Ruth 4:14 (KJV)

What does Ruth 4:14 mean?

Ruth 4:14 describes how the women of Bethlehem bless the LORD for providing Naomi with a close relative, ensuring that Naomi’s family line will continue and that her kinsman’s name will be well-known in Israel. The verse highlights gratitude to God for not abandoning Naomi and for restoring her hope through family.

In this scene, the local women are speaking directly to Naomi after the birth of Obed, Ruth’s son by Boaz, who will carry on Naomi’s family name. Their words recognize God’s faithfulness in giving Naomi a “kinsman” (a family redeemer) and express hope that this new family member’s name will be honored throughout Israel. The verse reflects the community’s joy and the restoration of Naomi’s fortunes.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:14

• “Blessed” (בָּרוּךְ, barukh): This word is used to praise or thank God, acknowledging His actions as good and generous. Here, the women are openly recognizing God’s role in Naomi’s renewed situation.
• “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing a covenant relationship. The women are not just speaking generally about God, but specifically about the LORD who cares for His people.
• “Kinsman” (גֹּאֵל, go’el): This term refers to a family redeemer, someone who has the responsibility to protect and restore the family line. The use of this word shows that Boaz’s role is not just personal but carries legal and social weight in Israelite society.
• “Famous” (קָרָא, qara): This word often means “to call” or “to proclaim,” but here it carries the sense of a name being made known or remembered. The hope is that the redeemer’s name will be honored in Israel.

Why Ruth 4:14 matters

• Ruth 4:14 clarifies that the community sees God’s hand at work in Naomi’s life, even after her earlier losses, emphasizing that God’s care can be recognized through the actions of others.
• The verse highlights the importance of family and legacy in ancient Israel, showing that the birth of a kinsman-redeemer restores not just Naomi’s joy but her family’s future.
• Ruth 4:14 connects the personal story of Naomi and Ruth to the larger story of Israel by expressing the hope that the redeemer’s name will be remembered throughout the nation, hinting at the significance of Obed’s descendants.