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.
RUTH 1:8KJVWhat does Ruth 1:8 mean?
Ruth 1:8 describes Naomi telling her two daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers’ homes, expressing her hope that the LORD will treat them kindly, just as they had shown kindness to their deceased husbands and to Naomi herself. Naomi is releasing them from any obligation to stay with her and wishing them well as they return to their families.
In this verse, Naomi is speaking to Orpah and Ruth after the deaths of their husbands, Naomi's sons. They are on the road leaving Moab, and Naomi urges them to go back to their own families rather than continue with her to Judah. Naomi’s words show her gratitude for the loyalty and kindness ("dealt kindly") the women have shown, and her desire that God will show them the same faithful love in return.
The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:8
- The word translated "kindly" is חֶסֶד (chesed), which often means steadfast love, loyalty, or loving-kindness. Naomi is asking that the LORD show the same faithful love to Orpah and Ruth that they have shown to her and their husbands.
- The word for "LORD" is יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh), the personal name of Israel’s God. Naomi is invoking God’s personal care and covenant faithfulness for her daughters-in-law.
- The phrase "deal kindly" uses the verb עָשָׂה (asah, "deal" or "do") together with חֶסֶד (chesed), emphasizing an active showing of loyal love, not just a feeling.
Why Ruth 1:8 matters
- Ruth 1:8 highlights Naomi’s selflessness and her concern for the well-being of her daughters-in-law, even though she herself is grieving.
- The use of חֶסֶד (chesed) sets the tone for the whole book, where acts of loyal love and kindness are central themes.
- Naomi’s blessing connects the personal story to the larger story of God’s faithfulness, showing that even in hardship, God’s loyal love can be hoped for and recognized.