RUTH 4:4 Interlinear View

1. Hebrew word
2. Hebrew lemma
3. OET-LV words
4. OET-RV words
5. Strongs
6. Role/Morphology
7. Gloss
8. CAPS codes
9. OET tags
10. OET word #
1. וַ,אֲנִי
2. 180874,180875
3. And I
4. But
5. 589
6. S-C,Pp1cs
7. and,I
8. S
9. -
10. 125006
1. אָמַרְתִּי
2. 180876
3. I said
4. -
5. 559
6. V-Vqp1cs
7. I_said
8. -
9. -
10. 125007
1. אֶגְלֶה
2. 180877
3. I will uncover
4. “I'll
5. 1540
6. V-Vqi1cs
7. I_will_uncover
8. -
9. -
10. 125008
1. אָזְנְ,ךָ
2. 180878,180879
3. ear of your
4. -
5. 241
6. O-Ncfsc,Sp2ms
7. ear_of,your
8. -
9. -
10. 125009
1. לֵ,אמֹר
2. 180880,180881
3. to say
4. -
5. 559
6. SV-R,Vqc
7. to=say
8. -
9. -
10. 125010
1. קְנֵה
2. 180882
3. acquire it
4. -
5. 7069
6. V-Vqv2ms
7. acquire_[it]
8. -
9. -
10. 125011
1. נֶגֶד
2. 180883
3. before
4. -
5. 5048
6. S-R
7. before
8. -
9. -
10. 125012
1. הַֽ,יֹּשְׁבִים
2. 180884,180885
3. +those sitting
4. sitting
5. 3427
6. S-Td,Vqrmpa
7. [those],sitting
8. -
9. -
10. 125013
1. וְ,נֶגֶד
2. 180886,180887
3. and before
4. including
5. 5048
6. S-C,R
7. and,before
8. -
9. -
10. 125014
1. זִקְנֵי
2. 180888
3. the elders of
4. -
5. 2205
6. S-Aampc
7. the_elders_of
8. -
9. -
10. 125015
1. עַמִּ,י
2. 180889,180890
3. my people of my
4. -
6. S-Ncmsc,Sp1cs
7. my_people_of,my
8. -
9. -
10. 125016
1. אִם
2. 180891
3. if
4. -
6. S-C
7. if
8. -
9. -
10. 125017
2. 180892
3. -
4. -
6. -x-maqqef
8. -
9. -
10. 125018
1. תִּגְאַל
2. 180893
3. you will redeem
4. -
6. V-Vqi2ms
7. you_will_redeem
8. -
9. -
10. 125019
1. גְּאָל
2. 180894
3. redeem
4. -
6. V-Vqv2ms
7. redeem
8. -
9. -
10. 125020
1. וְ,אִם
2. 180895,180896
3. and if
4. -
6. S-C,C
7. and=if
8. -
9. -
10. 125021
2. 180897
3. -
4. -
6. -x-maqqef
8. -
9. -
10. 125022
1. לֹא
2. 180898
3. not
4. -
5. 3808
6. S-Tn
7. not
8. -
9. -
10. 125023
1. יִגְאַל
2. 180899
3. he will redeem
4. -
6. V-Vqi3ms
7. he_will_redeem
8. -
9. -
10. 125024
1. הַגִּידָ,ה
2. 180900,180901
3. tell
4. -
5. 5046
6. V-Vhv2ms,Sh
7. tell,
8. -
9. -
10. 125025
1. לִּ,י
2. 180902,180903
3. to/for me
4. -
6. S-R,Sp1cs
7. to/for=me
8. -
9. -
10. 125026
1. ו,אדע
2. 180904,180905
3. so that I may know
4. -
5. 3045
6. SV-C,Vqi1cs
7. so,that_I_may_know
8. -
9. -
10. 125027
2. 180906
3. -
4. -
6. -
8. -
9. -
10. 125028
1. כִּי
2. 180907
3. if/because
4. because
6. S-C
7. if/because
8. -
9. -
10. 125029
1. אֵין
2. 180908
3. there +is not
4. -
5. 369
6. P-Tn
7. there_[is]_not
8. -
9. -
10. 125030
1. זוּלָתְ,ךָ
2. 180909,180910
3. except you
4. -
5. 2108
6. S-R,Sp2ms
7. except,you
8. -
9. -
10. 125031
1. לִ,גְאוֹל
2. 180911,180912
3. to redeem
4. -
6. SV-R,Vqc
7. to,redeem
8. -
9. -
10. 125032
1. וְ,אָנֹכִי
2. 180913,180914
3. and I
4. -
5. 595
6. S-C,Pp1cs
7. and,I
8. -
9. -
10. 125033
1. אַחֲרֶי,ךָ
2. 180915,180916
3. +am after you
4. after
6. P-R,Sp2ms
7. [am]_after,you
8. -
9. -
10. 125034
1. וַ,יֹּאמֶר
2. 180917,180918
3. and he/it said
4. -
5. 559
6. SV-C,Vqw3ms
7. and=he/it_said
8. -
9. -
10. 125035
1. אָנֹכִי
2. 180919
3. I
4. -
5. 595
6. S-Pp1cs
7. I
8. -
9. -
10. 125036
1. אֶגְאָל
2. 180920
3. I will redeem
4. -
6. V-Vqi1cs
7. I_will_redeem
8. -
9. -
10. 125037
2. 180921
3. -
4. -
6. -x-sof-pasuq
8. -
9. -
10. 125038

4:4 OSHB variant note: ו/אדע: (x-qere) ’וְ/אֵֽדְעָה֙’: lemma_c/3045 n_1.1.1 morph_HC/Vqh1cs id_08fbk וְ/אֵֽדְעָה֙

SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 4:1–12: Boaz assumed responsibility for Ruth

In this final chapter of the book, Ruth received the reward for her loyalty to Naomi.

Boaz is in focus in the first twelve verses. He met with the other close relative in the presence of many witnesses to discuss the entire situation. The other relative did not want to buy Elimelech’s property that Naomi was selling, if the arrangement also meant that he had to marry Ruth. So Boaz said that he would act as the redeemer himself.

In section 4:13–17, Boaz and Ruth were married, and the LORD soon gave them a son. The women in Bethlehem named the son Obed and rejoiced that Naomi now had a “son” to carry on her family line and care for her in her old age. So both Naomi and Ruth were going to be cared for, and the women went from “emptiness” to “fullness.”

Section 4:18–22 concludes the book with a genealogy that lists of the family line of Perez, who was a son of Judah and grandson of Jacob (who is also called Israel). The family line is listed from Perez through Obed to King David.

Here are some other examples of section headings for 4:1–12:

Boaz Redeems Ruth (ESV)

Boaz Settles the Matter (NET)

Structure:

Some commentaries divide this section into four scenes:NICOT, Sakenfield, Cornerstone, and Sakenfield. These divide the scenes in at least two different ways.

4:1–2 Introduction: Boaz Convenes a Legal Assembly
4:3–8 Boaz Obtains the Rights of Redemption
4:9–10 Boaz Formalizes the Agreement
4:11–12 Witnessing and Blessing

One commentary divides this section into three scenes.Block (pages 203–204).

4:1–2 setting the stage for the legal drama
4:3–8 report of the legal drama
4:9–12 significance of legal drama

You may divide the paragraphs in these scenes in whatever way best fits the structure of your language.

Paragraph 4:3–6

This paragraph describes the legal discussion between Boaz and the closest relative to Naomi about whether he was willing to redeem the land. It concludes with this man’s refusal to do so.

4:4a

I thought I should inform you

I want to bring this to your attention
I decided that I should inform you about this.

I thought: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as I thought is literally “I said.” Boaz apparently said this to himself, thought it, or “decided.”

I should inform you: The Hebrew clause is literally “I will uncover your ear.” This is an idiom that means “give information to someone” or “cause someone to know the facts.”

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

I promised to open the matter with you (REB)

I thought I should tell you about this (NJB)

So I decided to tell you about it (NCV)

4:4b

that you may buy it back

and suggest that you buy the land
If you want to buy that land, then buy it now

that you may buy it back: The BSB uses an indirect quotation here. The Hebrew uses a direct quotation. In some languages, it may be more natural to use a direct quotation. For example:

^4aI thought I should tell you about it ^4band say, “Acquire it…” (NJB)

4:4c

in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people.

in front of these town leaders and other people who are sitting here.
as these ten elders and other people are here watching.

in the presence of: This means “in front of.” Boaz was saying that the other man should decide if he wanted to buy the land from Naomi, while the people Boaz had selected were there and could be witnesses.

those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people: There are two ways to interpret these two phrases:

They refer to two groups of people. For example:
in the presence of these men sitting here and in the presence of the leaders of our people (GW) (BSB, CEV, ESV, KJV, NABRE, NASB, NCV, NET, NIV, NJB, NJPS, NRSV, REB)
They refer to the same group of people that Boaz selected in 4:2a. For example:
in the presence of these men sitting here (GNT) (GNT, NLT)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.

The BSB and the Hebrew mention the elders last. In many languages, it will better to mention the more important group, the elders, before mentioning the other people seated there. For example:

These ten men and the others standing here can be witnesses. (CEV)

4:4d

If you want to redeem it, do so.

If you want to do your duty as the nearest relative, please do it.
If you are willing to buy it back, you to have the first chance.

If you want to redeem it, do so: In 4:4b Boaz used the general verb “buy.” But here he uses the term redeem that refers to the action of a kinsman-redeemer.

In this context, the verb includes the idea that a man buys back property to help a poor relative. So if possible you should keep the distinction here by using a different verb or verb phrase. For example:

If you wish to buy back the property, you can buy back the property. (GW)

If you are going to do your duty as next-of-kin, then do so (REB)

4:4e

But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know,

But if you do not want to do that, tell me, so that I will know what you intend to do.
But if you are not willing to buy it back, please tell me what you decide.

But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know: Boaz told the man to redeem the land if he wished to do so, but asked the man to inform him if he did not want to do it. When Boaz heard the man’s answer, he would know what he himself could do.

tell me: These two wealthy men were having a formal, legal discussion. In many languages, a direct command would be inappropriate in such a situation. Translate this direct command in a way that shows that Boaz was speaking politely to the other relative.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

But if you don’t want it, let me know right away (NLT)

But if you decide not to buy it back, please tell me so that I will know what to do

4:4f

because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.”

For you are the first one with the right to buy it back, but I am the next person after you with this right.”
I say this, because it is you who has the responsibility to do it. If you do not do it, I will need to take that responsibility instead of you.”

because there is no one but you to redeem it: The Hebrew conjunction that the BSB translates as because introduces the reason that Boaz wanted to know the man’s decision. Boaz wanted to buy back the property himself, but this man had the right to choose first.

and I am next after you: The Hebrew clause that the BSB translates as I am next after you is literally “I am after you.” Boaz was the next relative to have the right to buy back the property.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

for I am the only person to redeem it besides yourself, and I myself come after you (NJB)

because the right to buy it belongs first to you and then to me (GNT)

4:4g

“I will redeem it,” he replied.

The other man said, “I am willing to take this responsibility.”
The closest relative replied, “I will buy it back.”

“I will redeem it,” he replied: The nearer relative made his decision and gave a positive response. For example:

He replied, “I will redeem it.” (NET)

The close relative answered, “I will buy back the land.” (NCV)

Notice that the BSB placed he replied after the quote. In some languages, it is more natural to put the quote after the introductory words, as in the examples above.

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

אָמַ֜רְתִּי

thought

Here, said refers to something that Boaz said to himself in his own mind. Alternate translation: [I said to myself that] or [I felt that]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

אֶגְלֶ֧ה אָזְנְ⁠ךָ֣

tell ear_of,your

I should uncover your ear is an idiom that means “I should tell you” or “I should let you know.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I should inform you]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

נֶ֥גֶד הַֽ⁠יֹּשְׁבִים֮

in_the_presence_of [those],sitting

Having these men as witnesses would make the transaction legal and binding. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [before these witnesses]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

אִם־תִּגְאַל֙

if redeem

Here, Boaz is asking about the man’s willingness to redeem the property. Use a natural way to express this in your language. Alternate translation: [If you are willing to buy it back to keep it in the family]

Note 5 topic: grammar-connect-exceptions

אֵ֤ין זוּלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ לִ⁠גְא֔וֹל וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֖י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ

not except,you to,redeem and,I [am]_after,you

In some languages, it may be confusing to say these things together: (1) there is no one to redeem the land besides you, (2) I can redeem the land after you. It may appear that Boaz is making a statement and then contradicting it. If so, you could say this differently. Alternate translation: [you are the first in line to redeem it, and I am the next one in line]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / rpronouns

אָנֹכִ֥י אֶגְאָֽל

I redeem

The man uses the word myself here to emphasize that he will do it and no one else. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: [I will be the one who redeems it]

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

4:4 OSHB variant note: ו/אדע: (x-qere) ’וְ/אֵֽדְעָה֙’: lemma_c/3045 n_1.1.1 morph_HC/Vqh1cs id_08fbk וְ/אֵֽדְעָה֙

Note: The OET-RV is still only a first draft, and so far only a few words have been (mostly automatically) matched to the Hebrew or Greek words that they’re translated from.

Acknowledgements: The Hebrew text, lemmas, and morphology are all thanks to the OSHB and some of the glosses are from Macula Hebrew.

OET interlinear RUTH 4:4

Hebrew word order

Section 4:1–12: Boaz assumed responsibility for Ruth

Paragraph 4:3–6

4:4a

4:4b

4:4c

4:4d

4:4e

4:4f

4:4g

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)