Ruth 4:14 - The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you today without a near kinsman. Let his name be famous in Israel.
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What does "Ruth 4:14" mean?
This verse, Ruth 4:14, is a joyous expression of relief and gratitude from the women of Bethlehem to Naomi. Let's break down what it means:
"The women said to Naomi..." This highlights the community's involvement and care for Naomi, who had returned to Bethlehem widowed and destitute.
"Blessed be Yahweh..." This is a declaration of praise to God, Yahweh (the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible). They are attributing the good fortune that has befallen Naomi to God's intervention.
"...who has not left you today without a near kinsman." This is the crux of the verse. It refers to Boaz, who, through the kinsman-redeemer custom, has taken on the responsibility of redeeming Naomi's family land and marrying Ruth to continue the family line. "Without a near kinsman" means that Naomi now has a male relative to protect her and ensure her lineage continues, preventing her from being completely alone and forgotten. It suggests that God has remembered her and is providing for her needs.
"Let his name be famous in Israel." "His name" refers to Boaz's name or the child that would be born through the union of Boaz and Ruth. The women are hoping that Boaz or his descendant will achieve great renown and honor in Israel, ensuring the continuation of Naomi's family legacy. This also foreshadows the importance of this lineage, as Boaz and Ruth become ancestors of King David.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's Providence: The women recognize that God has acted in Naomi's life to provide a solution to her difficult circumstances.
Community Support: It illustrates the importance of community in biblical times, where neighbors cared for one another and shared in each other's joys and sorrows.
Restoration: It symbolizes the restoration of Naomi's hope and future after a period of deep grief and loss.
Lineage and Legacy: It emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the desire for descendants to carry on the family name.
Foreshadowing: While they didn't know it at the time, this verse foreshadows the significant role that Boaz and Ruth's descendants would play in Israelite history, ultimately leading to King David and, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ.
In summary, Ruth 4:14 is a powerful statement of gratitude to God for providing Naomi with a kinsman-redeemer, celebrating the restoration of her hope and family line and expressing hope for the continued prosperity and honor of her family in Israel.
Ruth 4:14 - The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you today without a near kinsman. Let his name be famous in Israel.
What does "Ruth 4:14" mean?
This verse, Ruth 4:14, is a joyous expression of relief and gratitude from the women of Bethlehem to Naomi. Let's break down what it means:
"The women said to Naomi..." This highlights the community's involvement and care for Naomi, who had returned to Bethlehem widowed and destitute.
"Blessed be Yahweh..." This is a declaration of praise to God, Yahweh (the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible). They are attributing the good fortune that has befallen Naomi to God's intervention.
"...who has not left you today without a near kinsman." This is the crux of the verse. It refers to Boaz, who, through the kinsman-redeemer custom, has taken on the responsibility of redeeming Naomi's family land and marrying Ruth to continue the family line. "Without a near kinsman" means that Naomi now has a male relative to protect her and ensure her lineage continues, preventing her from being completely alone and forgotten. It suggests that God has remembered her and is providing for her needs.
"Let his name be famous in Israel." "His name" refers to Boaz's name or the child that would be born through the union of Boaz and Ruth. The women are hoping that Boaz or his descendant will achieve great renown and honor in Israel, ensuring the continuation of Naomi's family legacy. This also foreshadows the importance of this lineage, as Boaz and Ruth become ancestors of King David.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's Providence: The women recognize that God has acted in Naomi's life to provide a solution to her difficult circumstances.
Community Support: It illustrates the importance of community in biblical times, where neighbors cared for one another and shared in each other's joys and sorrows.
Restoration: It symbolizes the restoration of Naomi's hope and future after a period of deep grief and loss.
Lineage and Legacy: It emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the desire for descendants to carry on the family name.
Foreshadowing: While they didn't know it at the time, this verse foreshadows the significant role that Boaz and Ruth's descendants would play in Israelite history, ultimately leading to King David and, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ.
In summary, Ruth 4:14 is a powerful statement of gratitude to God for providing Naomi with a kinsman-redeemer, celebrating the restoration of her hope and family line and expressing hope for the continued prosperity and honor of her family in Israel.