Ruth 1:2
Ruth 1:2 in Multiple Translations
The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there.
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and were there for some time.
His name was Elimelech, and his wife's name Naomi. His sons were called Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went to the country of Moab and lived there.
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi: and the names of his two sonnes, Mahlon, and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem Iudah: and when they came into the land of Moab, they continued there.
And the name of the man [is] Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites from Beth-Lehem-Judah; and they come into the fields of Moab, and are there.
The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab and lived there.
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
He was named Elimelech, and his wife, Noemi: and his two sons, the one Mahalon, and the other Chelion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Juda. And entering into the country of Moab, they abode there.
Because of the famine, they left Bethlehem and went east to live for a while in Moab region.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:2
BAB
Word Study
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Ruth 1:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ
אֱֽלִימֶ֡לֶךְ
וְ/שֵׁם֩
אִשְׁתּ֨/וֹ
נָעֳמִ֜י
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
שְׁנֵֽי
בָנָ֣י/ו
מַחְל֤וֹן
וְ/כִלְיוֹן֙
אֶפְרָתִ֔ים
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
לֶ֖חֶם
יְהוּדָ֑ה
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
שְׂדֵי
מוֹאָ֖ב
וַ/יִּֽהְיוּ
שָֽׁם
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
אֱֽלִימֶ֡לֶךְ
ʼĔlîymelek
H458
Elimelech
N-proper
וְ/שֵׁם֩
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
אִשְׁתּ֨/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
נָעֳמִ֜י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
Naomi
N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
שְׁנֵֽי
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בָנָ֣י/ו
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
מַחְל֤וֹן
Machlôwn
H4248
Mahlon
N-proper
וְ/כִלְיוֹן֙
Kilyôwn
H3630
Chilion
Conj | N-proper
אֶפְרָתִ֔ים
ʼEphrâthîy
H673
Ephrathite
Ngmpa
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
Prep | N-proper
לֶ֖חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
יְהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׂדֵי
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-mp
מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
וַ/יִּֽהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:2
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
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.
אֱֽלִימֶ֡לֶךְ
ʼĔlîymelek
H458
"Elimelech"
N-proper
Elimelech was an Israelite whose name means my God is king, husband of Naomi and father of Mahlon and Chilion in the book of Ruth.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Naomi (H5281); father of: Mahlon (H4248), Chilion (H3630) § Elimelech = "my God is king" Naomi's husband
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Elimelech. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:3; Ruth 4:9.
וְ/שֵׁם֩
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אִשְׁתּ֨/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
נָעֳמִ֜י
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.
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שְׁנֵֽי
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בָנָ֣י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
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.
מַחְל֤וֹן
Machlôwn
H4248
"Mahlon"
N-proper
Mahlon was an Israelite man, son of Elimelech and Naomi, and husband of Ruth. His name means sick, and he is mentioned in the book of Ruth. He was the brother of Chilion.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; son of: Elimelech (H0458) and Naomi (H5281); brother of: Chilion (H3630); married to Ruth (H7327) § Mahlon = "sick" son of Elimelech by Naomi and first husband of Ruth
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Mahlon. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 4:9; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/כִלְיוֹן֙
Kilyôwn
H3630
"Chilion"
Conj | N-proper
Chilion was an Israelite man who lived before the monarchy, the son of Elimelech and Naomi, and the brother of Mahlon. He married Orpah and is mentioned in the book of Ruth 1:2-4. Chilion's story is part of the family history of King David.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; son of: Elimelech (H0458) and Naomi (H5281); brother of: Mahlon (H4248); married to Orpah (H6204) § Chilion = "pining" an Ephraimite and son of Elimelech by Naomi and the deceased husband of Ruth (or maybe deceased husband of Orpah)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Chilion. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 1:5; Ruth 4:9.
אֶפְרָתִ֔ים
ʼEphrâthîy
H673
"Ephrathite"
Ngmpa
The Ephrathite refers to a person from Ephrathah, a part of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 2:19, an Ephrathite woman married Caleb and became the mother of Hur. The term also describes someone from Ephraim, as seen in Judges 12:5.
Definition: A woman descended from Ephrathah of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.19; married to Caleb (H3612H); mother of: Hur (H2354); also called Ephrath at 1Ch.2.19; Group of eph.ra.tah (אֶפְרָ֫תָה "Ephrathah" H0672) § Ephrathite = "ashiness: fruitfulness" 1) an inhabitant or descendant of Ephraim (in in Jdg.12.5; 1Ki.11.26) 2) an inhabitant of Bethlehem (in Rut.1.1; 1Sa.1.1; 1Sa.17.12)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ephraimite, Ephrathite. See also: Judges 12:5; 1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Kings 11:26.
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
Prep | N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לֶ֖חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
יְהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שְׂדֵי
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-mp
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
וַ/יִּֽהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Ruth 1:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 1:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
- Sermons on Ruth 1:2
Context — Naomi Becomes a Widow
1In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab.
2The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there.
3Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, 4who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 35:19 | So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). |
| 2 | Micah 5:2 | But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 17:21 | And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 1:1 | Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. |
Ruth 1:2 Summary
This verse tells us about a family, Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who left their home in Bethlehem because of a famine and moved to Moab, a foreign land. They were trying to find food and a better life, just like many people do today when they move to a new place (as seen in Genesis 12:10). However, as believers, we must be careful not to 'settle' in places that can lead us away from God, and instead, trust Him to provide for us, even in difficult times (as seen in Psalm 37:3-7). By remembering our spiritual roots, we can stay grounded in our faith and make wise decisions, just like the Ephrathites remembered their ancestral heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem for Moab?
The family likely left Bethlehem due to the famine in the land, as mentioned in Ruth 1:1, seeking a better life in Moab, similar to how Abraham's family moved to Egypt during a famine in Genesis 12:10.
What does it mean that they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah?
The term 'Ephrathite' refers to a specific clan or family group within the tribe of Judah, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:12, indicating their ancestral roots and possibly their social standing.
Is it significant that they settled in the land of Moab?
Yes, settling in Moab, a foreign land, could have had spiritual implications, as the Israelites were commanded not to intermarry with the Moabites or adopt their practices, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:3 and Numbers 25:1-3.
What can we learn from the names of Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion?
The names of Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, may indicate the family's hopes for their future, with 'Mahlon' possibly meaning 'sickness' or 'weakness' and 'Chilion' possibly meaning 'completion' or 'perfection', as seen in their later actions in Ruth 1:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you felt like you were 'leaving' something familiar, like Elimelech's family leaving Bethlehem, and how did you trust God in those times?
- How do you think the family's identity as Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah influenced their decisions and actions in Moab?
- In what ways can we, like Elimelech's family, be tempted to 'settle' in places that are not spiritually healthy for us, and how can we avoid this?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of remembering our spiritual heritage and roots, just like the Ephrathites remembered theirs?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:2
And the name of the man was Elimelech,.... Which signifies "my God is King", as he was King over Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:2
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
Ephrathites; so called, because this Beth-lehem is otherwise called Ephrath or Ephratah, ; either from Caleb’ s wife of that name, 4:4, or from the fertility of the soil about it; which title may therefore be used here, to show the greatness of the famine, which affected even fertile parts. Of Bethlehem-Judah: See Poole "". Continued there, to wit, during the famine.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
Rth 1:2 And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.Ver. 2. And the name of the man was Elimelech,] i.e., My God is King: an excellent name, and such as might yield great comfort in those calamitous times. Christ liveth and reigneth, alioqui totus desperassem, saith one, else I had been down on all fours ere this day. And the name of his wife Naomi,] i.e., My sweet or pleasant one: a fit name for a wife, who should be to her husband "as the loving hind and pleasant roe." Loving appellations serve to increase love betwixt married couples, as well as to express it. And the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion.] Mahlon signifieth infirmity; Chilion, finished. Why so called, is not showed, saith an interpreter, but they answer the event of things: the first, his father’ s infirmity in going from among God’ s people, to live with idolaters for preservation of his outward estate; and the other, his father’ s death, he being taken away in Moab. He was Mahlon in his leaving of Bethlehem, and Chilion in abiding in Moab. Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah.] Not Ephrathites of the tribe of Ephraim, as 1 Kings 11:26. And continued there.] Heb., Were there as sojourners: and were kindly used; though the Moabites had been formerly hard-hearted enough, and afterwards also, and are therefore threatened.
Bernard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
(2) Naomi.—The name is derived from the Hebrew root meaning to be pleasant (see below, Rth 1:20). Mahlon and Chilion mean sickness and wasting, it may be in reference to their premature death, the names being given by reason of their feeble health. It is not certain which was the elder: Mahlon is mentioned first in Rth 1:2; Rth 1:5, and Chilion in Rth 4:9. It is probable, however, that Mahlon was the elder. Ephrathites.—See note on Genesis 35:19. Ephrath was the old name of Bethlehem. Why, in the present passage, the town is called Bethlehem-judah, and the inhabitants Ephrathites, does not appear.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
Verse 2. Elimelech] That is, God is my king. Naomi] Beautiful or amiable. Mahlon] Infirmity. Chilion] Finished, completed.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:2
2. Elimelech] i. e. God, or my God, is king; an ancient name in S. Palestine, occurring in the Amarna tablets, Ilu-milki 179, 36; 151, 45, though the form Milk-ilu is commoner; in Phoenician we find the corresponding Baal-milk=‘Baal is king,’ NSI., p. 347. Naomi on the surface appears to mean my sweetness, a name like Hephzi-bah (2 Kings 21:1) expressive of the mother’s joy in the new-born child; more likely it is an Aram. fem. form of Naamân, i.e. sweet, pleasant one, which gives a clear parallel to Marah = bitter one in Rth 1:20; Wellhausen compares the Aram, names Oḥ ?orân and Oḥ ?arî, and the Arab. Nu‘mân and Nu‘mâ, Composition d. Hex.2, p. 358 n. The meaning of Mahlon and Chilion is not quite certain; if it is weakening and pining the names may have been chosen for their significance. Ephrathites] Apparently Ephrath was the name of the district round Beth-lehem; cf. 1 Samuel 17:12, and see Genesis 35:19, Micah 5:2, Psalms 132:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:2
2. The names of this family are significant. Elimelech — My God a king. Naomi — My pleasantness. Compare Rth 1:20. Mahlon — Sickliness. Chilion — Consumption.
Sermons on Ruth 1:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:7-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a passage from the Bible, specifically Genesis 48. The passage describes the interaction between Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph's sons, Ephraim a |
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True Preparation for Christmas (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town that became the birthplace of the eternal Ruler. He explains that unde |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inven |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |
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Baptism and the Gospel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of remembering what God has done for us. He then introduces the topic of the gospel and its significance. The speak |
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Midrash - Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that God has a son. While acknowledging that God does not have a son in the sense of human procreation, the speaker argues that it |
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Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second |