Ruth 1:20 (KJV)

What does Ruth 1:20 mean?

Ruth 1:20 shows Naomi telling the women of Bethlehem not to call her by her old name, Naomi, which means "pleasant," but instead to call her Mara, meaning "bitter," because she feels the Almighty has made her life very bitter. Naomi is expressing her deep sorrow and sense of loss after returning from Moab without her husband and sons.

Naomi is speaking to the women of her hometown as she returns to Bethlehem after a long and painful time away. She uses her name change to show how much her life has changed for the worse, openly sharing her grief and disappointment with God’s dealings in her life. This moment sets the tone for the rest of the story, highlighting Naomi’s honest struggle with suffering and her relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:20

• נָעֳמִי (Na‘omi): This name means "pleasant" or "delightful." Naomi’s request to stop calling her by this name shows how far she feels from her former happiness.
• מָרָא (Mara): This word means "bitter." Naomi chooses this name to reflect her current state of deep sorrow and the bitterness she feels in her life.
• שַׁדַּי (Shaddai): Translated as "the Almighty," this is a title for God that emphasizes His power. Naomi’s use of this name underlines her belief that her suffering comes from God’s sovereign hand.
• מַר (mar): This root means "bitter" and is used here to describe how Naomi feels God has treated her. It’s a strong word that highlights the depth of her pain.

Why Ruth 1:20 matters

• Naomi’s honesty about her suffering helps readers see that the Bible does not shy away from real human pain or questions about God’s actions.
• The name change from Naomi to Mara is a turning point in the story, showing how loss and grief can shape a person’s identity and outlook.
• This verse prepares the reader for the transformation that will come later in the story, as Naomi’s journey moves from bitterness to hope.