Ruth 4:11 - All 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 like Leah, which both built the house of Israel; and treat you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem.
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What does "Ruth 4:11" mean?
This verse, Ruth 4:11, is a blessing and a pronouncement of good fortune spoken by the community to Boaz after he has redeemed Ruth and taken her as his wife. Let's break down the key elements:
"All the people who were in the gate, and the elders, said, 'We are witnesses.'": The "gate" of a city was a central place for business transactions, legal proceedings, and community gatherings. The people and elders represent the collective endorsement and validation of Boaz's actions. Their role as "witnesses" signifies the legal and social legitimacy of the transaction.
"May Yahweh make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which both built the house of Israel...": This is the core of the blessing. Rachel and Leah were the primary wives of Jacob (Israel), and they were instrumental in building the nation of Israel through their many children, who became the tribes of Israel. By invoking Rachel and Leah, the community is praying for Ruth to be a similarly fruitful and foundational figure in Boaz's household. They are essentially wishing her fertility, a large family, and the ability to contribute to the lineage and prosperity of Boaz's line.
"...and treat you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem.":
"Treat you worthily in Ephrathah": This is a request for Boaz to prosper in Ephrathah, which is a region near Bethlehem. "Worthily" implies that the community hopes Boaz will continue to conduct himself honorably and achieve success in his endeavors.
"Be famous in Bethlehem": They are wishing that Boaz and Ruth will become well-respected and renowned figures within their own community. Fame, in this context, means a positive reputation, social standing, and influence.
In essence, the verse is a blessing that hopes Ruth will:
1. Be fertile and bear many children, just like Rachel and Leah.
2. Contribute to the establishment of a strong and prosperous family line.
3. Bring honor and respect to Boaz and their family in their local community.
Significance:
Continuity and Blessing: The community recognizes the importance of continuing the family line of Elimelech (Ruth's deceased father-in-law) through Ruth's marriage to Boaz.
Role of Women: It highlights the value and importance placed on women in bearing children and contributing to the growth and stability of the community.
Divine Favor: It acknowledges that their hopes for Boaz and Ruth depend on the favor and blessing of Yahweh.
Fulfillment: Of course, the greatest significance of the passage is in its fulfillment, as Ruth and Boaz become the great-grandparents of King David, thus placing Ruth, a Moabite woman, in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Ruth 4:11 - All 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 like Leah, which both built the house of Israel; and treat you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem.
What does "Ruth 4:11" mean?
This verse, Ruth 4:11, is a blessing and a pronouncement of good fortune spoken by the community to Boaz after he has redeemed Ruth and taken her as his wife. Let's break down the key elements:
"All the people who were in the gate, and the elders, said, 'We are witnesses.'": The "gate" of a city was a central place for business transactions, legal proceedings, and community gatherings. The people and elders represent the collective endorsement and validation of Boaz's actions. Their role as "witnesses" signifies the legal and social legitimacy of the transaction.
"May Yahweh make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which both built the house of Israel...": This is the core of the blessing. Rachel and Leah were the primary wives of Jacob (Israel), and they were instrumental in building the nation of Israel through their many children, who became the tribes of Israel. By invoking Rachel and Leah, the community is praying for Ruth to be a similarly fruitful and foundational figure in Boaz's household. They are essentially wishing her fertility, a large family, and the ability to contribute to the lineage and prosperity of Boaz's line.
"...and treat you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem.":
"Treat you worthily in Ephrathah": This is a request for Boaz to prosper in Ephrathah, which is a region near Bethlehem. "Worthily" implies that the community hopes Boaz will continue to conduct himself honorably and achieve success in his endeavors.
"Be famous in Bethlehem": They are wishing that Boaz and Ruth will become well-respected and renowned figures within their own community. Fame, in this context, means a positive reputation, social standing, and influence.
In essence, the verse is a blessing that hopes Ruth will:
1. Be fertile and bear many children, just like Rachel and Leah.
2. Contribute to the establishment of a strong and prosperous family line.
3. Bring honor and respect to Boaz and their family in their local community.
Significance:
Continuity and Blessing: The community recognizes the importance of continuing the family line of Elimelech (Ruth's deceased father-in-law) through Ruth's marriage to Boaz.
Role of Women: It highlights the value and importance placed on women in bearing children and contributing to the growth and stability of the community.
Divine Favor: It acknowledges that their hopes for Boaz and Ruth depend on the favor and blessing of Yahweh.
Fulfillment: Of course, the greatest significance of the passage is in its fulfillment, as Ruth and Boaz become the great-grandparents of King David, thus placing Ruth, a Moabite woman, in the lineage of Jesus Christ.