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Grammatical-Theological Analysis of Ruth 3:18
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.”… Learn Hebrew
Restlessness Until Completion: Imperatives, Causal Clauses, and Dramatic Tension in Ruth 3:18
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔י עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽדְעִ֔ין אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר הַיֹּֽום׃
Contextual Introduction
Ruth 3:18 captures a moment of intense anticipation as Naomi counsels Ruth to wait for Boʿaz’s action. Following Ruth’s bold proposal at the threshing floor, the outcome now depends on Boʿaz fulfilling the role of go’el (kinsman-redeemer). The verse is rich in emotional and grammatical layers, blending imperative language, sequential narrative markers, and conditional clauses to portray both urgency and certainty in the unfolding drama of redemption.… Learn Hebrew
Binyanim in Motion: How Verbal Stems Drive the Tension in Ruth 3:18
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ שְׁבִ֣י בִתִּ֔י עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽדְעִ֔ין אֵ֖יךְ יִפֹּ֣ל דָּבָ֑ר כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יִשְׁקֹט֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ כִּֽי־אִם־כִּלָּ֥ה הַדָּבָ֖ר הַיֹּֽום׃ (Ruth 3:18)
And she said sit my daughter until you know how the matter will fall for the man will not rest unless he has completed the matter today
Introduction: When Verbs Set the Stage
Ruth 3:18 comes at a moment of high emotional tension. Naomi urges Ruth to wait while Boaz resolves a matter that could change her life. But this waiting is filled with motion—not outward, but inward.… Learn Hebrew