Ruth 1:8
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Ruth 1:8 · King James Version
Meaning
Naomi, a character in the Book of Ruth, is speaking to her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. In this verse, Naomi is encouraging them to return to their families after the deaths of their husbands. She wishes the Lord's kindness upon them for the care and love they showed both her sons and herself. By telling them to go back to their families, Naomi is releasing them from their obligation to stay with her and is acknowledging the difficult choice they have to make.
The verse is significant as it showcases the selflessness and love that Naomi has for her daughters-in-law. Despite the emotional attachment she has with them, she realizes that staying with her would not be in their best interest. By releasing them to return to their families, Naomi shows her care and concern for their well-being and future. The verse also highlights the importance of showing kindness and compassion towards others, as Naomi wishes the same kindness upon her daughters-in-law as they had shown to her family.
This verse provides insight into the characters and relationships in the Book of Ruth, setting the stage for the events that follow. It demonstrates the themes of love, sacrifice, and compassion that are prevalent throughout the narrative. Overall, Naomi's words convey a deep sense of care and concern for her daughters-in-law, illustrating the complexity of relationships and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.
Theological Overview
Naomi's words to her two daughters-in-law in the book of Ruth reveal a deep theological significance. By instructing them to return to their own people, Naomi is expressing a desire for them to find restoration and belonging in their own households. Additionally, her plea for God's kindness upon them reflects a belief in God's sovereignty and care for all individuals, even those who are not of her own faith or background. The word "kindly" used in this passage signifies not just a surface-level pleasantness, but a deep-seated compassion and benevolence that stems from the divine. By acknowledging the kindness that Ruth and Orpah had shown her and her deceased family members, Naomi is also highlighting the importance of loyalty and care within human relationships. This verse serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of kindness, faith, and God's providence in the lives of believers and non-believers alike.
Ruth 1:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother's house: Jehovah deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
World English Bible
Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Douay-Rheims
She said to them: Go ye home to your mothers, the Lord deal mercifully with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Naomi saide vnto her two daughters in lawe, Goe, returne eche of you vnto her owne mothers house: the Lord shew fauour vnto you, as ye haue done with the dead, and with me.