Ruth 1:1 in Hebrew
וַיְהִ֗י בִּימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַשֹּׁפְטִ֔ים וַיְהִ֥י רָעָ֖ב בָּאָ֑רֶץ וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ אִ֜ישׁ מִבֵּ֧ית לֶ֣חֶם יְהוּדָ֗ה לָגוּר֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣י מֹואָ֔ב ה֥וּא וְאִשְׁתֹּ֖ו וּשְׁנֵ֥י בָנָֽיו׃
Introduction to וַיְהִי
The opening of Ruth 1:1 features the phrase וַיְהִי בִּימֵי (“And it came to pass in the days of…”). The verb וַיְהִי (vayhī) is a common Biblical Hebrew construction that introduces narrative events and often signals the beginning of a new episode.
Understanding וַיְהִי in Context
– וַיְהִי is the waw-consecutive imperfect form of הָיָה (hayah, “to be” or “to happen”).
– It serves to introduce historical events, placing them in chronological order.
– The phrase וַיְהִי בִּימֵי (“And it came to pass in the days of…”) is a common biblical formula marking the beginning of a significant historical period.
The Function of וַיְהִי in Hebrew Narrative
1. Structuring Biblical Storytelling
– וַיְהִי frequently appears at the beginning of books or major narrative sections.
– It signals a transition from one period to another.
2. Introducing a Time Frame
– In Ruth 1:1, וַיְהִי בִּימֵי שְׁפֹט הַשֹּׁפְטִים (“And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged”) sets the story within the period of the Judges, indicating instability and hardship.
3. Marking the Onset of Trouble
– Many biblical narratives introduce difficult or significant events with וַיְהִי.
– Here, it precedes the mention of famine, setting the stage for Elimelech’s migration to Moab.
The Literary Role of וַיְהִי in Ruth 1:1
While וַיְהִי commonly introduces historical events, in some cases it can carry a subtle tone of foreboding, hinting at difficulties that will follow. In Ruth 1:1, it sets up the crisis of famine, which leads to Naomi’s loss and eventual redemption.
The Role of וַיְהִי in Ruth 1:1
The phrase וַיְהִי בִּימֵי in Ruth 1:1 introduces the historical setting and dramatic tension of the story. It is a literary device that anchors the narrative in chronological history while also preparing the reader for a transformative journey.
By understanding וַיְהִי, we see how Biblical Hebrew constructs smooth narrative transitions and signals key turning points in Israel’s history.
