The phrase In addition may be rendered in some languages as “also,” but a fuller form may be required in certain instances; for example, “in addition to the property” or “but after the property also.”

It may be useful in this context to retain the expression the Moabite, perhaps in the form “the woman from Moab” or “the Moabite woman,” so as to emphasize satisfactorily the fact that Ruth was not of Jewish background.

For the translation of becomes my wife, see the comment on verse 5.

For the expression This will keep the property in the dead man’s family, see the notes on verse 5. It would be wrong, however, to suggest that Ruth becomes the wife of Boaz only in order to keep the property in the dead man’s family. Hence it may be useful to indicate clearly that this is a type of result; for example, “and as a result the property will remain in the dead man’s family” or “… in the family of Mahlon.”

And his family line will continue among his people is literally in Hebrew “that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren.” Good News Translation changes the passive expression to an active one and eliminates the rather difficult figurative expression “cut off from among” (a very common Hebrew figure).

In some languages it is essential to specify whose name is involved. This could be “the name of Mahlon.” But the focus throughout this passage has been upon the relationship of the various persons to Elimelech, and therefore one may translate “the name of Elimelech.”

In a number of languages one cannot speak about a “name continuing,” but it may be possible to employ some related expression, such as “that the name of Elimelech will not be missing (lacking, failing) among his brothers.”

For some languages the whole concept of name as a substitute for a person (or as in this context, for descendants) may be impossible, and therefore one may translate “that his descendants will not be lacking” or “that he may have descendants.” Semantically, the “cutting off of the name” remains in the same domain as the “cutting off of hope” (Pro 23.18; 24.14). See Kutsch’s article in THAT I, s.v. krt. On the other hand, shem is sometimes synonymous to zeraʿ so that “to cut off a name” means “to extirpate a family.” However, in this connection the verb krt is only used once, Isaiah 14.22.

In his hometown is literally in Hebrew “from the gate of his place.” For the significance of this expression, see the comments on 3.11.

You are witnesses to this today may be rendered as “You have seen this today and you can speak of it tomorrow.” In this way participating in an event and being able to confirm it at a later time are clearly indicated as the double role of a witness.

Quoted with permission from de Waard, Jan and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Ruth. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1978, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .