֵת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#9
ר֣וּת
it also of Ruth
ruth, a moabitess
#10
הַמּֽוֹאֲבִיָּ֤ה
the Moabitess
a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab
#11
אֵֽשֶׁת
the wife
a woman
#12
הַמֵּ֖ת
of the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
קָנִ֔יתָי
thou buyest
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#14
לְהָקִ֥ים
to raise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#15
שֵׁם
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
הַמֵּ֖ת
of the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
נַֽחֲלָתֽוֹ׃
upon his inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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