New International VersionThen Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me.
New Living TranslationBut on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the LORD reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.
English Standard VersionBut Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
Berean Standard BibleThen Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me.
King James BibleAnd Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
New King James VersionAnd Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
New American Standard BibleBut Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to your mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
NASB 1995And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
NASB 1977And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May Yahweh show lovingkindness with you as you have shown with the dead and with me.
Amplified BibleBut Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you return to your mother’s house. May the LORD show kindness to you as you have shown kindness to the dead and to me.
Christian Standard BibleNaomi said to them, “Each of you go back to your mother’s home. May the LORD show kindness to you as you have shown to the dead and to me.
Holman Christian Standard BibleShe said to them, “Each of you go back to your mother’s home. May the LORD show faithful love to you as you have shown to the dead and to me.
American Standard VersionAnd Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother's house: Jehovah deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Contemporary English VersionNaomi said to them, "Don't you want to go back home to your own mothers? You were kind to my husband and sons, and you've always been kind to me. I pray that the LORD will be just as kind to you.
English Revised VersionAnd Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each of you to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back! Each of you should go back to your mother's home. May the LORD be as kind to you as you were to me and to our loved ones who have died.
Good News Translationshe said to them, "Go back home and stay with your mothers. May the LORD be as good to you as you have been to me and to those who have died.
International Standard VersionBut along the way, Naomi told her two daughters-in-law, "Each of you go back home. Return to your mother's house. May the LORD show his gracious love to you, as you have shown me and our loved ones who have died.
NET BibleNaomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Listen to me! Each of you should return to your mother's home! May the LORD show you the same kind of devotion that you have shown to your deceased husbands and to me!
New Heart English BibleNaomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me.
World English BibleNaomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Naomi says to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return, each to the house of her mother; YHWH does with you kindness as you have done with the dead, and with me;
Young's Literal Translation And Naomi saith to her two daughters-in-law, 'Go, turn back, each to the house of her mother; Jehovah doth with you kindness as ye have done with the dead, and with me;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Naomi will say to her two daughters-in-law, Go, turn back each to the house of her mother: Jehovah will do mercy with you according as ye did with the dead, and with me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShe said to them: Go ye home to your mothers: the Lord deal mercifully with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
Catholic Public Domain VersionShe said to them, “Go to the home of your mother. May the Lord deal mercifully with you, just as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
New American BibleNaomi said to her daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s house. May the LORD show you the same kindness as you have shown to the deceased and to me.
New Revised Standard VersionBut Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back each of you to your mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Return, go back to your own country and to the house of your kinsmen; may the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with me and with both of my sons who now are dead.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Namei said to her daughters in law: “Return, go to your place and to the house of your people, and LORD JEHOVAH will perform with you mercy as you have done with me and with both my sons who have died OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law: 'Go, return each of you to her mother's house; the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Noemin said to her daughter-in-law, Go now, return each to the house of her mother: the Lord deal mercifully with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi… 7Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road leading back to the land of Judah. 8Then Naomisaidto her twodaughters-in-law,“Goback,each of youto your mother’shome.May the LORDshowyouloving devotion,asyou have showntoyour deadand to me.9May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud…
Cross References Genesis 24:27saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”
Genesis 32:9-10Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ / I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps.
Exodus 18:9-10And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians. / Jethro declared, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from the hand of the Egyptians.
Deuteronomy 7:9Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Joshua 2:12-14Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign / that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” / “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.”
1 Samuel 20:14-15And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”
2 Samuel 2:5-6So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.
2 Samuel 9:1Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”
1 Kings 8:23and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
Psalm 36:7How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!
Psalm 57:3He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.
Psalm 103:17But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—
Proverbs 3:3-4Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. / Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.
Isaiah 54:10Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Hosea 2:19-20So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.”
Treasury of Scripture And Naomi said to her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me. Go Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served thatwere on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, the Lord Philippians 4:18,19 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the thingswhich were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God… 2 Timothy 1:16-18 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: … the dead Ruth 1:5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessedbe he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The manis near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Jump to Previous DaughtersDaughters-In-LawDeadDealDealtHomeHouseHousesKindlyKindnessMotherMothersMother'sNaomiNa'omiShowShownTurnJump to Next DaughtersDaughters-In-LawDeadDealDealtHomeHouseHousesKindlyKindnessMotherMothersMother'sNaomiNa'omiShowShownTurnRuth 1 1.Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there4.Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also6.Naomi, returning homeward8.dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her14.Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her19.The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly receivedThen Naomi said to her two daughters-in-lawNaomi, a widow, is addressing her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, who are also widows. This reflects the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where women often relied on male relatives for support. Naomi's decision to speak to them highlights her role as the matriarch and her concern for their well-being. The context is set in the time of the judges, a period marked by social and religious upheaval in Israel ( Judges 21:25). Go back, each of you to your mother’s home
Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to return to their maternal homes, which suggests a cultural norm where a widow might find refuge and support with her birth family. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of returning to one's family of origin in times of distress. The mention of the "mother's home" rather than the father's may indicate a focus on the nurturing aspect of the family or the role of the mother in arranging future marriages (Genesis 24:28). May the LORD show you loving devotion
Naomi invokes the name of the LORD (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel, asking Him to show "loving devotion" or "chesed" to her daughters-in-law. This term encompasses kindness, loyalty, and faithfulness, central themes in the book of Ruth. It reflects the covenantal love God shows to His people, as seen in His promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and His enduring faithfulness throughout Israel's history. as you have shown to your dead and to me
Naomi acknowledges the loyalty and kindness Orpah and Ruth have demonstrated to their deceased husbands and to her. This highlights the theme of loyalty and familial duty, which is a key element in the narrative. Their actions prefigure the selfless love and commitment that Ruth will continue to show, ultimately leading to her inclusion in the lineage of David and, by extension, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who embodies perfect loving devotion. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaomiA widow from Bethlehem who moved to Moab during a famine. She is the mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah. 2. RuthA Moabite woman, widow of Naomi's son, who later becomes a key figure in the lineage of David and Jesus. 3. OrpahAnother Moabite woman, also a widow of Naomi's son, who initially sets out with Naomi but eventually returns to her people. 4. MoabA region east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel, yet significant in this account as the place where Naomi's family sought refuge. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, invoked by Naomi as she blesses her daughters-in-law. Teaching Points Understanding Chesed (Kindness)The Hebrew word "chesed" implies a loyal, steadfast love that goes beyond duty. Naomi's blessing is a prayer for God's covenantal love to be upon Ruth and Orpah. The Role of Family and CommunityNaomi's instruction to return to their mothers' homes underscores the importance of family support systems in times of crisis. Faith in God's ProvidenceNaomi's invocation of the LORD's kindness reflects her faith in God's sovereignty, even amidst personal loss and uncertainty. The Power of BlessingNaomi's blessing is an act of faith and love, demonstrating the power of spoken blessings in the lives of others. Cultural and Spiritual IdentityThe decision facing Ruth and Orpah highlights the tension between cultural identity and spiritual allegiance, a theme relevant to believers navigating diverse cultural contexts today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Ruth 1:8?
2.How does Ruth 1:8 demonstrate Naomi's selflessness and concern for her daughters-in-law?
3.What can we learn from Naomi's faith in God's provision in Ruth 1:8?
4.How does Ruth 1:8 connect with the theme of loyalty in the Bible?
5.How can we apply Naomi's example of kindness in our relationships today?
6.What does Ruth 1:8 teach about trusting God's plan during difficult times?
7.What does Ruth 1:8 reveal about God's view on loyalty and family obligations?
8.How does Ruth 1:8 challenge our understanding of selflessness in relationships?
9.What cultural practices in Ruth's time are highlighted by Naomi's advice in Ruth 1:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 1?
11.Who was Naomi in the Bible?
12.Why did Ruth stay with Naomi while Orpah left?
13.What is the definition of lovingkindness?
14.Are there any archaeological findings that corroborate the cultural practices alluded to in Song of Solomon 8:2–4, or are these references purely poetic?What Does Ruth 1:8 Mean Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-lawNaomi has just buried her husband and both sons (Ruth 1:3-5), yet she turns from her own grief to speak life-directing words to Orpah and Ruth. • Her initiative pictures an older believer guiding the younger, much like the pattern inTitus 2:3-4—seasoned faith offering counsel in crisis. • Even in sorrow she modelsProverbs 31:26, opening her mouth with wisdom and kindness. •Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted,” and Naomi’s very ability to speak is evidence of that nearness.
Go back, each of you to your mother’s homeBy releasing the women, Naomi lays down her own comfort for their future: • Security and Provision—returning to the maternal household offered food, shelter, and the hope of remarriage (compareGenesis 24:28; Songs 3:4). • Freedom of Choice—she refuses to bind them to a difficult life in Bethlehem (cf.1 Corinthians 7:8-9 on the freedom to marry). • Selfless Love—Philippians 2:4 calls believers to look to the interests of others; Naomi lives that out here.
May the LORD show you loving devotionNaomi’s blessing reaches higher than mere good wishes: • She invokes “the LORD,” Israel’s covenant God, not the idols of Moab (see1 Kings 18:39 for the exclusivity of the LORD). • “Loving devotion” (hesed) describes God’s loyal, covenant love (Psalm 57:10;Exodus 34:6). •Numbers 6:24-26 models a similar benediction, underscoring that true security flows from the LORD’s steadfast kindness.
as you have shown to your dead and to meNaomi affirms the tangible faithfulness of Ruth and Orpah: • Their care for their deceased husbands mirrors the honor urged inExodus 20:12 and1 Timothy 5:4. • Loyal love toward Naomi herself fulfillsProverbs 17:17—“A friend loves at all times.” • In2 Samuel 2:5-6 David blesses men who showed kindness to the dead; Naomi’s words echo that same commendation.
summaryRuth 1:8 captures sacrificial love on every side. Naomi, though grieving, releases her daughters-in-law for their good; Orpah and Ruth have already modeled loyal devotion; and over it all Naomi calls on the LORD to extend His steadfast love. The verse invites us to trust God’s covenant kindness, pursue the well-being of others even in our pain, and celebrate every act of ordinary faithfulness as evidence of His faithful care. (8) Return.--Naomi's love is all unselfish. The company of Ruth and Orpah would clearly have been a great solace to her, yet she will not sacrifice them to herself. They each had a mother and a home; the latter, Naomi might fail to secure to them. Verse 8. - And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother's house. She reverted, with deeper earnestness, to their theme, of discussion. She acknowledged that most kindly had they acted toward her. Her heart was filled with gratitude. It was likewise agitated with grief at the prospect of bidding them a final farewell, Nevertheless, she felt that it would be unreasonable and unkind to invite them to be, to any further degree, sharers of her adversity. Hence, thanking them for their loving convoy, she would remind them that every step further on would only increase the length of their return-journey; and she said, Go, return each to her mother's home. There, in the females' apartment, and in the bosom of their mothers, they would surely find a welcome and a refuge. She judges of their mothers by herself, and she refers rather to them than to their fathers, partly, perhaps, because she bears in mind her own motherhood, but principally, no doubt, because, in those Oriental countries, it lay very particularly within the province of mothers to make arrangements in reference to their daughters. May Yahveh deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the deceased, and with me. It is beautiful gratitude, and at the same time a touching monument to the faithfulness and gentleness that had characterized and adorned the young widows. Her simple Hebrew theology, moreover, comes finely out. She assumes that her own Yahveh reigned in Moab as in Judah, and that all blessing descended from him. There is a little peculiarity in the Hebrew pronouns in this clause. They are masculine instead of feminine. The influence of the stronger sex overrides grammatically, for the moment, the influence of the weaker.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Naomiנָעֳמִי֙(nā·‘o·mî)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5281:Naomi -- mother-in-law of Ruthsaidוַתֹּ֤אמֶר(wat·tō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto her twoלִשְׁתֵּ֣י(liš·tê)Preposition-l | Number - fdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)daughters-in-law,כַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ(ḵal·lō·ṯe·hā)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3618:Daughter-in-law, bride“Goלֵ֣כְנָה(lê·ḵə·nāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkback,שֹּׁ֔בְנָה(šō·ḇə·nāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine plural
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againeach of youאִשָּׁ֖ה(’iš·šāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleto your mother’sאִמָּ֑הּ(’im·māh)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )home.לְבֵ֣ית(lə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseMay the LORDיְהוָ֤ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelshowיַ֣עַשׂ(ya·‘aś)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeyouעִמָּכֶם֙(‘im·mā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5973:With, equally withloving devotion,חֶ֔סֶד(ḥe·seḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautyasכַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatyou have shownעֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם(‘ă·śî·ṯem)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, maketoעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withyour deadהַמֵּתִ֖ים(ham·mê·ṯîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 4191:To die, to killand to me.וְעִמָּדִֽי׃(wə·‘im·mā·ḏî)Conjunctive waw | Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally with
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OT History: Ruth 1:8 Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law Go (Ru Rut.) |
