Introduction to Ruth

Outline of Ruth

How Ruth came to Bethlehem with Naomi (1:1–22)
Boaz helps Ruth as she gleans (2:1–23)
Boaz and Ruth at the threshing floor (3:1–18)
How Ruth became the wife of Boaz (4:1–12)
Obed born to Ruth and Boaz; the genealogy of David (4:13–22)

What is the Book of Ruth about?

This book is about a non-Israelite woman named Ruth. It tells how she came to join the people of Yahweh. The book also explains how Ruth became an ancestor of King David.

Ruth

¹It happened in the days when the judges ruled that there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem of Judah went to live as a foreigner in the country of Moab with his wife and his two sons.²The name of the man was Elimelek, and the name of his wife was Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion, who were Ephrathites of Bethlehem of Judah. They arrived at the country of Moab and lived there.

³Then Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left alone with her two sons.⁴These sons took wives from the women of Moab; the name of one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth. They lived there for about ten years.⁵Then both Mahlon and Kilion died, and the woman was left without her two sons and without her husband.

⁶Then she arose with her daughters-in-law and returned from the country of Moab because she had heard in the country of Moab that Yahweh had provided for his people's needs by giving them food.⁷So she left the place where she had been with her two daughters-in-law, and they walked down the road to return to the land of Judah.

⁸Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return, each of you, to your mother's house. May Yahweh show kindness toward you, as you have shown kindness toward the dead and toward me.⁹May Yahweh grant you that you find rest, each of you in the house of another husband." Then she kissed them, and they raised their voices and cried.¹⁰They said to her, "No! We will return with you to your people."

¹¹But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters! Why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb for you, so that they may become your husbands?¹²Turn back, my daughters, go your own way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said, 'I hope I get a husband tonight,' and then give birth to sons,¹³would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you choose not to marry a husband? No, my daughters! It is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me."

¹⁴Then her daughters-in-law lifted up their voices and cried again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law farewell, but Ruth held on to her.

¹⁵Naomi said, "Listen, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. Return with your sister-in-law."

¹⁶But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you, to turn back from following you, for where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.¹⁷Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May Yahweh punish me, and even more, if anything but death ever separates us."¹⁸When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped arguing with her.

¹⁹So the two traveled until they came to the town of Bethlehem. It happened that when they arrived in Bethlehem, the entire town was very excited about them. The women said, "Is this Naomi?"²⁰But she said to them, "Do not call me Naomi. Call me Bitter, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.²¹I went out full, but Yahweh has brought me back again empty. So why do you call me Naomi, seeing that Yahweh has testified against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

²²So Naomi and Ruth the Moabite woman, her daughter-in-law, returned from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Ruth 1:1

It happened in the days when the judges ruled that

"In the days when the judges ruled" or "In the days when the judges ruled, this is what happened."

in the days when the judges ruled

"during the time when judges governed Israel"

in the land

This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "in the land of Israel"

a certain man

"a man." This is a common way of introducing a character into a story.

Ruth 1:4

took wives

"married women"

from the women of Moab

"who were from the tribe of Moab." The Moabites worshiped other gods.

the name of one ... the name of the other

"the name of one woman ... the name of the other woman"

Ruth 1:6

she arose with her daughters-in-law and returned

"she prepared with her daughters-in-law to return"

her daughters-in-law

the women who married Naomi's sons

she had heard in the country of Moab

"while Naomi was living in Moab she heard"

Yahweh

This is God's name. Some translations say "the LORD."

had provided for his people's needs

God saw their need and provided good harvests for them.

Ruth 1:7

they walked down the road

"they walked along the road"

Ruth 1:8

your mother's house

"to the home of each of your mothers"

toward the dead

"to those who died" or "to your husbands, who died"

Ruth 1:9

may Yahweh grant you that you find rest

"may Yahweh cause you to find rest" or "may Yahweh enable to you rest"

you find rest

"Rest" here includes security in marriage.

in the house of another husband

"in the house of a new husband"

they raised their voices and cried

"they cried loudly"

Ruth 1:11

Why will you go with me?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to go with me.”

Do I still have sons in my womb for you, so that they may become your husbands?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not have sons in my womb who could become your husbands.”

Ruth 1:13

would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you choose not to marry a husband?

These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “you would not wait until they were grown up. You would marry someone else.”

It is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake

The idea of bitterness refers to grief. Alternate translation: "I grieve much for you"

that the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me

The word "hand" refers to Yahweh's power or influence. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me"

Ruth 1:14

Ruth held on to her

"Ruth clung to her" or "Ruth refused to leave her"

Ruth 1:15

your sister-in-law

"the wife of your husband's brother" or "Orpah"

has gone back to her people and to her gods

"has gone back to her people and will worship the gods she worshiped before"

Ruth 1:16

where you stay

"where you live"

your people will be my people

"I will consider the people of your country as being my own people" or "I will consider your relatives to be my relatives"

Ruth 1:17

May Yahweh punish me, and even more

"May Yahweh punish me and do even worse to me"

if anything but death ever separates us

"if I leave you before one of us dies"

Ruth 1:18

she stopped arguing with her

"Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth"

Ruth 1:19

It happened that

This phrase marks a new part of the story with new people. Some languages will not need to translate it.

the entire town

"everyone in the town"

Is this Naomi?

The women were probably not sure if this was really Naomi.

Ruth 1:20

Bitter

This is a translation of the meaning of the name. It is also often translated according to its sound as "Mara."

Ruth 1:21

I went out full, but Yahweh has brought me back again empty

"I left here with much, but Yahweh has brought me back without anything"

has testified against me

Another possible meaning is "has judged me guilty."

has afflicted me

"has brought calamity on me" or "has brought tragedy to me"

Ruth 1:22

General Information:

This verse summarizes what happened in verse 19. It does not tell about them doing something new.

at the beginning of the barley harvest

"when the farmers were just beginning to harvest barley"

¹Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth of the clan of Elimelek, and his name was Boaz.²Ruth, the Moabite woman, said to Naomi, "Now let me go and glean what remains among the ears of grain in the fields. I will follow anyone in whose eyes I will find favor." So Naomi said to her, "Go, my daughter."

³Ruth went and gleaned what remained in the fields after they had harvested it. She happened to come to the portion of the fields belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelek.⁴Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers, "May Yahweh be with you." They answered him, "May Yahweh bless you."

⁵Then Boaz said to his servant who was supervising the reapers, "What man does this young woman belong to?"⁶The servant supervising the reapers answered and said, "It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the land of Moab.⁷She said to me, 'Please let me glean and gather among the bundles of cut grain after the reapers.' So she came here and has continued from the morning until now, except that she rested a little in the house." ¹

⁸Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Are you not listening to me, my daughter? Do not go and glean in another field; do not leave my field. Instead, stay here and work with my young female workers.⁹Keep your eyes only on the field where the men are reaping and follow behind the other women. Have I not instructed the men not to touch you? Whenever you are thirsty, you may go to the waterpots and drink the water that the young men have drawn."

¹⁰Then she fell on her face before Boaz and bowed to the ground. She said to him, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should be concerned about me, a foreigner?"¹¹Boaz answered and said to her, "It has been reported to me, all that you have done since the death of your husband. You have left your father, mother, and the land of your birth to follow your mother-in-law and to come to a people you do not know.¹²May Yahweh reward you for your deed. May you receive full payment from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have found refuge."

¹³Then she said, "Let me find favor in your eyes, my master, for you have comforted me, and you have spoken kindly to me, though I am not one of your female servants."

¹⁴At mealtime Boaz said to Ruth, "Come here, and eat some of the bread, and dip your morsel in the wine vinegar." She sat beside the reapers, and he offered her some roasted grain. She ate until she was satisfied and left the rest of it.

¹⁵As she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the bundles of cut grain, and do not humiliate her.¹⁶Also pull out for her some ears of grain from the bundles, and leave them for her to glean, and do not rebuke her."

¹⁷So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out the ears of grain that she had gleaned, and the grain was about an ephah of barley.¹⁸She lifted it up and went into the city. Then her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. Ruth also brought out the roasted grain left from her meal and gave it to her.

¹⁹Her mother-in-law said to her, "Where have you gleaned today? Where did you go to work? May the man who was concerned about you be blessed." Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man who owned the field where she had worked. She said, "The name of the man who owns the field where I worked today is Boaz."²⁰Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by Yahweh, who has not left off his loyalty to the living and to the dead." Naomi said to her, "That man is near of kin to us, one of our kinsman-redeemers."

²¹Ruth the Moabite woman said, "Indeed, he said to me, 'You should keep close to my young men until they have finished all my harvest.'"²²Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young female workers, so that they do not harm you in another field."

²³So she stayed close to Boaz's female workers in order to glean to the end of the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. She lived with her mother-in-law.

¹Some modern translations read Please let me glean and gather among the bundle of grain after the reapers .

Ruth 2:2

the Moabite woman

"the woman from Moab"

glean what remains among the ears of grain

"pick up the grain that the harvesters leave behind"

the ears of grain

The "ears" are the parts of a grain plant that contain the grain.

anyone in whose eyes I will find favor

"anyone who will be kind to me" or "anyone who will give me permission to glean"

my daughter

Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother, so Naomi called her "daughter."

Ruth 2:3

She happened to come

Ruth was not aware that the field she went to belonged to Naomi's relative Boaz.

Ruth 2:4

May Yahweh bless you

"May Yahweh give you good things" or "May Yahweh make you happy"

Ruth 2:5

What man does this young woman belong to?

Boaz probably wanted to know who Ruth’s husband or parents were.

Ruth 2:7

the house

"the hut" or "the shelter." This was a temporary shelter or garden hut that provided shade from the sun.

Ruth 2:8

Are you not listening to me, my daughter?

This question can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: "Listen to me, my daughter."

my daughter

This was a kind way of addressing a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz.

Ruth 2:9

Keep your eyes only on the field

"Watch the field"

Have I not instructed the men not to touch you?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have given the men strict instructions not to touch you."

not to touch you

Possible meanings are 1) the men were not to harm Ruth or 2) the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field.

the water that the young men have drawn

To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.

Ruth 2:10

she fell on her face before Boaz and bowed to the ground

"she bowed before Boaz with her face to the ground"

Ruth 2:11

It has been reported to me

"People have reported to me" or "People have told me"

Ruth 2:12

reward you

"repay you" or "pay you back"

for your deed

for what you have done

under whose wings you have found refuge

Boaz uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them, in order to describe God's protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: "in whose safe care you have placed yourself"

Ruth 2:13

Let me find favor in your eyes

Here “find favor” means be approved of or be pleasing to someone. Alternate translation: “May I be pleasing to you”

Ruth 2:14

dip your morsel in the wine vinegar

The wine vinegar was a sauce that people would dip pieces of bread in before eating it.

Ruth 2:17

beat out the ears of grain

The ears of grain are the parts that people eat. She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which are thrown away.

about an ephah of barley

An ephah is about 22 liters.

Ruth 2:20

May he be blessed by Yahweh

"May Yahweh bless him"

who has not left off his loyalty

"who has continued to be loyal." Possible meanings are 1) Boaz was loyal to his family or 2) Yahweh was faithful to Naomi's family.

kinsman-redeemers

A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who could rescue a childless widow from financial ruin by marrying her and having a child with her. He could also acquire land his relatives had lost due to poverty and buy back and set freee relatives who had sold themselves into slavery.

Ruth 2:22

go out with his young female workers

"work with his young female workers"

so that they do not harm you in another field

"so that men in another field do not harm you"

¹Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek a place for you to rest, so that things may go well for you?²Now Boaz, the man whose young female workers you have been with, is he not our kinsman? Look, he will be winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.

³Therefore, wash yourself, anoint yourself, put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor. But do not make yourself known to the man until he finishes eating and drinking. ¹⁴But when he lies down, take notice of the place where he lies down so that later you can go to him, uncover his feet, and lie down there. Then he will explain to you what to do."⁵Ruth said to Naomi, "I will do everything you say."

⁶So she went down to the threshing floor, and she followed the instructions her mother-in-law had given her.⁷When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of grain. Then she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

⁸It came about at midnight that the man was startled. He turned over, and right there a woman was lying at his feet!⁹He said, "Who are you?" She answered, "I am Ruth, your female servant. Spread your cloak over your female servant, for you are a near kinsman."

¹⁰Boaz said, "My daughter, may you be blessed by Yahweh. You have made your latest kindness better than the first, because you have not gone after any of the young men, whether poor or rich.¹¹Now, my daughter, do not be afraid! I will do for you all that you say, because all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.

¹²It is true that I am a kinsman, but there is a kinsman nearer than I.¹³Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he will perform for you the duty of a kinsman, good, let him do the kinsman's duty. But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do it, by the life of Yahweh. Lie down until the morning."

¹⁴So she lay at his feet until the morning. But she rose up before anyone could recognize another person. For Boaz had said, "Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor."¹⁵Then Boaz said, "Bring your shawl and hold it out." When she did so, he measured six large measures of barley into it and put the load on her. Then he went into the city.

¹⁶When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, she said, "How did you do, my daughter?" Then Ruth told her all that the man had done for her.¹⁷She said, "These six measures of barley are what he gave me, for he said, 'Do not go empty to your mother-in-law.'"¹⁸Then Naomi said, "Stay here, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out, for the man will not rest until he has finished this thing today."

¹The copies of the ancient Hebrew text have, Put on your best piece of clothing . However, a marginal note instructs readers to read, Put on your best clothes. Translators are free to choose for themselves.

Ruth 3:1

My daughter

Ruth cared for Naomi as if she were her own mother, so Naomi called her “daughter”.

should I not seek a place for you to rest, so that things may go well for you?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I must look for a place for you to rest so that things may go well for you."

a place for you to rest

Possible meanings are 1) a home for Ruth or 2) a husband who would provide a home for Ruth. Naomi probably had both of these in mind.

Ruth 3:2

Now Boaz ... is he not our kinsman?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now Boaz ... is our relative."

winnowing

To winnow means to separate the grains from the chaff by tossing them into the air and letting the wind blow the chaff away.

Ruth 3:3

anoint yourself

This probably refers to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on herself.

Ruth 3:4

uncover his feet

This means to remove the part of the cloak or blanket that covered his feet.

Ruth 3:7

his heart was merry

"he was satisfied" or "he was in a good mood"

she came softly

"she came quietly"

Ruth 3:8

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

at midnight

"in the middle of the night"

right there a woman was lying at his feet

This sentence expresses Boaz's surprise at seeing a woman there. She was Ruth, but Boaz did not recognize her in the darkness.

Ruth 3:9

your female servant

Ruth spoke with humility to Boaz.

Spread your cloak over your female servant

Ruth was asking Boaz to marry her.

near kinsman

a close relative with special responsibilities toward their extended family

Ruth 3:10

You have made your latest kindness better than the first

"You have shown even more kindness now than you did before"

your latest kindness

Ruth showed kindness to Naomi. Ruth would provide for Naomi by marrying Naomi's relative, Boaz.

you have not gone after any of the young men

"you have not tried to marry any of the young men"

Ruth 3:11

my daughter

This was a kind way of addressing a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz.

all the city of my people knows

Bethlehem is a town, or small city, that belonged to the tribe that Boaz belonged to. Alternate translation: "all the people of my city know" or "everyone in town knows"

Ruth 3:12

kinsman nearer than I

"a man who is more closely related to you than I am"

Ruth 3:13

if he will perform for you the duty of a kinsman

"if he will redeem you" or "if he will marry you." A dead man's closest male relative was expected to marry the widow, and their first son would have the dead man's family name.

by the life of Yahweh

"as surely as Yahweh lives." Boaz used this vow to assure Ruth that he would keep his promise.

Ruth 3:14

she lay at his feet

Ruth slept at Boaz's feet. They did not have sexual relations.

Ruth 3:15

shawl

a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders

Ruth 3:16

How did you do, my daughter?

"What happened, my daughter?"

Ruth 3:17

Do not go empty

"Do not go without bringing something" or "Be sure to take something"

Ruth 3:18

until he has finished this thing

"until he has settled the matter." This refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi's property and marry Ruth.

¹Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there. Soon, the near kinsman of whom Boaz had spoken came by. Boaz said to him, "My friend, come over and sit down here." The man came over and sat down.²Then Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.

³Boaz said to the near kinsman, "Naomi, who has returned from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that was our brother Elimelek's.⁴I thought to uncover your ears and say to you, 'Buy it in the presence of those who are sitting here, and in the presence of the elders of my people.' If you wish to redeem it, redeem it. But if you do not wish to redeem it, then tell me, so that I may know, for there is no one to redeem it besides you, and I am after you." Then the other man said, "I will redeem it."

⁵Then Boaz said, "On the day that you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also take Ruth the Moabite woman, the widow of a dead man, in order to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance."⁶Then the near kinsman said, "I cannot redeem it for myself without destroying my own inheritance. You take my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it."

⁷Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and exchange of goods. To confirm all things, a man took off his sandal and gave it to his neighbor; this was the manner of making legal agreements in Israel.⁸So the near kinsman said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself," and he took off his sandal.

⁹Then Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, "You are witnesses today that I have bought all that was Elimelek's and all that was Kilion's and Mahlon's from the hand of Naomi.¹⁰Also Ruth the Moabite woman, the wife of Mahlon, I have acquired to be my wife, in order that I might raise up the name of the dead man on his inheritance, so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place. Today you are witnesses!"

¹¹All the people who were in the gate and the elders said, "We are witnesses. May Yahweh make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built up the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem.¹²May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring that Yahweh will give you with this young woman."

¹³So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. He went to her, and Yahweh enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son.¹⁴The women said to Naomi, "May Yahweh be blessed, who has not left you today without a near kinsman, this baby. May his name be famous in Israel.¹⁵May he be for you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him."

¹⁶Naomi took the child, laid him in her bosom, and took care of him.¹⁷The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, who became the father of David.

¹⁸Now these were the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron,

¹⁹Hezron became the father of Ram, Ram became the father of Amminadab,

²⁰Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon became the father of Salmon,

²¹Salmon became the father of Boaz, Boaz became the father of Obed,

²²Obed became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of David.

Ruth 4:1

the gate

"the gate of the city." There was an open area by the gate where people met to discuss community matters.

the near kinsman

This was Elimelek's closest living male relative. Elimelek had died, and Naomi was his widow.

Ruth 4:2

the elders of the city

"the leaders of the city"

Ruth 4:4

to uncover your ears

"to inform you"

redeem it

This meant to buy the land so that it would still belong to their family.

I am after you

"I am the next person in the family to do it"

Ruth 4:5

from the hand of Naomi

"from Naomi"

you must also take Ruth

"you must also marry Ruth"

Ruth ... the widow of a dead man

"Ruth ... the widow of Elimelek's son"

in order to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance

"so that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on the name of her dead husband"

Ruth 4:6

I cannot redeem it for myself without destroying my own inheritance

"If I redeem it, I will destroy my own inheritance"

destroying my own inheritance

"putting my own inheritance in danger"

You take my right of redemption for yourself

"You redeem it yourself" or "You yourself redeem it instead of me"

Ruth 4:7

his neighbor

This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement.

Ruth 4:9

all that was Elimelek's and all that was Kilion's and Mahlon's

This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi's dead husband and sons.

Ruth 4:10

in order that I might raise up the name of the dead man on his inheritance

"so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man's property"

so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place

"so that the dead man will not be forgotten by his brothers' descendants and the people of his town"

Ruth 4:11

All the people who were in the gate

"All the people who were at the gate"

the two who built up the house of Israel

"the two women who bore many children who became the nation of Israel"

Ruth 4:12

May your house be like the house of Perez

"May your family be like the family of Perez." This was a blessing.

whom Tamar bore to Judah

"son of Judah and Tamar"

Ruth 4:13

Boaz took Ruth

"Boaz took Ruth as his wife" or "Boaz married Ruth"

He went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: "He had sexual relations with her" or "He lay with her"

Ruth 4:14

who has not left you today without a near kinsman

"who has provided you today with a near kinsman"

Ruth 4:15

May he be for you a restorer of life

"May he restore your life" or "May he bring you hope again"

and a nourisher of your old age

"and take care of you when you become old"

Ruth 4:16

laid him in her bosom

"held him close against her chest" or "held him in her arms"

Ruth 4:17

A son has been born to Naomi

"The child is like a son to Naomi" or "Naomi has a son"

Ruth 4:18

the descendants of Perez

Perez was the son of Judah that was mentioned in verse 12.

Translation Words

Almighty

Facts:

The term "Almighty" literally means "all-powerful"; in the Bible, it always refers to God.

Translation Suggestions:

Bible References:

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethlehem

Facts:

Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as "Ephrathah," which was probably its original name.

Bible References:

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Boaz

Facts:

Boaz was an Israelite man who was the husband of Ruth, the great grandfather of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Bible References:

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

David

Facts:

David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.

Bible References:

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephrathah

Related Words:

Facts:

Ephrathah was the name of a city and region in the northern part of Israel. The city of Ephrathah was also called "Ephrath," and later it was called "Bethlehem" and "Ephrathah-Bethlehem."

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God

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In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."

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Hebrew

Facts:

The "Hebrews" were people who were descended from Abraham through the line of Isaac and Jacob. Abraham is the first person in the Bible to be called a "Hebrew."

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Israel

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The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."

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Jesse

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Judah

Facts:

Judah was one of Jacob's older sons. His mother was Leah. His descendants were called the "tribe of Judah."

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Judah

Facts:

The tribe of Judah was the largest of the twelve tribes of Israel. The kingdom of Judah was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

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Leah

Facts:

Leah was one of Jacob's wives. She was the mother of ten of Jacob's sons and their descendants were ten of the twelve tribes of Israel.

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Moab

Facts:

Moab was the son of Lot's elder daughter. Moab also became the name of the land where Moab and his family lived. The term "Moabite" refers to a person who is descended from Moab or who lives in the country of Moab.

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Rachel

Facts:

Rachel was one of Jacob's wives. She and her sister Leah were the daughters of Laban, Jacob's uncle.

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Ruth

Facts:

Ruth was a Moabite woman who lived during the time when judges were leading Israel. She married an Israelite man in Moab after he had moved there with his family because of a famine during the time when judges were leading Israel.

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Tamar

Facts:

Tamar was the name of several women in the Old Testament. It was also the name of several cities or other places in the Old Testament.

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Yahweh

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Facts:

The term "Yahweh" is God's personal name that he revealed when he spoke to Moses at the burning bush.

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afflict

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Definition:

The term "afflict" means to cause someone distress or suffering. An "affliction" is the disease, emotional grief, or other disaster that results from this.

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age

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Definition:

The term "age" refers to the length of time a person has lived. The term "aged" describes a person who is very old. The term "age" is also used to refer generally to a time period.

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anoint

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Definition:

The term "anoint" means to rub or pour oil on a person or object. Sometimes the oil was mixed with spices, giving it a sweet, perfumed smell. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit choosing and empowering someone.

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ark

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The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.

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ash

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The term "ash" or "ashes" refers to the grey powdery substance that is left behind after wood is burned. It is sometimes used figuratively to refer to something that is worthless or useless.

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barley

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beg

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Definition:

The term "beg" means to urgently ask someone for something. It often refers to asking for money, but it is also commonly used to refer to pleading for something.

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bless

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Definition:

To "bless" someone or something means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.

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bow

Related Ideas:

Note

Definition:

To bow means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. To "bow down" means to bend over or kneel down very low, often with face and hands toward the ground.

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are bent, bend, bend the knee, bow, bow down, bowed, bowed ... down, bowed ... down ... before, bowing, bowing down, bows, bows down, fall down, fell, fell down, has ... bent, have ... bent, kneel, kneeling, knelt, will bend

bread

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Bread is a food made from flour mixed with water and oil to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked.

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brother

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Definition:

The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.

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call

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Definition:

The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.

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appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning

clan

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The term "clan" refers to a group of extended family members who come from a common ancestor.

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comfort

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Definition:

The terms "comfort" and "comforter" refer to helping someone who is suffering physical or emotional pain.

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comfort, comforted, comforter, comforters, comforting, comforts, consolation, consolations, consoling, uncomforted

command

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Definition:

The term to "command" means to order someone to do something. A "command" or "commandment" is what the person was ordered to do.

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command, commanded, commanding, commandment, commandments, commands, forbid, forbidden, forbidding, give ... solemn command, given ... solemn commands, given an order, given orders, order, ordered, orders, requirement, solemn commands

conceive

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Definition:

The terms "conceive" and "conception" usually refer to becoming pregnant with a child. It can also be used for animals that become pregnant.

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confirm

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Definition:

The terms "confirm" and "confirmation" refer to stating or assuring that something is true or sure or trustworthy.

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carry out, cause ... to believe firmly, confirm, confirmation, confirmed, confirms, guaranteed

cut off

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Definition:

The expression "cut off" literally means to use a sharp instrument to remove a part of something. This can refer to, for example, removing a limb from a tree or an arm or leg from a person, or to chopping a tree completely down.

The expression "cut off" is also used to refer to God causing a river to stop flowing.

The metaphor "cut off" refers to people or God separating a person from his nation or community either by driving him away or by killing him.

To "pluck" is to separate a part of something from the rest by pulling it off or out.

Picture of Cut Off From People:

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chop ... down, chopped ... down, cut ... down, cut ... off, cut ... out of, cut in two, cut off, cuts ... off, cutting ... off, eliminate, pluck ... out, shear, sheared, tear ... off

day

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Definition:

The term "day" literally refers to a period of time lasting 24 hours beginning at sundown. It is also used figuratively.

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death

Related Ideas:

breathed their last, dead, deadly, deadness, deathly, die, lethal, mortal, stop breathing

Definition:

This term is used to refer to both physical and spiritual death. Physically, it refers to when the physical body of a person stops living. Spiritually, it refers to sinners being separated from a holy God because of their sin.

1. Physical death

2. Spiritual death

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about to die, breathed ... last, causes ... death, dead, deadly, deadness, death, deathly, deaths, die, die with, died, dies, dying, fatal, lethal, mortal, stop breathing, stops breathing

descendant

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A "descendant" is someone who is a direct blood relative of someone else further back in history.

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destroy

Related Ideas:

break down, bring ... to nothing, destruction, remove, cut to pieces, demolish, destroyer, destructive, downfall, overthrow, pass away, put an end to, shatter, spoil, throw down, waste away

Definition:

To destroy something is to completely make an end to it, so that it no longer exists.

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an end is put to, be destroyed, break ... down, breaking ... down, breaks ... down, bring ... to nothing, broke to pieces, broken, broken to pieces, brought ... down, brought ... to nothing, complete destruction, completely destroy, completely destroyed, crashing sound, cut ... to pieces, cut into pieces, cuts ... into pieces, demolish, destroy, destroy ... completely, destroyed, destroyer, destroyers, destroying, destroys, destruction, destructive, downfall, overthrew, overthrown, pass away, put an end to, shatter, shattered, shattering, spoil, throw down, throws ... down, thrown down, wasting away

drunk

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Definitions:

The term "drunk" means to be intoxicated from drinking too much of an alcoholic beverage.

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be ... intoxicated, became drunk, become drunk, drank freely, drink much, drunk, drunkard, drunkards, drunkenness, get drunk

elder

Definition:

Elders are spiritually mature men who have responsibilities of spiritual and practical leadership among God's people.

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face

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Definition:

The word "face" literally refers to the front part of a person's head. This term also has several figurative meanings.

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famine

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Definition:

The term "famine" refers to an extreme lack of food throughout a country or region, usually due to not enough rain. The term "famished" means extremely hungry.

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father

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ancestor, ancestor's, ancestors, ancestors', ancestral, beget, begot, father, father's, fathered, fathering, fatherless, fathers, fathers', forefather, forefathers, grandfather, orphan, orphans

favor

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Definition:

To "favor" is to prefer. When someone favors a person, he regards that person positively and does more to benefit that person than he does to benefit others.

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favor, favorable, favored, favoritism, favors, privilege, request for favor, seek ... favor, seeking the favor, show favor, shown favor, sought ... favor

fir

Definition:

A fir tree is a kind of tree that stays green all year and has cones that contain seeds.

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foreigner

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Definition:

The term "foreigner" refers to a person living in a country that is not his own. Another name for a foreigner is an "alien."

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alien, alienated, alienates, barbarian, foreign, foreigner, foreigners, live as a foreigner, living as foreigners, sojourn, sojourned, sojourner, sojourners, sojourning, stranger, strangers, tenant, tenants

found

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Definition:

The verb "found" means build, create, or lay a base for. The phrase "founded on" means supported by or based on. A "foundation" is the base of support on which something is built or created.

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established, establishes, found, foundation, foundations, founded, founder, founds, lay ... foundation, lay ... foundations

free

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Definition:

The terms "free" or "freedom" refer to not being in slavery, or any other kind of bondage. Another word for "freedom" is "liberty."

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free, freed, freedom, freeing, freely, freely gave, freeman, frees, liberty, set ... free, volunteer, volunteered, without cost, without paying for it

gate

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Definition:

A "gate" is a hinged barrier at an access point in a fence or wall that surrounds a house or city.

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glean

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Definition:

The term "glean" means to go through a field or orchard and pick up whatever grain or fruit the harvesters have left behind.

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god

Related Ideas:

disgusting figure, false god, goat idols, goddess, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry

Definition:

A false god is something that people worship instead of the one true God. The term "goddess" refers specifically to a female false god.

An idol is an object that people make so they can worship it. Something is described as "idolatrous" if it involves giving honor to something other than the one true God.

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disgusting figure, disgusting figures, false god, goat idols, god, goddess, gods, idol, idol's, idolater, idolaters, idolatrous, idolatry, idols, idols'

good

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Definition:

The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.

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best, better, do ... good, fair, good, good things, goodness, goods, improved, made ... better, prefer, proper, seemed good, well

grain

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Definition:

The term "grain" usually refers to the seed of a food plant such as wheat, barley, corn, millet, or rice. It can also refer to the whole plant.

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hand

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Definition:

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by the hand of, fist, from the hand of, hand, handbreadth, handed, handful, handfuls, handing, hands, lay a hand on, lays his hand on

hang

Definition:

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harvest

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Definition:

The term "harvest" refers to the gathering in of ripe fruits or vegetables from the plants on which they were growing.

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head

Definition:

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heart

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Definition:

In the Bible, the term "heart" is often used figuratively to refer to a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, or will.

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heir

Definition:

An "heir" is a person who legally receives property or money that belonged to a person who has died.

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hope

Definition:

Hope is strongly desiring something to happen. Hope can imply either certainty or uncertainty regarding a future event.

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house

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Definition:

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humiliate

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The term "humiliate" means to cause someone to feel shamed or disgraced. This is usually done publicly. The act of shaming someone is called "humiliation."

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inherit

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Definition:

The term "inherit" refers to receiving something valuable from a parent or other person because of a special relationship with that person. The "inheritance" is what is received.

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instruct

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Definitions:

The terms "instruct" and "instruction" refer to giving specific directions about what to do.

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gave ... instructions, instruct, instructed, instructing, instruction, instructions, instructor, instructors, instructs

judge

Related Ideas:

act of judging, consider, decide, decision, give justice, give judgment, judgment, judgment seat

Definition:

The terms "judge" and "judgment" often refer to making a decision about whether something is morally right or wrong.

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acts of judgment, consider, considered, considering, decide, decided, decided on, decision, give justice, giving judgment, have decided, insightful decisions, judge, judged, judges, judging, judgment, judgment seat, judgments, renders judgment, will judge

judge

Definition:

A judge is a person who decides what is right or wrong when there are disputes between people, usually in matters that pertain to the law.

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kin

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Definition:

The term "kin" refers to a person's blood relatives, considered as a group. The word "kinsman" refers specifically to a male relative.

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kind

Definition:

The terms "kind" and "kinds" refer to groups or classifications of things that are connected by shared characteristics.

Picture showing Kinds:

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king

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Definition:

The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.

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king, king's, kingly, kings, kingship, made ... king, set up ... king, set up kings

kiss

Definition:

A kiss is an action in which one person puts his lips to another person's lips or face. This term can also be used figuratively.

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know

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Definition:

To "know" means to understand something or to be aware of a fact. The expression "make known" is an expression that means to tell information.

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knew, know, know ... beforehand, knowing, knowledge, known, knows, made ... known, made known, make ... known, makes known, unknowingly, unknown

law

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Definition:

A "law" is a legal rule that is usually written down and enforced by someone in authority. A "principle" is a guideline for decision-making and behavior.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

law, lawbreaker, lawbreakers, lawgiver, laws, lawyer, principle, principled, principles

life

Related Ideas:

alive, come to life, conduct, exist, fresh, life-giving, lifetime, live, revive, survive, survivor

Definition:

All these terms refer to being physically alive, not dead. They are also used figuratively to refer to being alive spiritually. The following discusses what is meant by "physical life" and "spiritual life."

1. Physical life

2. Spiritual life

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

alive, come to life, conduct, conducted, existed, fresh, keep ... alive, life, life-giving, lifeless, lifetime, live, lived, lives, living, revive, revived, survive, survived, survivor, survivors

Related Ideas:

according to, alike, as, as if, compare, in the same way, just as, liken, likeness, likewise, resemble, similar, similarly, unlike

Definition:

The terms "like" and "likeness" refer to something being the same as, or similar to, something else.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

according to, alike, as, as if, be ... like, become ... like, compare, in the same way, is ... like, just as, like, liken, likeness, likenesses, likewise, resemble, resembled, similar to, similarly, the same, the same way, unlike

lion

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Definition:

A lion is a large, cat-like, that has animal, with powerful teeth and claws for killing and tearing apart its prey.

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love

Related Ideas:

Definition:

To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:

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mighty

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Definition:

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Mighty One, might, mightier, mightily, mighty, mighty host, mighty men, mighty one, mighty ones, mighty work, mighty works

name

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neighbor

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Definition:

The term "neighbor" usually refers to a person who lives nearby. It can also refer more generally to someone who lives in the same community or people group.

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oak

Related Ideas:

Definition:

An oak, or oak tree, is a tall shade tree with a large trunk and wide spreading branches.

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offspring

Definition:

The term "offspring" is a general reference to the biological descendants of people or animals.

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prosper

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Definition:

The term "prosper" generally refers to living well and can refer to prospering physically or spiritually. When people or countryies are "prosperous," it means they are wealthy and have all that they need to be successful. They are experiencing "prosperity."

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punish

Related Ideas:

bring down judgment, deal with, inflict punishment, judgment, punishment, unpunished

Definition:

The term "punish" means to cause someone to suffer a negative consequence for doing something wrong. The term "punishment" refers to the negative consequence that is given as a result of that wrong behavior.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring down judgment, go ... unpunished, inflicted punishment, inflicting punishment, judgment, leave ... unpunished, punish, punished, punishes, punishing, punishment, unpunished

raise

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Definition:

To "rise" or "arise" means to "go up" or "get up." The terms "risen," "rose," and "arose" express past action.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

arise, arisen, arises, raise, raise up, raised, raises, raising, raising up, rise, rise up, risen, rises, rising, rose

reap

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Definition:

The term "reap" means to harvest crops such as grain. A "reaper" is someone who harvests the crop.

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rebuke

Related Ideas:

Definition:

To rebuke is to give someone a stern verbal correction, often in order to help that person turn away from sin. Such a correction is a rebuke.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

correct, corrected, correction, corrections, corrects, give correction, rebuke, rebuked, rebukes

receive

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "receive" generally means to get or accept something that is given, offered, or presented.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

abstain, receive, receive back, received, received ... in full, receiver, receives, receiving

redeem

Related Ideas:

Definition:

To "redeem" and "redemption" refer to buy back something or someone that was previously owned or held captive. "Redemption" is the action of doing that. A "redeemer" is someone who redeems something or someone.

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refuge

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "refuge" refers to a place or condition of safety and protection. A "refugee" is someone who is seeking a safe place. A "shelter" refers to a place that can protect from weather or danger.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

find refuge, refuge, refugee, refugees, shelter, sheltered, sheltering, shelters, take refuge

reign

Definition:

The term to "reign" means to rule over the people of a particular country or kingdom. The reign of a king is the time period during which he is ruling.

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renown

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "renown" refers to the greatness associated with being well known and having a praiseworthy reputation. Something or someone is "renowned" if it has renown.

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report

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term to "report" means to tell people about something that happened, often giving details about that event. A "report" is what is told, and can be spoken or written.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

account, accounts, bring ... report, brought ... news, brought ... report, gave ... a full account, give ... a full account, news, report, reported, reports, rumor, rumors, spread ... about

rest

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term to "rest" literally means to stop working. Usually it means to stop working in order to relax or regain strength. A "rest" is what someone has when he stops working. To "rest secure" is to feel safe. To "rest" an object on something means to "place" or "put" it there. An object that is "resting" somewhere is simply in that place. A boat that "comes to rest" somewhere has "stopped" or "landed" there. The phrase "the rest of" refers to the remainder of something.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

at ease, be at rest, give ... rest, pause, refresh, refreshed, relief, rest, rest secure, rested, rested secure, resting, resting place, resting places, restless, rests

restore

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The terms "restore" and "restoration" refer to causing something to return to its original and better condition.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring back, mending, recover, restoration, restore, restored, restorer, restores, restoring, reverse

return

Definition:

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reward

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "reward" refers to what a person receives or earns because of something he has done, either good or bad. To "reward" someone is to give someone something he deserves.

Translation Suggestions:

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pay, pay ... back, pays ... back, payment, penalty, prize, recompense, repay, repayment, retribution, reward, rewarded, rewarder, rewarding, rewards, wage, wages

run

Related Ideas:

Definition:

Literally the term "run" means "move very quickly on foot," usually at a greater speed than can be accomplished by walking. To "run after" or "pursue" someone or something is to move as quickly as possible to try to catch that person or thing. To run away from someone or something is to "flee."

This main meaning of "run" is also used in figurative expressions such as the following:

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

caused ... to flee, fled, flee, fleeing, flees, flow, flows, moving swiftly, ran, run, runner, runners, running, runs

sandal

Definition:

A sandal is a simple flat-soled shoe held onto the foot by straps that go around the foot or ankle. Sandals are worn by both men and women.

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seek

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Definition:

The term "seek" means to look for something or someone. The past tense is "sought." It can also mean "try hard" or "make an effort" to do something.

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

diligently seek, go to find, look out for, looked for, looking for, looks for, search, search carefully, search for, searched, searched for, searched out, searches ... out, searches for, searching, searching for, seek, seek ... out, seeking, seeks, sought, tried, try, trying

servant

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The word "servant" refers to a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. Some servants were slaves, and the surrounding text usually makes it clear whether or not a particular servant was a slave. In Bible times, there was less of a difference between a servant and a slave than there is today. Both servants and slaves were an important part of their master's household and many were treated almost like members of the family. Sometimes a servant would choose to become a lifetime servant to his master.

The word "serve" means to do things to help other people. It can also mean to "worship."

The word "service" refers to the work that a servant does. It may also refer to worship.

Bible References

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

female servant, female servants, hired servant, hired servants, hired worker, maidservants, male servant, male servants, office, offices, one who serves, servant, servant girl, servant girls, servant's, servants, servants', serve, served, serves, service, services, serving

sin

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.

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sister

Definition:

A sister is a female person who shares at least one biological parent with another person. She is said to be that other person’s sister or the sister of that other person.

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son

Definition:

The male offspring of a man and a woman is called their "son" for his entire life. He is also called a son of that man and a son of that woman. An "adopted son" is a male who has been legally placed into the position of being a son.

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test

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Definition:

The term "test" refers to a difficult or painful experience that reveals a person's strengths and weaknesses.

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thresh

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The terms "thresh" and "threshing" refer to the first part of the process of separating wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.

Bible References:

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beat ... out, beaten ... out, floors for threshing, thresh, threshed, threshes, threshing, threshing floor, threshing sledges

time

Definitions:

In the Bible the term "time" was often used to refer to a specific season or period of time when certain events took place. It has a meaning similar to "age" or "epoch" or "season."

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true

Related Ideas:

certain, certainly, certainty, indeed, real, sure, surely, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

Definition:

The term "truth" refers to one or more concepts that are facts, events that actually happened, and statements that were actually said. Such concepts are said to be "true."

Translation Suggestions:

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

certainly, certainty, for certain, indeed, real, sure, surely, true, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

turn

Related Ideas:

Definition:

To "turn" means to physically change direction or to cause something else to change direction.

Translation Suggestions:

Bible References:

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acts of apostasy, apostasy, apostate, turn, turn ... away, turned, turned ... away, turned ... away ... in disgust, turned ... back, turning, turning ... away, turns, turns ... away, turns ... away from

vine

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "vine" refers to a plant that grows by trailing along the ground or by climbing trees and other structures. The word "vine" in the Bible is used only of fruit-bearing vines and usually refers to grape vines.

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voice

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term “voice” refers to sound that a person makes when speaking or singing. The term "voice" is often used figuratively to refer to speaking or communicating something.

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walk

Definition:

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water

Definition:

In addition to its primary meaning, "water" also often refers to a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river.

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well

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Definition:

The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.

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wheat

Definition:

Wheat is a type of grain that people grow for food. When the Bible mentions "grain" or "seeds," it is often talking about wheat grain or seeds.

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wine

Related Ideas:

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "wine" refers to a kind of fermented drink made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. Wine was stored in "wineskins," which were containers made out of animal skin.

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winnow

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The terms "winnow" and "sift" mean to separate grain from unwanted materials. In the Bible, both words are also used in a figurative sense to refer to separating or dividing people.

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womb

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Definition:

Picture showing location of a Womb:

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work

Related Ideas:

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.

Translation Suggestions:

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works

worthy

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "worthy" describes someone or something that deserves respect or honor. To "have worth" means to be valuable or important.

Translation Suggestions:

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deserve, deserved, deserves, deserving, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy

year

Definition:

When used literally, the term "year" in the Bible refers to a period of time lasting 354 days. This is according to the lunar calendar system which is based on the time it takes for the moon to go around the earth.

English: Unlocked Literal Bible for Ruth

Formatted for Translators

Introduction to Ruth

Outline of Ruth

What is the Book of Ruth about?

Ruth

Ruth 1:1

It happened in the days when the judges ruled that

in the days when the judges ruled

in the land

a certain man

Ruth 1:4

took wives

from the women of Moab

the name of one ... the name of the other

Ruth 1:6

she arose with her daughters-in-law and returned

her daughters-in-law

she had heard in the country of Moab

Yahweh

had provided for his people's needs

Ruth 1:7

they walked down the road

Ruth 1:8

your mother's house

toward the dead

Ruth 1:9

may Yahweh grant you that you find rest

you find rest

in the house of another husband

they raised their voices and cried

Ruth 1:11

Why will you go with me?

Do I still have sons in my womb for you, so that they may become your husbands?

Ruth 1:13

would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you choose not to marry a husband?

It is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake

that the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me

Ruth 1:14

Ruth held on to her

Ruth 1:15

your sister-in-law

has gone back to her people and to her gods

Ruth 1:16

where you stay

your people will be my people

Ruth 1:17

May Yahweh punish me, and even more

if anything but death ever separates us

Ruth 1:18

she stopped arguing with her

Ruth 1:19

It happened that

the entire town

Is this Naomi?

Ruth 1:20

Bitter

Ruth 1:21

I went out full, but Yahweh has brought me back again empty

has testified against me

has afflicted me

Ruth 1:22

General Information:

at the beginning of the barley harvest

Ruth 2:2

the Moabite woman

glean what remains among the ears of grain

the ears of grain

anyone in whose eyes I will find favor

my daughter

Ruth 2:3

She happened to come

Ruth 2:4

May Yahweh bless you

Ruth 2:5

What man does this young woman belong to?

Ruth 2:7

the house

Ruth 2:8

Are you not listening to me, my daughter?