Ruth 2:20 - Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by Yahweh, who has not abandoned his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Naomi said to her, “The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.”
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What does "Ruth 2:20" mean?
This verse from Ruth 2:20 expresses Naomi's relief and gratitude after learning that Ruth has been gleaning in the field of Boaz. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by Yahweh..." Naomi recognizes that Boaz's kindness is providential, that is, she believes God is at work through Boaz. She blesses Boaz, essentially invoking God's continued favor upon him.
"...who has not abandoned his kindness to the living and to the dead.” This is the crucial part. Naomi initially felt that God had abandoned her after the death of her husband and sons (Ruth 1). Here, she realizes that God's hesed (loving-kindness, steadfast love, mercy) endures.
"to the living": This refers to Naomi and Ruth, who are still alive and in need of support. Boaz's kindness provides hope for their future.
"to the dead": This refers to Naomi's deceased husband and sons, particularly Mahlon and Chilion. Naomi recognizes that God is still honoring his covenant with her family, even after their deaths. This is likely because Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, can potentially continue their lineage. This hope of redemption is a continuation of God's kindness even beyond the grave.
"Naomi said to her, “The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.”" This is the practical explanation for Boaz's kindness. Being a "near kinsman" (Hebrew: go'el) means Boaz is a relative with the responsibility and right to act as a kinsman-redeemer. This role included:
Buying back property that had been sold due to poverty (Leviticus 25:25).
Redeeming a relative who had been forced into slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49).
Avenging the blood of a murdered relative (Numbers 35:19).
Most importantly in the context of Ruth, marrying the widow of a deceased relative to continue his family line. This was called Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).
In summary, the verse means:
Naomi is expressing her profound gratitude to God for not abandoning her and Ruth in their hardship. Boaz's kindness is a sign that God's loving-kindness persists, even to those who are dead. Furthermore, she recognizes that Boaz's status as a close relative means he might be in a position to act as their kinsman-redeemer, offering them a path out of poverty and ensuring the continuation of her family line. This verse marks a turning point in the story of Ruth, as Naomi begins to see hope and a possibility for a better future.
Ruth 2:20 - Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by Yahweh, who has not abandoned his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Naomi said to her, “The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.”
What does "Ruth 2:20" mean?
This verse from Ruth 2:20 expresses Naomi's relief and gratitude after learning that Ruth has been gleaning in the field of Boaz. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by Yahweh..." Naomi recognizes that Boaz's kindness is providential, that is, she believes God is at work through Boaz. She blesses Boaz, essentially invoking God's continued favor upon him.
"...who has not abandoned his kindness to the living and to the dead.” This is the crucial part. Naomi initially felt that God had abandoned her after the death of her husband and sons (Ruth 1). Here, she realizes that God's hesed (loving-kindness, steadfast love, mercy) endures.
"to the living": This refers to Naomi and Ruth, who are still alive and in need of support. Boaz's kindness provides hope for their future.
"to the dead": This refers to Naomi's deceased husband and sons, particularly Mahlon and Chilion. Naomi recognizes that God is still honoring his covenant with her family, even after their deaths. This is likely because Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, can potentially continue their lineage. This hope of redemption is a continuation of God's kindness even beyond the grave.
"Naomi said to her, “The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.”" This is the practical explanation for Boaz's kindness. Being a "near kinsman" (Hebrew: go'el) means Boaz is a relative with the responsibility and right to act as a kinsman-redeemer. This role included:
Buying back property that had been sold due to poverty (Leviticus 25:25).
Redeeming a relative who had been forced into slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49).
Avenging the blood of a murdered relative (Numbers 35:19).
Most importantly in the context of Ruth, marrying the widow of a deceased relative to continue his family line. This was called Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).
In summary, the verse means:
Naomi is expressing her profound gratitude to God for not abandoning her and Ruth in their hardship. Boaz's kindness is a sign that God's loving-kindness persists, even to those who are dead. Furthermore, she recognizes that Boaz's status as a close relative means he might be in a position to act as their kinsman-redeemer, offering them a path out of poverty and ensuring the continuation of her family line. This verse marks a turning point in the story of Ruth, as Naomi begins to see hope and a possibility for a better future.