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Ruth 1:11

Ruth 1:11 in Multiple Translations

But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands?

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

But Naomi said, Go back, my daughters; why will you come with me? Have I more sons in my body, to become your husbands?

“Why do you want to go back with me?” Naomi asked. “I'm not able to have any more sons for you to marry.

But Naomi saide, Turne againe, my daughters: for what cause will you go with me? are there any more sonnes in my wombe, that they may bee your husbands?

And Naomi saith, 'Turn back, my daughters; why do ye go with me? are there yet to me sons in my bowels that they have been to you for husbands?

Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? shall I bear more sons, that they may be your husbands?

But she answered them: Return, my daughters: why come ye with me? have I any more sons in my womb, that you may hope for husbands of me?

But Naomi said, “No, my daughters, return home. ◄It will not do any good for you to come with me!/What good will it do for you to come with me?► [RHQ] Do you think I will get married again and have more sons who could become your husbands?

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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Ruth 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר נָעֳמִי֙ שֹׁ֣בְנָה בְנֹתַ֔/י לָ֥/מָּה תֵלַ֖כְנָה עִמִּ֑/י הַֽ/עֽוֹד לִ֤/י בָנִים֙ בְּֽ/מֵעַ֔/י וְ/הָי֥וּ לָ/כֶ֖ם לַ/אֲנָשִֽׁים
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נָעֳמִי֙ Noʻŏmîy H5281 Naomi N-proper
שֹׁ֣בְנָה shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2fp
בְנֹתַ֔/י bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fp | Suff
לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part
תֵלַ֖כְנָה yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-2fp
עִמִּ֑/י ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
הַֽ/עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Part | Adv
לִ֤/י Prep | Suff
בָנִים֙ bên H1121 son N-mp
בְּֽ/מֵעַ֔/י mêʻeh H4578 belly Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לָ/כֶ֖ם Prep | Suff
לַ/אֲנָשִֽׁים ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:11

וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָעֳמִי֙ Noʻŏmîy H5281 "Naomi" N-proper
Naomi was an Israelite woman who lived before the monarchy. She was the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and is also known as Mara. Naomi means 'my delight'.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Elimelech (H0458); mother of: Mahlon (H4248) and Chilion (H3630); also called Mara at Rut.1.20; Also named: ma.ra (מָרָא "Mara" H4755) § Naomi = "my delight" wife of Elimelech, mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Naomi. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:6; Ruth 4:17.
שֹׁ֣בְנָה shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Impv-2fp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
בְנֹתַ֔/י bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תֵלַ֖כְנָה yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-2fp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
עִמִּ֑/י ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הַֽ/עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Part | Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לִ֤/י "" Prep | Suff
בָנִים֙ bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בְּֽ/מֵעַ֔/י mêʻeh H4578 "belly" Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to the internal organs, like the intestines or stomach, and can also mean sympathy or emotions. The KJV translates it as belly, bowels, or womb, depending on the context.
Definition: 1) internal organs, inward parts, bowels, intestines, belly 1a) inward parts 1b) digestive organs 1c) organs of procreation, womb 1d) place of emotions or distress or love (fig.) 1e) external belly Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְעָא "belly" H4577)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: belly, bowels, [idiom] heart, womb. See also: Genesis 15:4; Psalms 71:6; Psalms 22:15.
וְ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff
לַ/אֲנָשִֽׁים ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

Study Notes — Ruth 1:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 25:5 When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her.
2 Genesis 38:11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house.

Ruth 1:11 Summary

In this verse, Naomi is telling her daughters-in-law to go back to their homes because she knows they will have a better life if they can marry again and have children. She is being very honest with them, saying that she is too old to have more children, and even if she could, it would be many years before they could marry them, as she explains further in Ruth 1:12-13. This shows that Naomi is thinking about what is best for them, not just what is best for herself, which is an example of loving others like Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39. Naomi's words also show that she trusts God, even when things seem impossible, which is a lesson for us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Naomi tell her daughters-in-law to return home?

Naomi instructed her daughters-in-law to return home because she knew that as widows, they would face significant challenges in a foreign land, and she wanted them to have the opportunity to remarry and find rest in their own homes, as seen in Ruth 1:9, where she prays for their rest in the home of their new husband, similar to the blessing in Genesis 2:24.

What did Naomi mean by 'Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands?'?

Naomi was highlighting the impossibility of her being able to provide husbands for her daughters-in-law from her own family, given her age and the fact that she had no more sons, emphasizing the reality of her situation and the need for them to seek their own futures, as she further explains in Ruth 1:12-13.

How does Naomi's response reflect her faith in God's sovereignty?

Naomi's words reflect her recognition of God's sovereignty over her life and the lives of her daughters-in-law, as she acknowledges the hand of the Lord in her circumstances, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 37:7, and her grief in Ruth 1:13 shows her trust in God's plan, even when it is difficult to understand.

What can we learn from Naomi's selfless concern for her daughters-in-law?

Naomi's selfless concern for her daughters-in-law demonstrates a Christ-like love and care for others, as seen in John 13:35, where Jesus teaches that love for one another is a hallmark of being His disciples, and in Philippians 2:3-4, where Paul encourages believers to put the interests of others before their own.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate selfless love and care for those around me, just like Naomi did for her daughters-in-law?
  2. How do I respond when faced with difficult circumstances, and what can I learn from Naomi's example of trusting in God's sovereignty?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize the well-being and future of those I care about, even if it means making sacrifices or facing uncertainty?
  4. How does Naomi's story encourage me to trust in God's plan, even when it seems impossible or unclear, and what promises from Scripture can I hold onto in such times?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:11

And Naomi said, turn again, my daughters,.... Supposing this resolution of theirs only arose from a natural affection, and not from any love to the God or people of Israel; at least doubting whether

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:11

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:11

According to the ancient custom, Genesis 38, and the express law of God, , which doubtless she had acquainted them with before, among other branches of the Jewish religion, wherein she did instruct them.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:11

Rth 1:11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? [are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?Ver. 11. Turn again, my daughters.] Though she were but their step-mother, yet, as one stepped in to be instead of a natural mother, she calleth them her daughters. It is good policy to preserve an opinion of our love in the hearts of those whom we would persuade to any good, and to speak them fair. Why will ye go with me?] q.d., Go not, unless ye be first of a well-knit resolution, lest all too late ye come in with a fool’ s, Had I known. Those that intend for heaven must not dream of a delicacy: but, being to build the tower of godliness, let them consider first, and cast up what it will cost them, lest they with shame give over in the midst, and "lose the things that they have wrought": but that they may "receive a full reward." Are there yet any more sons in my womb?] If you aim at worldly advantage, or are acted by sinful selflove in this your enterprise, I have not for you, nor am likely to accommodate you. See Luke 9:57. Sed vix diligitur Iesus propter Iesum, saith a father. Poor Christ is slighted.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:11

(11) The advice of Naomi thus far is insufficient to shake the affectionate resolve of the two women. She then paints the loneliness of her lot. She has no more sons, and can hope for none; nay, if sons were to be even now born to her, what good would that do them? Still her lot is worse than theirs. They, in spite of their great loss, are young, and from their mothers’ houses they may again go forth to homes of their own. She, old, childless, and solitary, must wend her weary way back to live unaided as best she may.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:11

Verse 11. Are there yet any more sons] This was spoken in allusion to the custom, that when a married brother died without leaving posterity, his brother should take his widow; and the children of such a marriage were accounted the children of the deceased brother. There is something very persuasive and affecting in the address of Naomi to her daughters-in-law. Let us observe the particulars: - 1. She intimates that she had no other sons to give them. 2. That she was not with child; so there could be no expectation. 3. That she was too old to have a husband. 4. That though she should marry that night, and have children, yet they could not wait till such sons were marriageable; she therefore begs them to return to their own country where they might be comfortably settled among their own kindred.

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:11

11. have I yet sons … that they may be your husbands?] Alluding to the custom of levirate marriage, i. e. marriage with a brother in law (Lat. levir) after the husband’s death. The law on the subject is given in Deuteronomy 25:5-10; cf. St Matthew 22:24.

Barnes' Notes on Ruth 1:11

See marginal references and notes. The Levirate law probably existed among the Moabites, and in Israel extended beyond the brother in the strict sense, and applied to the nearest relations, since

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:11

11. Why will ye go with me — What purpose will it serve for you to accompany me further? What object of self-interest can ye have?

Sermons on Ruth 1:11

SermonDescription
Sandeep Poonen Faithful on the Outside but Decayed on the Inside by Sandeep Poonen This sermon delves into the parable of the lost son from Luke 15, focusing on the often overlooked character of the older brother. It highlights the dangers of a decaying heart, wh
Jacob Prasch Ruth by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of
Dick Woodward Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and
F.W. Grant Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's
David Servant Day 156, Luke 20 by David Servant David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others

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