Ruth 1:20
Ruth 1:20 in Multiple Translations
“Do not call me Naomi, ” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
And she said to them, Do not let my name be Naomi, but Mara, for the Ruler of all has given me a bitter fate.
She said to them, “Don't call me Naomi! Call me Mara, for the Almighty has treated me very bitterly.
And she answered them, Call me not Naomi, but call me Mara: for the Almightie hath giuen me much bitternes.
And she saith unto them, 'Call me not Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly to me,
She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
And she said to them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
But she said to them: Call me not Noemi, (that is, beautiful,) but call me Mara, (that is, bitter,) for the Almighty hath quite filled me with bitterness.
Naomi said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi, which means ‘pleasant’. Instead, call me Mara, which means ‘bitter’, because God Almighty has made my life very unpleasant.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ן
אַל
תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה
לִ֖/י
נָעֳמִ֑י
קְרֶ֤אןָ
לִ/י֙
מָרָ֔א
כִּי
הֵמַ֥ר
שַׁדַּ֛י
לִ֖/י
מְאֹֽד
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ן
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Juss-2fp
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
נָעֳמִ֑י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
Naomi
N-proper
קְרֶ֤אןָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Impv-2fp
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
מָרָ֔א
Mârâʼ
H4755
Mara
N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֵמַ֥ר
mârar
H4843
to provoke
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
שַׁדַּ֛י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:20
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ן
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Juss-2fp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
נָעֳמִ֑י
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.
קְרֶ֤אןָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Impv-2fp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
מָרָ֔א
Mârâʼ
H4755
"Mara"
N-proper
Mara is a name given to Naomi, meaning bitterness, after she experienced many hardships. It is first mentioned in the book of Ruth, where Naomi laments her situation. The name reflects her difficult circumstances.
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; Another name of no.o.mi (נׇעֳמִי "Naomi" H5281) § Mara = "bitterness" a name that Naomi called herself due to her calamities
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Mara. See also: Ruth 1:20.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֵמַ֥ר
mârar
H4843
"to provoke"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
The word marar means to be or make something bitter. It can also describe a strong or intense emotion, such as anger or grief. In the Bible, it is used to describe a range of feelings and experiences, from physical bitterness to emotional pain.
Definition: 1) to be bitter 1a) (Qal) to be bitter 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to show bitterness 1b2) to make bitter 1c) (Hiphil) to make bitter, embitter 1d) (Hithpalpel) 1d1) to embitter oneself 1d2) to be enraged 2) (TWOT) to be strong, strengthen
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (be, be in, deal, have, make) bitter(-ly, -ness), be moved with choler, (be, have sorely, it) grieved(-eth), provoke, vex. See also: Genesis 49:23; Job 27:2; Isaiah 22:4.
שַׁדַּ֛י
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Ruth 1:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 1:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:20
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 1:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
- Sermons on Ruth 1:20
Context — The Return to Bethlehem
18When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her.
19So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women of the town exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”
20“Do not call me Naomi, ” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.
21I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? After all, the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me.” 22So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 6:4 | For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
| 2 | Hebrews 12:11 | No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. |
| 3 | Psalms 73:14 | For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. |
| 4 | Isaiah 38:13 | I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me. |
| 5 | Job 19:6 | then understand that it is God who has wronged me and drawn His net around me. |
| 6 | Psalms 88:15 | From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. |
| 7 | Lamentations 3:1–20 | I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light. Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long. He has worn away my flesh and skin; He has shattered my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains. Even when I cry out and plead for help, He shuts out my prayer. He has barred my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked. He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush. He forced me off my path and tore me to pieces; He left me without help. He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. He pierced my kidneys with His arrows. I am a laughingstock to all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood. He has ground my teeth with gravel and trampled me in the dust. My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.” Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me. |
| 8 | Job 5:17 | Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. |
| 9 | Exodus 6:3 | I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them. |
| 10 | Genesis 43:14 | May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” |
Ruth 1:20 Summary
[Naomi is saying that she wants to be called Mara, which means 'bitter', because she feels that God has dealt bitterly with her. This shows that she is being honest about her feelings and is acknowledging God's sovereignty over her life, as seen in (Jeremiah 29:11). She is not hiding her emotions or pretending that everything is okay when it's not, and this is a lesson for us to be transparent with God. We can learn from Naomi's example to trust in God's goodness and love, even when things seem bitter or difficult, as encouraged in (Romans 8:28).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Naomi ask to be called Mara instead of Naomi?
Naomi asks to be called Mara, which means 'bitter', because she feels that the Almighty has dealt bitterly with her, as seen in Ruth 1:20. This name change reflects her emotional state and her perception of God's dealings with her, similar to how Job expressed his feelings of bitterness in Job 10:1.
Is Naomi's statement a reflection of a lack of faith?
While Naomi's statement may seem like a lack of faith, it is more a reflection of her honesty and transparency about her feelings, as seen in Psalms 13:1-2 where David also expressed his feelings of despair. Naomi is acknowledging the pain and difficulty she has faced, but she is not rejecting God.
What does Naomi's statement reveal about her relationship with God?
Naomi's statement reveals that she has a personal and intimate relationship with God, as she attributes her circumstances to the Almighty, showing that she believes God is actively involved in her life, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. She is not just blaming fate or chance, but rather recognizing God's sovereignty over her life.
How can we apply Naomi's experience to our own lives?
Naomi's experience reminds us that it is okay to express our emotions and feelings to God, as seen in Psalms 42:1-2, and that He is big enough to handle our honesty. We can learn from Naomi's example to be transparent with God and to trust in His sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like God has dealt bitterly with me, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Naomi, acknowledge my emotions and feelings to God, and trust in His sovereignty over my life?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of honesty and transparency in my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Naomi's name change to my own life, and what would I like to change or surrender to God?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:20
And she said, call me not Naomi, call me Mara,.... The one signifying "prosperity", according to Josephus (m), and the other "grief"; but he is not always correct in his interpretation of Hebrew
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:20
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. Mara - bitter, bitterness (see the note at Exodus 15:23).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
Naomi signifies pleasant or cheerful, or amiable. Mara signifies bitter or sorrowful.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
Rth 1:20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.Ver. 20. And she said unto them.] She put her mouth in the dust, and spake in a low language, suitable to her present condition. God had afflicted her, and she would carry her sails accordingly. Many are humbled, but not humble; low, but not lowly. These have lost the fruit of their afflictions, saith Augustine, and are therefore most miserable. God, saith another, calls no man Benjamin, but those whom their own hearts call Benoni in their humility. He salutes them not "Naomi," beautiful, who do not humbly feel themselves Marah, bitter. Call me not Naomi, call me Marah.] Non Amaeham sed Amaram. Sic, Da obolum Bellisario. How soon can the Almighty alter our condition, for the better, or for the worse! “ Magna repente ruunt, summa cadunt subito. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
(20) Call me not Naomi, call me Mara.—Here we have one of the constant plays on words and names found in the Hebrew Bible. Naomi, we have already said, means pleasant, or, perhaps, strictly, my pleasantness. Mara is bitter, as in Exodus 15:23. The latter word has no connection with Miriam or Mary, which is from a different root. The Almighty.—Heb., Shaddai. According to one derivation of the word, “He who is All Sufficient,” all sufficing; the God who gives all things in abundance is He who takes back (see Note on Genesis 17:1). Hath dealt very bitterly.—Heb., hemar, referring to the preceding Mara. The pleasantness and joys of life are at an end for me, my dear ones passed away, bitterness and sadness are now my lot.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
Verse 20. Call me not Naomi] That is, beautiful or pleasant. Call me Mara] That is, bitter; one whose life is grievous to her. The Almighty] שדי Shaddai, He who is self-sufficient, has taken away the props and supports of my life.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:20
20. Mara] The word has the Aramaic, not the Hebr. fem. ending. the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me] Almost the same words as in Job 27:2. For Almighty the Heb. has Shaddai, perhaps an intentional archaism, see Genesis 49:25. Shaddaialone (not El Shaddai) occurs elsewhere only in poetry, e.g. Numbers 24:4; Numbers 24:16 and in Job; Naomi’s words in Rth 1:21 fall into poetic rhythm, as the language of emotion usually does in the O. T.
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 1:20
See the margin. Similar allusions to the meaning of names are seen in Genesis 27:36; Jeremiah 20:3. The Almighty - שׁדי shadday (see the Genesis 17:1 note).
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:20
20. Call me not Naomi, call me Mara — Naomi means pleasant, or, more exactly, my pleasantness; Mara signifies bitter or sorrowful.
Sermons on Ruth 1:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Free From Bitterness by Jim Wilson | In this sermon, Jim shares his personal testimony of how he found freedom from bitterness in his own life. He has been a Christian for 60 years and has spent much of his time minis |
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Introducing Naomi and Ruth by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith introduces the book of Ruth by exploring the lives of Naomi and Ruth against the backdrop of the moral decay during the time of the Judges in Israel. He emphasizes how |
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The Spirit Commited to God by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound significance of committing our spirits to God, drawing parallels between Christ's final words on the cross and the believer's journey |
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Our Daily Homily - Ruth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing, emphasizing that God's plans often unfold in ways we cannot immediately understand. Despite her losses, Naomi's |
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The First Bereavement by John MacDuff | John MacDuff preaches about the solemn hour of first bereavement, offering consolation and guidance to those experiencing deep sorrow and loss. He emphasizes the need to turn to Go |
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(Hebrews - Part 17): Faithful in Truth and Love by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians actively engaging in their faith. He criticizes those who are hesitant to put effort into their Christianity, c |
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(Hebrews - Part 42): Discipleship by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the discipline of the cross in preparing believers for heaven. He explains that God puts us under discipli |