SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2024 – Page 6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 4:5

4:5a

Then Boaz said: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then introduces a significant and unexpected addition to what Boaz told the other relative.

On the day you buy the land from Naomi: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as On the day means “when” or “whenever.” At the same time that the man bought the land from Naomi, he would also acquire Ruth (4:5b).

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

Boaz continued: “On the day you take over the field from Naomi (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Then Boaz explained, “When you buy the land from Naomi (New Century Version)

4:5b

and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire: There is a textual problem with this part of the verse. Scholars suggest two ways to understand the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as from Ruth :

(1) It should say “Ruth.” The word “Ruth” is the object of the verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you…acquire. When the man acquired the land, he would also acquire Ruth. For example:

you also acquire Ruth the Moabitess (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
you will also assume responsibility for the Moabite Ruth (God’s Word)
-or-
you must also marry Ruth the Moabite (New Century Version)

(2) It should say “from Ruth.” Ruth as well as Naomi was the seller of the land. For example:

On the day you buy the land from Naomi and from Ruth, you acquire (New International Version (1984))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with a majority of versions.

the widow of the deceased: The Hebrew phrase the Berean Standard Bible translates as the widow of the deceased is literally “the wife of the dead man.” It refers here to Ruth. The dead man is Mahlon, Elimelech’s son.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

the dead man’s wife (New Century Version)

4:5c

in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance: The custom of marrying a dead relative’s widow was intended to provide an heir for the dead man. The first male child born to the widow and the redeemer would be considered the heir of the man who had died. The land and the family name of the one who had died would belong to this son. In this case, people would consider Elimelech and Mahlon to be the ancestors of the first son born to Ruth and the redeemer.

the deceased: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the deceased is singular and primarily refers to Mahlon.

Here is one way to clarify that the name of the dead will be maintained:

This keeps the inheritance in the dead man’s name. (God’s Word)

his inheritance: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as inheritance refers here to the land that a man left to his son as an inheritance.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

to maintain the dead man’s name on his inheritance (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
so that the field will stay in the dead man’s family (Good News Translation)

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 4:4

4:4a

I thought: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible 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 (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I thought I should tell you about this (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
So I decided to tell you about it (New Century Version)

4:4b

that you may buy it back: The Berean Standard Bible 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:

4a I thought I should tell you about it 4b and say, “Acquire it…” (New Jerusalem Bible)

4:4c

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:

(1) 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 (God’s Word)

(2) They refer to the same group of people that Boaz selected in 4:2a. For example:

in the presence of these men sitting here (Good News Translation)

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

The Berean Standard Bible 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. (Contemporary English Version)

4:4d

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. (God’s Word)
-or-
If you are going to do your duty as next-of-kin, then do so (Revised English Bible)

4:4e

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 (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
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: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible 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 Berean Standard Bible 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 (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
because the right to buy it belongs first to you and then to me (Good News Translation)

4:4g

“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 Bible)
-or-
The close relative answered, “I will buy back the land.” (New Century Version)

Notice that the Berean Standard Bible 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.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 4:3

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.

4:3a

And he said to the kinsman-redeemer: This is the beginning of a new paragraph. Follow the grammar of your language in choosing whether you should use the name Boaz or the pronoun he.

kinsman-redeemer: This word is used often in this chapter. Therefore, even if it is necessary to use a long phrase in your language to explain the word clearly the first time it occurs, it may be possible to shorten the phrase in some cases.

4:3b

Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech: This is new information. There is no mention of how Boaz knew this.

is selling the piece of land: This means that Naomi intended to put the land up for sale. She had not yet sold it. Boaz wanted to discuss the land before he mentioned that he would also marry Ruth. Naomi was selling the land, or the rights to the land, and a close relative had the duty and opportunity to buy it.

land: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as land can also be translated as “field.”

Here are some other ways to translate the whole clause “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land”:

“Now that Naomi has come back from Moab, she wants to sell the field (Good News Translation)
-or-
“You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land (New Living Translation (2004))

that belonged to our brother Elimelech: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as our brother can refer to either a literal brother, a cousin, another near relative, or someone else in the same clan. In this case, the reference is to a near relative. Elimelech was probably not an actual brother of Boaz or the other relative.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:11

Paragraph 1:11–15

1:11a

But Naomi replied: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces the next event in the story. Naomi’s answer contrasted with how her daughters-in-law had replied to her. Some English versions do not translate this word.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Naomi replied (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

-or

Naomi answered (Good News Translation)
-or-
Then Naomi said

Return home, my daughters: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Return home is more literally “return” or “go back.” Naomi thought it would be best for Ruth and Orpah to return to their own homes in Moab rather than to travel with her to Israel.

my daughters: Naomi called her two daughters-in-law my daughters when she spoke to them. This showed her affection for them. In some languages, it may not be possible to use the term daughters for daughters-in-law.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Turn back, my daughters-in-law.
-or-
Go back to your homes, dear daughters-in-law.

1:11b

Why would you go with me?: This is a rhetorical question. It functions as a rebuke. Naomi meant that there was no reason for the women to go with her. In fact, it would be foolish for them to return with her. Their lives would be better in their own country.

There are two ways to translate this rebuke.

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Why should you go on with me? (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
What good will it do you to go with me? (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a statement. For example:

There is no reason for you to return to Judah with me. (NET Bible)
-or-
You should return to your own country. You should not choose to return to Judah with me (Easy English Bible)

1:11c

Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands?: This is another rhetorical question. The implied answer is “no.” Naomi meant that she was too old to have any more children. She could not provide more sons who would become husbands for Ruth or Orpah.

There are two ways to translate this rhetorical question:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Am I likely to bear any more sons to become husbands for you? (Revised English Bible)

• Use a statement. For example:

I am no longer capable of giving birth to sons who might become your husbands! (NET Bible)

I cannot give birth to more sons to give you new husbands (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:21

1:21a

I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty: The words full and empty are a figure of speech. Naomi was full when she left Bethlehem in the sense that she had a husband and two sons. When she returned to Bethlehem, she was empty because they were dead. In some languages, it will not be possible to use the words full and empty in this way.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

When I left, I had all I wanted, but now, the Lord has brought me home with nothing. (New Century Version)
-or-
I left here with everything that I needed. Now the Lord has brought me back here with nothing. (Easy English Bible)

1:21b

Why call me Naomi?: This is a rhetorical question. It functions as a rebuke. Naomi had already said in 1:20a that the name Naomi did not fit her current bitter situation.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

There is no reason to call me Naomi.
-or-
Do not call me Naomi any more.

1:21c

the LORD has testified against me: There is a textual issue with the Hebrew verb phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as testified against me :

(1) The Masoretic Text says Yahweh has testified against me. It means “to testify against,” as in a court case. For example:

the Lord has testified against me (English Standard Version)

the Lord has spoken against me (New Century Version)

(2) The Septuagint says Yahweh has afflicted me. For example:

the Lord has dealt harshly with me (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) along with many versions and commentaries. It is also recommended by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

The Lord Almighty has condemned me (Good News Translation)
-or-
The Almighty Lord has turned against me (Easy English Bible)
-or-
the Lord has opposed me (CSB)

1:21d

the Almighty has afflicted me: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as afflicted can also be translated as “cause suffering,” “cause evil,” or “cause trouble.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

has caused me to suffer (NET Bible)
-or-
and made my life so hard (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
has given much trouble to me (English Easy-to-Read Version)

the Almighty: The term the Almighty is the same name for God that Naomi used in 1:20b. You should translate it the same way in both places.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:20

1:20a

Do not call me Naomi: The Hebrew name Naomi means “happy, pleasant.” The original readers would have understood that Naomi was telling the women that she was not happy.

she replied: The Hebrew clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as she replied occurs at the beginning of the sentence. The Berean Standard Bible has placed these words in the middle of the verse for reasons of English style. It may be more natural in your language to put them at the beginning of the sentence. For example:

But she replied to them, “Don’t call me ‘Naomi’! Call me ‘Mara’ (NET Bible)

Call me Mara: The Hebrew name Mara means “bitter.” The original readers would have understood that Naomi was telling the women that now she was bitter and unhappy. This is the same Hebrew word as was used in verse 13. If possible, you should translate it with the same word in both places.

There are two ways to help the readers of your language understand why Naomi said this.

• Explain the meaning of these names in a footnote. For example:

FOOTNOTE: The name Naomi means “happy” in Hebrew. The name Mara means “bitter” in Hebrew.

• Explain the meaning within the text of the verse. For example:

Don’t call me Naomi [sweet]. Call me Mara [bitter] (God’s Word)

1:20b

because: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the reason why Naomi wanted the women to call her bitter.

the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me: The Hebrew term that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Almighty is one of the names for God. The exact meaning of this term is uncertain. It probably refers to God’s power.

Here are some other ways to translate this term:

God all powerful (English Easy-to-Read Version)
-or-
God who has all power
-or-
Almighty God (Good News Translation)

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

The Mighty One has made my life very bitter. (NIRV)
-or-
God All Powerful has made my life very sad. (ICB)
-or-
For the All-powerful has brought much trouble to me. (NLV)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:19

Paragraph 1:19–21

1:19a

So: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So introduces the next event in the story. Introduce the next event in a way that is natural in your language.

Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “they went on the two of them until they came to Bethlehem.”

If your language uses dual forms, you could use them here.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. (NET Bible)
-or-
They went on until they came to Bethlehem. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Naomi and Ruth travelled together to Bethlehem. (Easy English Bible)

1:19b

When they entered Bethlehem: This clause links the previous sentence with the event that happened next.

the whole city was stirred because of them: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stirred means “excited” or “agitated.” All the people of the town were very surprised to see Naomi return home after many years away.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

the entire town was excited by their arrival (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
When they entered Bethlehem, all the people became very excited. (New Century Version)

1:19c

and: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as and introduces the next event.

the women of the city exclaimed: Here are some other ways to translate this:

The women who lived there asked (New Century Version)
-or-
and the women said (New Revised Standard Version)

Can this be Naomi?: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses surprise. The women were surprised that Naomi had come back after she had been gone for many years. There are at least three ways to translate this question to express surprise.

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Is it really Naomi? (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use a statement. For example:

Surely this cannot be Naomi!

• Use a statement followed by a tag question. For example:

This can’t be Naomi, can it? (God’s Word)

Some languages may have an idiom or phrase that expresses surprise. For example:

How on earth can this be Naomi?

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:18

1:18a

When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was determined indicates that Ruth had made a firm decision to go with Naomi.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

When Naomi saw that Ruth had made up her mind to go with her Contemporary English Version)

-or

Naomi saw that Ruth wanted very much to go with her. (English Easy-to-Read Version)
-or-
Then Naomi understood that Ruth would not agree to return to her own country. (Easy English Bible)

1:18b

she stopped trying to persuade her: Naomi stopped telling Ruth to return home. She did this because she knew that Ruth was determined to go with her.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

she stopped urging her to go back (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
So Naomi stopped arguing with her. (English Easy-to-Read Version)
-or-
So she stopped saying that Ruth should leave her. (Easy English Bible)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 2024

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 4:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 4:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 4:3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:20

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ruth 1:18

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