1. Chronological Evolution of Bible Translations

This section examines the historical development of Bible translations, focusing on Ruth and how its translation influenced theological, linguistic, and cultural understanding across different periods.

Ancient Translations (Before 5th Century CE)

• Septuagint (LXX): The Greek translation of Ruth was significant for the Hellenistic Jewish community, as it made the story of Ruth’s loyalty and divine favour accessible to a broader audience. The LXX’s rendering of terms such as philotimia (loyalty) and kleronomia (inheritance) helped shape early Christian views on loyalty, divine providence, and redemption, which were central to Christian teachings about salvation and God’s inclusion of Gentiles.
• Peshitta: The Syriac translation of Ruth provided Eastern Christians with a nuanced understanding of the book’s themes of redemption and divine mercy. The Peshitta’s linguistic choices emphasised Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and God’s grace, which were critical in forming Christian interpretations of the Gentile inclusion into God’s plan of salvation.

Medieval Translations (5th–15th Century CE)

• Latin Vulgate: Jerome’s translation of Ruth was influential in shaping Catholic theology, particularly in its understanding of divine providence, loyalty, and redemption. The Vulgate’s rendering of Ruth’s relationship with Boaz as a type of Christ’s redemptive work provided a theological framework for understanding Christ’s role as the redeemer.
• Gothic Bible: Ulfilas’ translation into Gothic included portions of Ruth, making the themes of loyalty and redemption accessible to the Germanic tribes. This translation played a role in the spread of Christianity in Europe and in the development of theological ideas related to salvation and divine favour.

Reformation and Renaissance Translations (16th–17th Century CE)

• Geneva Bible: The Geneva Bible provided a translation of Ruth that was widely accessible, emphasising the themes of divine favour and redemption. The annotations and focus on Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and her faith in God’s providence helped shape Reformation theology on God’s grace and the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian narrative.
• King James Version (1611): The KJV’s translation of Ruth is known for its elegance and accuracy. The poetic rendering of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and the redemptive role of Boaz became a key reference for Christian theological reflections on God’s faithfulness and the foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work.

Modern Translations (18th Century–Present)

• New International Version (NIV, 1978): The NIV’s translation of Ruth aimed to make the text accessible to contemporary readers while preserving its theological depth. The translation emphasises Ruth’s faithfulness and God’s providence, highlighting the theme of redemption in a way that resonates with modern readers.
• The Message (2002): Eugene Peterson’s paraphrased version of Ruth aims to bring the story’s themes of loyalty and divine intervention into a contemporary context. His translation focuses on Ruth’s courage and faith, making the book’s message more relatable to modern readers.

2. Textual Criticism and Manuscript Traditions

This section explores the textual traditions of Ruth, highlighting significant manuscript variations and their impact on the interpretation of the book.

Key Manuscripts

• Dead Sea Scrolls: While Ruth is not represented in the Dead Sea Scrolls as extensively as other books, fragments of the Hebrew Bible provide valuable insights into early Jewish interpretations of the book’s themes, particularly Ruth’s Gentile status and her role in Israel’s redemption narrative.
• Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus: These early Greek manuscripts contain portions of Ruth. The Greek translations influenced how early Christians viewed Ruth as a type of Gentile inclusion into God’s plan, emphasising themes of loyalty, faithfulness, and divine provision.

Textual Variants and Their Impact

• Ruth 2:12: Variations in the translations of the blessings spoken by Boaz to Ruth reveal different theological emphases. The translation of Boaz’s words, particularly the reference to God’s protection and favour, is pivotal in understanding the relationship between Ruth and God, and in Christian theology, it foreshadows God’s ultimate protection and blessing through Christ.
• Ruth 4:10-11: The variant readings related to the marriage of Boaz and Ruth highlight different theological implications for the understanding of redemption, both in the immediate context of Israel’s social structure and in the broader Christian narrative of salvation.

Scholarly Methods of Textual Criticism
Scholars compare the Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Dead Sea Scrolls to determine the most reliable readings of Ruth. Special attention is given to the role of Ruth as a Gentile who becomes part of the lineage of David, which has profound theological implications for Christian views on redemption and the inclusion of non-Jews in the covenant.

3. Language Studies: Original Languages and Linguistic Evolution

This section discusses the original languages of Ruth, focusing on key linguistic features and how key terms and concepts have evolved in translation.

Original Languages of the Book

• Hebrew: Ruth is written in Hebrew, using a narrative style that combines elements of law, history, and personal story. Key terms such as hesed (steadfast love) and go’el (kinsman redeemer) are crucial to understanding the theological implications of Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s role in redeeming her.
• Greek (Septuagint): The Greek translation of Ruth provides valuable insight into early Jewish and Christian readings of the story. The LXX’s rendering of terms like philotimia (loyalty) and apolutrosis (redemption) helped shape early Christian theological understandings of God’s redemptive work through Christ.

Linguistic Features and Key Terms

• Hesed (steadfast love): This term is used repeatedly in Ruth to describe both God’s covenantal love for His people and Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. The translation of hesed as agape in the Greek (and later as charity in Latin) shaped Christian teachings on love, loyalty, and divine grace.
• Go’el (kinsman redeemer): The concept of the go’el is central to the narrative of Ruth, as Boaz’s role as the kinsman redeemer foreshadows Christ’s redemptive role. The term go’el is translated in the LXX as lutros (redeem), which carries deep theological implications for Christian views on redemption and salvation.

Evolution of Translation Techniques
From formal equivalence in the Latin Vulgate to dynamic equivalence in modern translations like the NIV, the approach to translating Ruth has evolved. Early translations focused on preserving the literal meaning of key terms, while more recent translations aim to convey the theological richness of the text, particularly in relation to God’s faithfulness, Ruth’s loyalty, and the redemptive themes.

4. Global Translation Efforts and Cultural Impact

This section explores the global translation efforts of Ruth and its cultural impact, particularly in how the book’s themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence are understood in different cultures.

Modern Translation Projects

• Wycliffe Bible Translators: Ruth is a significant text for translation, especially in regions where issues of loyalty, community, and redemption are central to the cultural narrative. The translation of Ruth into local languages helps communities understand themes of faith, commitment, and God’s faithfulness.
• Faith Comes by Hearing: Audio translations of Ruth are critical in oral cultures, making the book’s themes of loyalty, family, and redemption accessible to those who rely on hearing rather than reading.

Technology and Accessibility

• YouVersion: The availability of Ruth on platforms like YouVersion allows millions of people worldwide to engage with the book in their own language. The platform’s interactive features, such as audio and study guides, help readers understand the theological significance of Ruth’s story in contemporary contexts.
• AI-Assisted Translations: AI-driven translation tools are aiding in the translation of Ruth into under-represented languages. These tools ensure that the theological depth of the book is retained while making it accessible to diverse communities.

Cultural Adaptations
Translations of Ruth often emphasise cultural values such as loyalty, familial responsibility, and redemption in ways that resonate with local traditions. The story of Ruth’s dedication to Naomi and her eventual redemption through Boaz is particularly powerful in cultures that place a high value on family ties and social justice.

5. Theological and Historical Impact

The theological significance of Ruth is profound, especially in its presentation of redemption, divine providence, and loyalty.

Theological Significance in Christian Doctrine

• Ruth and Redemption: Ruth is significant for Christian theology because it presents the concept of redemption through the kinsman redeemer, which is a type of Christ’s redemptive work. Boaz’s role in redeeming Ruth foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.
• Ruth and God’s Providence: The book emphasises God’s faithfulness and providence in the lives of individuals. Ruth, a Moabite, is brought into God’s plan of redemption, which is a precursor to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the New Covenant.

Historical Impact on Worship and Society

• Ruth in the Early Church: Early Christians saw Ruth as a story that pointed to Christ’s work of redemption, particularly in its themes of salvation extending to the Gentiles. The book became an important text in the early Church’s theological understanding of God’s grace and salvation.
• Ruth in Modern Worship: Ruth continues to inspire themes of loyalty, grace, and redemption in modern worship. The book is often used in sermons and liturgies that focus on God’s providence and His inclusive love for all people.

6. Reflection and Engagement

This section provides academic reflection questions and engagement ideas to deepen understanding of Ruth.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the translation of Ruth 1:16 (“Where you go, I will go”) influence Christian teachings on loyalty and discipleship?
2. In what ways does the role of Boaz as a kinsman redeemer foreshadow the redemptive work of Christ?

Engagement Ideas

1. Compare Ruth 4:9-10 (Boaz’s redemption of Ruth) in different translations to explore how variations affect the understanding of redemption.
2. Research a current translation project of Ruth in a language that has a strong oral tradition and analyse how the translation adapts the themes for that culture.