Ruth 1:8 (KJV)

What does Ruth 1:8 mean?

Naomi tells her widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to return to their mothers’ homes in Moab. She asks the LORD to show them faithful kindness because they have shown that same kindness to their husbands who have died and to Naomi herself.

The key word is “kindly” — חֶסֶד (chesed). The Hebrew describes kindness expressed through loyalty and care within a relationship. Naomi is leaving Moab after losing her husband and sons, but she recognizes that her daughters-in-law have continued to care for her even after their husbands’ deaths.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:8

• “Go, return” — יָלַךְ (yalakh), שׁוּב (shuv): The first verb means “go”; the second means “return” or “turn back.” Together they direct Ruth and Orpah to leave Naomi’s company and go back home while Naomi continues toward Judah.

• “each” — אִשָּׁה (ishshah): This word usually means “woman” or “wife.” Here it has the sense “each woman,” which the KJV renders “each.” Naomi addresses both daughters-in-law, but directs each one to her own family home.

• “mother’s house” — אֵם (em), בַּיִת (bayit): These words mean “mother” and “house” or “household.” Naomi means more than a building: she is sending each woman back to her family household. Naming the mother makes the destination personal and specific.

• “deal … dealt” — עָשָׂה (asah): This common verb means “do” or “act.” Its repetition connects Naomi’s request with the women’s conduct: may the LORD act kindly toward them as they have acted toward the dead and toward her. Their kindness has taken the form of deeds.

Why Ruth 1:8 matters

• Naomi’s words combine a direction with a blessing. “Go, return” tells the women what to do; “the LORD deal kindly with you” expresses her wish for their welfare.

• “The dead” refers to people within their shared family. In context, the words especially recall Ruth’s and Orpah’s deceased husbands, Naomi’s sons. Naomi acknowledges the women’s loyalty within those marriages as well as their care for her.

• Naomi names Israel’s God while speaking to two Moabite women. The KJV’s “LORD” represents יְהוָה (YHWH, commonly rendered Yahweh), God’s personal name. Naomi asks her own God to show kindness to both women as she sends them home.