Ruth 4:6

Authorized King James Version

And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לִגְאֹֽל׃
And the 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
#3
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
אוּכַ֖ל
I cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#5
לִגְאֹֽל׃
And the 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
#6
לִגְאֹֽל׃
And the 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
#7
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#8
אַשְׁחִ֖ית
it for myself lest I mar
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
נַֽחֲלָתִ֑י
mine own inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#11
לִגְאֹֽל׃
And the 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
#12
לְךָ֤
H0
#13
אַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
גְּאֻלָּתִ֔י
thou my right
redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship
#16
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
אוּכַ֖ל
I cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#19
לִגְאֹֽל׃
And the 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

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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