Ruth 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֨עַז

H1162

And Boaz

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

לַזְּקֵנִ֜ים

H2205

unto the elders

old

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֗ם

H5971

and unto all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עֵדִ֤ים

H5707

Ye are witnesses

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

אַתֶּם֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַיּ֔וֹם

H3117

this 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

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#10

קָנִ֙יתִי֙

H7069

that I have bought

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#14

לֶֽאֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ

H458

all that was Elimelech's

elimelek, an israelite

#15

וְאֵ֛ת

H853

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

#16

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#18

לְכִלְי֖וֹן

H3630

and all that was Chilion's

kiljon, an israelite

#19

וּמַחְל֑וֹן

H4248

and Mahlon's

machlon, an israelite

#20

מִיַּ֖ד

H3027

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

#21

נָֽעֳמִֽי׃

H5281

of Naomi

noomi, an israelitess

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ruth chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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