Ruth 1:8 - Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.
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What does "Ruth 1:8" mean?
This verse from Ruth 1:8 is Naomi's expression of gratitude and blessing towards her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, after the deaths of their husbands (Naomi's sons). Let's break down the meaning:
"Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, 'Go, return each of you to her mother’s house.'"
Naomi is suggesting that Orpah and Ruth go back to their own families. Culturally, this makes sense. As widows without sons to support them, their best chance for security and remarriage would be back in their own communities.
Naomi is releasing them from their obligations to her and giving them her blessing to pursue their own futures.
"May Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me."
"May Yahweh deal kindly with you": This is a blessing. Naomi is invoking God's favor and kindness upon Orpah and Ruth.
"as you have dealt with the dead": This refers to the daughters-in-law showing respect, love, and devotion to their deceased husbands. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper mourning and care for the dead were important. They likely honored their husbands through mourning rituals, perhaps providing for their burial, and remembering them with respect.
"and with me": This highlights the kindness, loyalty, and care Orpah and Ruth had shown Naomi. They had supported her through her grief and loss, and had likely been a source of comfort and companionship.
In essence, Naomi is saying:
"I appreciate you both very much. You've been good wives to my sons (who are now dead) and good to me. You don't owe me anything. Go back to your families where you'll have a better chance at a good life. I pray that God will bless you for your kindness and loyalty."
Key takeaways:
Selflessness: Naomi is putting the needs and well-being of her daughters-in-law above her own. She is willing to be alone to allow them a better future.
Gratitude: She recognizes and expresses her deep appreciation for their kindness and devotion.
Blessing: She invokes God's blessing upon them, hoping for their future happiness and prosperity.
Cultural Context: The passage highlights the vulnerability of widows in ancient society and the importance of family support.
The verse sets the stage for the rest of the story. Orpah does return to her family, but Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, demonstrating a profound level of loyalty and commitment that drives the narrative forward.
Ruth 1:8 - Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.
What does "Ruth 1:8" mean?
This verse from Ruth 1:8 is Naomi's expression of gratitude and blessing towards her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, after the deaths of their husbands (Naomi's sons). Let's break down the meaning:
"Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, 'Go, return each of you to her mother’s house.'"
Naomi is suggesting that Orpah and Ruth go back to their own families. Culturally, this makes sense. As widows without sons to support them, their best chance for security and remarriage would be back in their own communities.
Naomi is releasing them from their obligations to her and giving them her blessing to pursue their own futures.
"May Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me."
"May Yahweh deal kindly with you": This is a blessing. Naomi is invoking God's favor and kindness upon Orpah and Ruth.
"as you have dealt with the dead": This refers to the daughters-in-law showing respect, love, and devotion to their deceased husbands. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper mourning and care for the dead were important. They likely honored their husbands through mourning rituals, perhaps providing for their burial, and remembering them with respect.
"and with me": This highlights the kindness, loyalty, and care Orpah and Ruth had shown Naomi. They had supported her through her grief and loss, and had likely been a source of comfort and companionship.
In essence, Naomi is saying:
"I appreciate you both very much. You've been good wives to my sons (who are now dead) and good to me. You don't owe me anything. Go back to your families where you'll have a better chance at a good life. I pray that God will bless you for your kindness and loyalty."
Key takeaways:
Selflessness: Naomi is putting the needs and well-being of her daughters-in-law above her own. She is willing to be alone to allow them a better future.
Gratitude: She recognizes and expresses her deep appreciation for their kindness and devotion.
Blessing: She invokes God's blessing upon them, hoping for their future happiness and prosperity.
Cultural Context: The passage highlights the vulnerability of widows in ancient society and the importance of family support.
The verse sets the stage for the rest of the story. Orpah does return to her family, but Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, demonstrating a profound level of loyalty and commitment that drives the narrative forward.