Rut 2:2
Konteks2:2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go 1 to the fields so I can gather 2 grain behind whoever permits me to do so.” 3 Naomi 4 replied, “You may go, my daughter.”
Rut 4:7
Konteks4:7 (Now this used to be the customary way to finalize a transaction involving redemption in Israel: 5 A man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party. 6 This was a legally binding act 7 in Israel.)
[2:2] 1 tn The cohortative here (“Let me go”) expresses Ruth’s request. Note Naomi’s response, in which she gives Ruth permission to go to the field.
[2:2] 2 tn Following the preceding cohortative, the cohortative with vav conjunctive indicates purpose/result.
[2:2] 3 tn Heb “anyone in whose eyes I may find favor” (ASV, NIV similar). The expression אֶמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינָיו (’emtsa’-khen bÿ’enayv, “to find favor in the eyes of [someone]”) appears in Ruth 2:2, 10, 13. It is most often used when a subordinate or servant requests permission for something from a superior (BDB 336 s.v. חֵן). Ruth will play the role of the subordinate servant, seeking permission from a landowner, who then could show benevolence by granting her request to glean in his field behind the harvest workers.
[2:2] 4 tn Heb “she”; the referent (Naomi) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[4:7] 5 tn Heb “and this formerly in Israel concerning redemption and concerning a transfer to ratify every matter.”
[4:7] 6 tn Heb “a man removed his sandal and gave [it] to his companion”; NASB “gave it to another”; NIV, NRSV, CEV “to the other.”
[4:7] 7 tn Heb “the legal witness”; KJV “a testimony”; ASV, NASB “the manner (form NAB) of attestation.”