Ruth 4:16
Ruth 4:16 in Multiple Translations
And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a nurse to him.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
And Naomi took the child and put her arms round it, and she took care of it.
Naomi picked up the child and hugged him. She looked after him like her own son.
And Naomi tooke the childe, and layde it in her lap, and became nource vnto it.
And Naomi taketh the lad, and layeth him in her bosom, and is to him for a nurse;
Naomi took the child, laid him in her bosom, and became nurse to him.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became its nurse.
And Noemi taking the child laid it in her bosom, and she carried it, and was a nurse unto it.
Then Naomi took the baby and put him on her lap, and took care of him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 4:16
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 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקַּ֨ח
נָעֳמִ֤י
אֶת
הַ/יֶּ֨לֶד֙
וַ/תְּשִׁתֵ֣/הוּ
בְ/חֵיקָ֔/הּ
וַ/תְּהִי
ל֖/וֹ
לְ/אֹמֶֽנֶת
וַ/תִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נָעֳמִ֤י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
Naomi
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יֶּ֨לֶד֙
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-ms
וַ/תְּשִׁתֵ֣/הוּ
shîyth
H7896
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
בְ/חֵיקָ֔/הּ
chêyq
H2436
bosom
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/אֹמֶֽנֶת
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Prep | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 4:16
וַ/תִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
נָעֳמִ֤י
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יֶּ֨לֶד֙
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
וַ/תְּשִׁתֵ֣/הוּ
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
בְ/חֵיקָ֔/הּ
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
וַ/תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אֹמֶֽנֶת
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
Study Notes — Ruth 4:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Boaz Marries Ruth
14Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel.
15He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”
16And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a nurse to him.
17The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,Ruth 4:16 Summary
In this verse, Naomi shows us what it means to love and care for someone like they are our own. She takes the child, places him on her lap, and becomes a nurse to him, demonstrating the kind of selfless love that God has for us (1 John 3:1). This verse reminds us that we are all part of a larger family, and that we should care for one another just as Naomi cared for the child. As we reflect on Naomi's actions, we can learn to prioritize love, family, and community in our own lives, just as the Bible teaches us in verses like Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 10:24-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Naomi taking the child and becoming a nurse to him?
Naomi's actions demonstrate her love and acceptance of the child as her own, much like the way God loves and accepts us as His children, as seen in Romans 8:15-16 and Galatians 4:6-7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and community in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of family and community in the Bible, where the care of children is a shared responsibility, as seen in Psalm 68:6 and Deuteronomy 4:9-10.
What can we learn from Naomi's selfless actions in this verse?
Naomi's actions teach us about the value of selflessness and putting others before ourselves, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40 and as exemplified in Philippians 2:3-4.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of Ruth and the genealogy of Jesus?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth, as it shows the beginning of a new family line that will eventually lead to the birth of Jesus, as seen in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate selfless love to those around me, just like Naomi did with the child?
- How can I apply the principle of community and shared responsibility in my own life, as seen in this verse?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and legacy, and how can I prioritize these values in my own life?
- How does Naomi's story inspire me to trust in God's providence and care, even in difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 4:16
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom,.... As a token of her most tender love and affection for it; this it is probable she did quickly after the birth of it: and became a nurse unto it;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 4:16
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 4:16
Rth 4:16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.Ver. 16. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom.] Next her heart, to show her great love and tender affection, though she were but mother-in-law to his mother. What, then, may we think of Ruth, own mother to Obed? There is an ocean of love in a parent’ s heart. “φιλτρωμενσυνεδησεθεοςγονεαςτετοκουςτε.” Grandfathers and grandmothers oft love their grandchildren better than their own, for love descendeth. And became his nurse.] A dry nurse no doubt, a foster nurse, a faithful nurse, as the Hebrew word importeth, not a milk nurse, for she was too old to give it suck. That was a miracle, if true, that is reported of the old woman of Bolton in Lancashire, who, when that town was plundered by Prince Rupert in our late unnatural wars, took up a child that lay pitifully crying at the breasts of her slain mother, and having neither food for herself nor for the infant in that common calamity, to still the child, laid it to her breast: and although she were aged above seventy years, and had not given suck above twenty years before, yet the child sucking, milk came into her breasts wherewith she nourished it, to the admiration and astonishment of all beholders. This, saith my reverend author, is attested by three godly ministers, and various others of good credit, who were eyewitnesses of the same. Mr Clark’ s Mirror, edit. 2, p. 16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 4:16
(16) Nurse.—The verb (aman) here is that used in Isaiah 49:23, “and kings shall be thy nursing fathers.” That ordinarily used for the natural nursing of a woman is different.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 4:16
Verse 16. Naomi took the child] This might do for Naomi, but it was bad for the child. A child, unless remarkably healthy and robust, will suffer considerably by being nursed by an old woman, especially if the child sleep with her. The aged gain refreshment and energy by sleeping with the young; and from the same means the young derive premature decrepitude. The vigour which is absorbed by the former is lost by the latter. It is a foolish and destructive custom to permit young children, which is a common case, to sleep with aged aunts and old grandmothers. Bacon's grand secret of the cure of old age, couched in so many obscure and enigmatical terms, is simply this: Let young persons sleep constantly with those who are aged and infirm. And it was on this principle that the physicians of David recommended a young healthy girl to sleep with David in his old age. They well knew that the aged infirm body of the king would absorb a considerable portion of healthy energy from the young woman.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 4:16
16. took the child, and laid it in her bosom] to shew that she adopted the child of Ruth as her own; cf. the phrase ‘born upon the knees’ Genesis 30:3; Genesis 50:13.