Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” New Living Translation So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked. English Standard Version So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Berean Standard Bible So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women of the town exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” King James Bible So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? New King James Version Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” New American Standard Bible So they both went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” NASB 1995 So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” NASB 1977 So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came about when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Legacy Standard Bible Then they both went until they came to Bethlehem. Now it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Amplified Bible So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole city was stirred because of them, and the women asked, “Is this Naomi?” Christian Standard Bible The two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about their arrival and the local women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible The two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about their arrival and the local women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?"” American Standard Version So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the women said, Is this Naomi? Contemporary English Version They reached Bethlehem, and the whole town was excited to see them. The women who lived there asked, "Can this really be Naomi?" English Revised Version So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the women said, Is this Naomi? GOD'S WORD® Translation So both of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about them. "This can't be Naomi, can it?" the women asked. Good News Translation They went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the whole town became excited, and the women there exclaimed, "Is this really Naomi?" International Standard Version So they continued on until they reached Bethlehem. Now when the two of them arrived in Bethlehem, the entire town got excited at the news of their arrival and they asked one another, "Can this be Naomi?" Majority Standard Bible So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women of the town exclaimed, ?Can this be Naomi?? NET Bible So the two of them journeyed together until they arrived in Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth Arrive in Bethlehem When they entered Bethlehem, the whole village was excited about their arrival. The women of the village said, "Can this be Naomi?" New Heart English Bible So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. It happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they asked, "Is this Naomi?" Webster's Bible Translation So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they had come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? World English Bible 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?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the two of them go until their coming to Beth-Lehem; and it comes to pass at their coming to Beth-Lehem, that all the city is moved at them, and they say, “Is this Naomi?” Young's Literal Translation and they go both of them till their coming in to Beth-Lehem; and it cometh to pass at their coming in to Beth-Lehem, that all the city is moved at them, and they say, 'Is this Naomi?' Smith's Literal Translation And they two will go till they came to the house of bread. And it will be as they came to the house of bread, and all the city will be moved at them, and they will say, Is this Naomi? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo they went together and came to Bethlehem. And when they were come into the city, the report was quickly spread among all: and the women said: This is that Noemi. Catholic Public Domain Version And so they set out together, and they came to Bethlehem. When they had entered the city, the news quickly spread among them all. And the women said, “This is that Naomi.” New American Bible So they went on together until they reached Bethlehem. On their arrival there, the whole town was excited about them, and the women asked: “Can this be Naomi?” New Revised Standard Version So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they went together until they came to Beth-lehem of Judah. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, the whole city rejoiced over them, and they said, Is this Naomi? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they came as one unto Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda, and it happened that when they came to Bayth Lekhem, all the city was gladdened by them, and they were saying: “It is Namei!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was astir concerning them, and the women said: 'Is this Naomi?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And they went both of them until they came to Bethleem: and it came to pass, when they arrived at Bethleem, that all the city rang with them, and they said, Is this Noemin? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Return to Bethlehem19So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole city was stirred because of them, and the women of the city exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” 20“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.… Cross References Ruth 4:14-17 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel. / He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” / And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a nurse to him. ... 1 Samuel 1:19-20 The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” 1 Samuel 2:1-10 At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. / There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. / Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. ... 1 Samuel 9:6-10 “Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” ... 1 Kings 17:18-24 “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” / But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. / Then he cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?” ... 2 Kings 4:8-37 One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” ... 2 Kings 8:1-6 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed that a seven-year famine will come to the land.” / So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. / At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. ... Matthew 1:5-6 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, / and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Luke 1:39-45 In those days Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah, / where she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. / When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ... Luke 2:4-7 So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. / He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. / While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. ... Luke 7:11-17 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. / As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. / When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” ... John 4:5-42 So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. / Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. / When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” ... Acts 2:6-12 And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? / How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? ... Acts 9:36-42 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. / At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” ... Treasury of Scripture So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? Matthew 21:10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? Is this Naomi? Isaiah 23:7 Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn. Lamentations 2:15 All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth? Jump to Previous Arrived Astir Bethlehem Beth-Lehem City Exclaimed Moved Naomi Na'omi Stirred Whole WomenJump to Next Arrived Astir Bethlehem Beth-Lehem City Exclaimed Moved Naomi Na'omi Stirred Whole WomenRuth 1 1. Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there4. Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also 6. Naomi, returning homeward 8. dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her 14. Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her 19. The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly received So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth's journey from Moab to Bethlehem is significant, covering approximately 50 miles through rugged terrain. Bethlehem, meaning "House of Bread," is a town in Judah, known as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ, linking Ruth to the Davidic line. This journey symbolizes a return to God's provision and covenant land, contrasting Moab, often associated with idolatry and judgment. Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her God reflects a profound conversion and loyalty, prefiguring Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women of the town exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite woman, widow of Mahlon, who shows loyalty and faithfulness by accompanying her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem. 2. Naomi An Israelite woman who returns to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons in Moab. Her return causes a stir in the city. 3. Bethlehem A town in Judah, significant as the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ. It is Naomi's original home, to which she returns. 4. The Women of Bethlehem The local women who recognize Naomi and express surprise at her return, highlighting the change in her circumstances. 5. The Journey The travel from Moab to Bethlehem, symbolizing a return to God's land and provision, and a step of faith for both Naomi and Ruth. Teaching Points Faithful CompanionshipRuth's loyalty to Naomi exemplifies the importance of steadfast relationships, especially in times of hardship. God's Providence Naomi's return to Bethlehem, despite her losses, shows trust in God's provision and plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Community Response The reaction of the women in Bethlehem highlights how communities can be both supportive and questioning, reminding us to be compassionate and understanding. Identity and Transformation Naomi's return and the question "Can this be Naomi?" reflect how life experiences can change us, and how God can use those changes for His purposes. Hope in Return The journey back to Bethlehem symbolizes hope and new beginnings, encouraging believers to return to God in times of need.(19) They went.--The journey for two women apparently alone was long and toilsome, and not free from danger. Two rivers, Arnon and Jordan, had to be forded or otherwise crossed; and the distance of actual journeying cannot have been less than fifty miles. Thus, weary and travel-stained, they reach Bethlehem, and neighbours, doubtless never looking to see Naomi again, are all astir with excitement. It would seem that though the news of the end of the famine had reached Naomi in Moab, news of her had not reached Bethlehem. They said . . .--The Bethlehemite women, that is, for the verb is feminine. Grief and toil had doubtless made her look aged and worn. Verse 19. - And they two went - they trudged along, the two of them - until they came to Bethlehem. In the expression "the two of them" the masculine pronoun (הֶם for הֶן) occurs, as in verses 8 and 9. It mirrors in language the actual facts of relationship in life. The masculine is some- times assumptively representative of both itself and the feminine. And sometimes, even apart from the representative element, it is the overlapping and overbearing gender. And it came to pass, as they entered Bethlehem, that the whole city got into commotion concerning them, and they said, Is this Naomi? Naomi, though greatly altered in appearance, besides being travel-worn and weary, was recognized. But who was that pensive and beautiful companion by her side? Where was Elimelech? Where was Machne and Chillon? Why are they not with ir mother? Such would be some of the questions started, and keenly talked about and discussed. Then on both the wayfarers the finger-marks of poverty, involuntary signals of distress, would be unconcealable. Interest, sympathy, gossip would be alive throughout the little town, especially among the female portion of the population, and loud would be their exclamations of surprise. The verb they said is feminine in Hebrew, וַתּלֺאמַרְנָה a nicety which cannot be reproduced in English without obtruding too prominently the sex referred to, as m Michaelis's version - "and all the women said." So the Vulgate. The verb which we have rendered got into commotion is found in 1 Samuel 4:5 - "the earth rail again;" and in 1 Kings 1:45 - "the city rang again."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So [Naomi and Ruth]שְׁתֵּיהֶ֔ם (šə·tê·hem) Number - fdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) traveled וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה (wat·tê·laḵ·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while they came בֹּאָ֖נָה (bō·’ā·nāh) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Preposition Strong's Hebrew Bethlehem. לָ֑חֶם (lā·ḥem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun When they וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be entered כְּבֹאָ֙נָה֙ (kə·ḇō·’ā·nāh) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go Bethlehem, לֶ֔חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every city הָעִיר֙ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement was stirred וַתֵּהֹ֤ם (wat·tê·hōm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1949: To make an uproar, agitate greatly because of them, עֲלֵיהֶ֔ן (‘ă·lê·hen) Preposition | third person feminine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and the women [of the city] exclaimed, וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָה (wat·tō·mar·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “Can this הֲזֹ֥את (hă·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, be Naomi?” נָעֳמִֽי׃ (nā·‘o·mî) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5281: Naomi -- mother-in-law of Ruth Links Ruth 1:19 NIVRuth 1:19 NLT Ruth 1:19 ESV Ruth 1:19 NASB Ruth 1:19 KJV Ruth 1:19 BibleApps.com Ruth 1:19 Biblia Paralela Ruth 1:19 Chinese Bible Ruth 1:19 French Bible Ruth 1:19 Catholic Bible OT History: Ruth 1:19 So they two went until they came (Ru Rut.) |
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