וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔י עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽדְעִ֔ין אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר הַיֹּֽום׃
1. Narrative Verb and Direct Speech: וַתֹּ֨אמֶר
The verse opens with וַתֹּאמֶר (“and she said”), a standard narrative wayyiqtol form from the root אָמַר (“to say”), 3rd person feminine singular. The subject is Naʿomi, continuing her direct speech to Ruth. This verb marks a transition back into spoken dialogue, characteristic of biblical narrative style.
2. Imperative and Familial Address: שְׁבִי בִתִּי
שְׁבִי is a Qal imperative feminine singular of יָשַׁב (“to sit, dwell”), meaning “Sit” or “Remain.” It’s tenderly followed by בִתִּי (“my daughter”), a construct form of בַּת with 1st person singular suffix. This affectionate address—common in the book of Ruth—emphasizes the familial and emotional bond between the two women. The grammar reflects both intimacy and authority in Naʿomi’s voice.
3. Temporal Clause: עַד אֲשֶׁר תֵּֽדְעִין אֵיךְ יִפֹּל דָּבָר
This clause begins with עַד אֲשֶׁר (“until”), introducing a temporal condition. תֵּֽדְעִין (“you will know”) is a Qal imperfect 2nd feminine singular from יָדַע (“to know”). The feminine form corresponds to Ruth.
אֵיךְ יִפֹּל דָּבָר — “how the matter will fall.” יִפֹּל (“will fall”) is a Qal imperfect 3rd masculine singular from נָפַל (“to fall”), used here idiomatically to refer to how the matter will “turn out” or be resolved. דָּבָר (“word, matter, issue”) is a masculine singular noun, often used in legal or relational contexts. The syntax poetically conveys suspense: Ruth must wait until the outcome “falls into place.”
4. Causal Clause with Emphatic Negation: כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ
כִּ֣י introduces a causal clause—“for,” “because.” לֹא יִשְׁקֹט (“he will not rest”) uses a Qal imperfect 3rd masculine singular from שָׁקַט (“to be still, rest”), with the negative particle לֹא. The subject הָאִשׁ (“the man”) refers to Boʿaz.
This phrase implies that Boʿaz, having taken initiative, will not be passive or delayed in action. The imperfect tense suggests an ongoing or imminent state of unrest until resolution is achieved. The grammar mirrors Boʿaz’s character—decisive, honorable, diligent.
5. Double Emphatic Construction: כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּה הַדָּבָר הַיֹּֽום
The phrase כִּֽי־אִם functions as an emphatic idiom—“unless” or “except that.” It introduces a strong expectation or inevitability. What follows is כִּלָּה הַדָּבָר (“he finishes the matter”)—כִּלָּה is a Piel perfect 3rd masculine singular from כָּלָה (“to complete, finish”), intensifying the notion of bringing something to conclusion.
הַדָּבָר (“the matter”) again refers to the legal and covenantal business of redeeming Ruth. הַיֹּום (“today”) serves as the temporal limit—Boʿaz will finish it today. The grammar sets up a legal and narrative urgency, situating the entire drama of redemption within a tightly framed eschatological moment.
6. Literary and Theological Impact
The verse uses multiple grammatical tools to convey tension, trust, and timing:
- Imperfects (תֵּֽדְעִין, יִפֹּל, יִשְׁקֹט) express uncertainty and expectation.
- Perfects (וַתֹּאמֶר, כִּלָּה) offer anchors of certainty and resolve.
- Temporal expressions (עַד אֲשֶׁר, הַיֹּום) build dramatic urgency and underscore divine timing.
Theologically, the verse portrays faith in divine providence working through human integrity. Naʿomi trusts that Boʿaz will act swiftly and faithfully. The legal language of “completing the matter” evokes covenantal fulfillment—pointing to God’s hidden hand guiding the restoration of Ruth, Naomi, and eventually the Davidic line.
7. Spiritual Reflection
The grammar reflects a theology of patient expectation. Ruth is told to wait—not passively, but trustingly. The verb תֵּֽדְעִין (“you will know”) encapsulates the faithful waiting for God’s purposes to unfold. The emphatic construction כִּֽי־אִם assures the hearer that resolution is not merely likely—it is certain and imminent.
This verse teaches that in God’s redemptive economy, every word, vow, and legal act matters, and that righteous individuals—like Boʿaz—mirror God’s covenantal faithfulness by acting with holy urgency. Through precise Hebrew forms, the narrative pulses with anticipation and divine grace.
