Ruth 1:19 - So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. When they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was excited about them, and they asked, “Is this Naomi?”

Generated Verse: Ruth 1:19

What does "Ruth 1:19" mean?


This verse from Ruth 1:19 describes the arrival of Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem after a long and difficult journey. Let's break it down:

"So they both went until they came to Bethlehem." This simply states that Naomi and Ruth traveled together until they reached the town of Bethlehem. "They" refers to Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth.

"When they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was excited about them." This indicates that their arrival caused quite a stir in Bethlehem. "All the city" likely means the inhabitants of the town were aware of and interested in their return. The word "excited" here probably means more than just happy - it implies a sense of anticipation, curiosity, and perhaps even shock or surprise.

"and they asked, “Is this Naomi?”" This shows that the townspeople recognized Naomi, but perhaps not immediately or without some doubt. The fact that they asked "Is this Naomi?" suggests:

Naomi had been gone for a considerable amount of time.
She might have changed in appearance due to hardship, age, or simply the passage of time.
Her return was unexpected, possibly because people assumed she wouldn't come back after the death of her husband and sons.

In summary, the verse portrays a scene where Naomi and Ruth arrive in Naomi's hometown after a long absence. Their arrival causes a buzz in the town, and people are both curious and surprised to see Naomi, leading them to ask if it is indeed her.

The verse sets the stage for the rest of the Book of Ruth. It highlights the impact of their return and hints at the challenges Naomi faced, setting the reader up to understand her past and the context for her future with Ruth in Bethlehem.

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