Ruth 1:8

Ruth 1:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then 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 Version KJV

And 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.

American Standard Version ASV

And 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go back to your mothers' houses: may the Lord be good to you as you have been good to the dead and to me:

Free Bible Version FBV

However, as they left, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Each of you, go back to your mother's homes, and may the Lord be as kind to you as you have been to me, and to those who have died.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Naomi saide vnto her two daughters in lawe, Goe, returne eche of you vnto her owne mothers house: the Lord shew fauour vnto you, as ye haue done with the dead, and with me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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;

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

She 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.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then as the three of them were walking, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Each of you should turn around and go back to your mother’s home. You treated your husbands kindly before they died, and you have treated me kindly.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:8

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 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר נָעֳמִי֙ לִ/שְׁתֵּ֣י כַלֹּתֶ֔י/הָ לֵ֣כְנָה שֹּׁ֔בְנָה אִשָּׁ֖ה לְ/בֵ֣ית אִמָּ֑/הּ יעשה יַ֣עַשׂ יְהוָ֤ה עִמָּ/כֶם֙ חֶ֔סֶד כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֧ר עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם עִם הַ/מֵּתִ֖ים וְ/עִמָּדִֽ/י

וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

נָעֳמִי֙ Noʻŏmîy H5281 Naomi N-proper

לִ/שְׁתֵּ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 two Prep | Adj

כַלֹּתֶ֔י/הָ kallâh H3618 daughter-in-law N-fp | Suff

לֵ֣כְנָה yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2fp

שֹּׁ֔בְנָה shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2fp

אִשָּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs

לְ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

אִמָּ֑/הּ ʼêm H517 mother N-fs | Suff

יעשה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

יַ֣עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Juss-3ms

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עִמָּ/כֶם֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

חֶ֔סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness N-ms

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֧ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2mp

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

הַ/מֵּתִ֖ים mûwth H4191 to die Art | V-Qal

וְ/עִמָּדִֽ/י ʻim H5973 with Conj | Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:8

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.

לִ/שְׁתֵּ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Prep | 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.

כַלֹּתֶ֔י/הָ kallâh H3618 "daughter-in-law" N-fp | Suff

In biblical times, this word referred to a bride or daughter-in-law, like Rebekah who became Isaac's bride in Genesis 24:67.

Definition: : bride 1) bride, daughter-in-law 1a) daughter-in-law 1b) bride, young wife Also means: kal.lah (כַּלָּה ": daughter-in-law" H3618H)

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. See also: Genesis 11:31; Song of Solomon 4:10; Isaiah 49:18.

לֵ֣כְנָה yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-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.

שֹּׁ֔בְנָה 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.

אִשָּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs

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.

לְ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אִמָּ֑/הּ ʼêm H517 "mother" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

יעשה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

יַ֣עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עִמָּ/כֶם֙ 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.

חֶ֔סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" N-ms

This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.

Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֧ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2mp

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

הַ/מֵּתִ֖ים mûwth H4191 "to die" Art | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

וְ/עִמָּדִֽ/י ʻim H5973 "with" Conj | Prep | Suff

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Study Notes — Ruth 1:8

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Context
Cross References
Ruth 1:8 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:8
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Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:8
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Sermons on Ruth 1:8

Context — Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi

6When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had attended to His people by providing them with food, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab. 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 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.

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 10and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ruth 2:20	Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. ”
2	Ruth 1:5	both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband.
3	Colossians 3:18	Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
4	Colossians 3:24	because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
5	Ephesians 6:2–3	“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”
6	Joshua 24:15–28	But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!” But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and consume you, even after He has been good to you.” “No!” replied the people. “We will serve the LORD!” Then Joshua told them, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “We are witnesses!” they said. “Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” So the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.” On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance. Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance.
7	Ephesians 5:22	Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
8	2 Timothy 1:16–18	May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.
9	Philippians 4:18–19	I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
10	Luke 14:25–33	Large crowds were now traveling with Jesus, and He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.

Ruth 1:8 Summary

In this verse, Naomi is telling her daughters-in-law to go back to their own homes, because she wants them to be happy and have a better life. She is asking God to show them love and kindness, just like they had shown to her and her deceased sons. This verse shows us that God cares about our well-being and wants us to show love and kindness to others, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40, which talks about loving God and our neighbors. Naomi's selfless love and trust in God are an example to us, to put others' needs before our own, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Naomi tell her daughters-in-law to go back to their mother's home?

Naomi told her daughters-in-law to go back to their mother's home because she wanted them to have a better life, as she knew that as widows in a foreign land, they would face many challenges, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:17-22, which talks about the care of widows and orphans.

What does 'loving devotion' mean in this context?

In this context, 'loving devotion' refers to the kindness, care, and loyalty that the daughters-in-law had shown to Naomi and her deceased sons, as seen in Ruth 1:8, and Naomi is asking the Lord to show them the same love and care in return, as promised in Psalm 119:76.

Is Naomi being selfish by telling her daughters-in-law to leave her?

No, Naomi is not being selfish, but rather, she is being selfless, as she wants the best for her daughters-in-law, and she knows that they would have a better chance of remarrying and having a secure life if they returned to their own people, as seen in Ruth 1:9, where she prays for their future husbands.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can show loving devotion to those around me, just like the daughters-in-law showed to Naomi?
How can I trust God to provide for me, even in difficult circumstances, just like Naomi trusted Him to provide for her daughters-in-law?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and caring for one another?
How can I apply the principle of selfless love, as seen in Naomi's actions, to my own relationships and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:8

And Naomi said to her two daughters in law,.... When they were come, as it is very probable, to the utmost limits of the land of Moab, and to the borders of the land of Israel: go, return each unto

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:8

And 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. Go, return each to her mother's house.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:8

Each to her mother’ s house; not that they wanted fathers, , but because daughters used to converse more frequently with their mothers, and to be most endeared to them, and to dwell in the same apartments with them, which then were distinct from those parts of the house where the men dwelt. With the dead; with my sons, your husbands, whilst they lived.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:8

Rth 1:8 And 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.Ver. 8. And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law.] Hitherto she hath acted her part by doing and suffering. Now, and not till now, we find her speaking. Her tongue did not hang loose, to be upon every touch extolling: but "she openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness," as Proverbs 31:26. Go, return each to her mother’ s house.] Ite, redite. This she spake as a wise woman, to make trial of the soundness of their love. Videas cui fidas, try before you trust. Open heartedness is a sign of folly; credulity, of levity. The Lord deal kindly with you.] This, her motherly benediction, was the best valediction. Gold and silver she had not for them, but that which was better, heartiest prayers and well wishes; and of these people should be even prodigal, since this their labour of love cannot be in vain in the Lord. As ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.] Though of an ill race, they proved dutiful wives and kind daughters-in-law. Howbeit nothing is more dangerous than to graft in a bad stock, to be imped in a wicked family. This relation too often draweth in a share both of sin and punishment. Ahab and Ahaziah, for instance.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:8

(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.

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:8

8. to her mother’s house] although Ruth’s father was alive, Rth 2:11; but the natural place for the female members of the family would be their mother’s tent or house, cf. Genesis 24:28; Genesis 24:67, Son 3:4. the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt] Cf. Psalms 18:25 ‘with the kind thou shewest thyself kind.’ Jehovah’s kindness was specially needed by the widow, for her condition was regarded as a reproach, Isaiah 4:1; Isaiah 54:4. The Book of the Covenant makes no provision for the widow (Exodus 22:22 is a later expansion); contrast the humanity of Deu 24:19-21; Deuteronomy 27:19. On her marriage the wife united herself to her husband’s religion; when she returned to her own people as a widow, she returned to their religion if they were foreigners, Rth 1:15 f. Yet Jehovah’s influence is not entirely confined to the land of Israel; Naomi can commend her daughters in law to His protection when they were back in their own land.

Barnes' Notes on Ruth 1:8

Accompanying their mother-in-law to the borders of their own land would probably be an act of Oriental courtesy. Naomi with no less courtesy presses them to return.

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:8

8. Go, return — Thus, at length, the tearful Naomi herself breaks the silence of their grief.

Sermons on Ruth 1:8

	Sermon	Description
	Cling to the Lord by Alphaus Mdlalose	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a mother and her imprisoned son. The son pleads with his mother to seek help from a powerful witch doctor to influence the outcome
	Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c
	(2008 Usa Tour) Marriage! the Scriptures! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of love and obedience within the family. He emphasizes that husbands should love their wives as they love themselves, and wiv
	Spiritual Warfare by David Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of submission in various areas of life. He starts by emphasizing the need for children to obey their parents, as they are the
	The Leader and His Wife by Aaron Hurst	In this sermon, Brother Denny addresses the topic of love, leadership, and the relationship between husbands and wives. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation i
	(The Sufficiency of the Saviour) 3. for Home Life by Stephen Olford	Stephen Olford emphasizes the significance of the Christian home, urging that it should be a place of peace, enlightenment, and enablement under the Lordship of Christ. He discusse
	Lift Someone Up by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of growing up in a troubled family with an alcoholic father who was abusive towards his mother and him. Despite the difficul