Ruth 1:3
Ruth 1:3 in Multiple Translations
Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons,
And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.
And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, came to his end; and only her two sons were with her.
However, Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.
Then Elimelech the husband of Naomi died, and she remayned with her two sonnes,
And Elimelech husband of Naomi dieth, and she is left, she and her two sons;
Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.
And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
And Elimelech the husband of Noemi died: and she remained with her sons.
While they were there, Elimelech died, and Naomi had only her two sons with her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥מָת
אֱלִימֶ֖לֶךְ
אִ֣ישׁ
נָעֳמִ֑י
וַ/תִּשָּׁאֵ֥ר
הִ֖יא
וּ/שְׁנֵ֥י
בָנֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יָּ֥מָת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלִימֶ֖לֶךְ
ʼĔlîymelek
H458
Elimelech
N-proper
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
נָעֳמִ֑י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
Naomi
N-proper
וַ/תִּשָּׁאֵ֥ר
shâʼar
H7604
to remain
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וּ/שְׁנֵ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
בָנֶֽי/הָ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:3
וַ/יָּ֥מָת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֱלִימֶ֖לֶךְ
ʼĔlîymelek
H458
"Elimelech"
N-proper
Elimelech was an Israelite whose name means my God is king, husband of Naomi and father of Mahlon and Chilion in the book of Ruth.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Naomi (H5281); father of: Mahlon (H4248), Chilion (H3630) § Elimelech = "my God is king" Naomi's husband
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Elimelech. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:3; Ruth 4:9.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
נָעֳמִ֑י
Noʻŏmîy
H5281
"Naomi"
N-proper
Naomi was an Israelite woman who lived before the monarchy. She was the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and is also known as Mara. Naomi means 'my delight'.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Elimelech (H0458); mother of: Mahlon (H4248) and Chilion (H3630); also called Mara at Rut.1.20; Also named: ma.ra (מָרָא "Mara" H4755) § Naomi = "my delight" wife of Elimelech, mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Naomi. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:6; Ruth 4:17.
וַ/תִּשָּׁאֵ֥ר
shâʼar
H7604
"to remain"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/שְׁנֵ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בָנֶֽי/הָ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Study Notes — Ruth 1:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Naomi Becomes a Widow
1In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab.
2The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there.
3Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons,
4who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years, 5both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:10–11 | Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. |
| 2 | Psalms 34:19 | Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:6 | For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 4:1 | Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” |
Ruth 1:3 Summary
[This verse tells us that Naomi's husband, Elimelech, died, leaving her alone with their two sons. This was a very difficult time for Naomi, as she had to rely on her sons for support and protection. As we see in Psalm 146:9, God is the helper of the fatherless and the widow, and we can trust in His care, even in the midst of loss and hardship. Just like Naomi, we can find comfort in God's promise to never leave us or forsake us, as stated in Hebrews 13:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elimelech's death have such a significant impact on Naomi's life?
Elimelech's death left Naomi without a husband, which in that culture, meant she was without a primary provider and protector, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 and Psalm 68:5, where God is described as the Father of the fatherless and the protector of widows.
What does this verse reveal about the importance of family in biblical times?
This verse highlights the significance of family in biblical times, where the loss of a family member, especially the husband, could drastically alter the lives of those left behind, as also seen in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:5, where the importance of family unity is emphasized.
How does Naomi's situation relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the Bible?
Naomi's situation, though marked by tragedy and loss, is not outside of God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it is written that God works all things together for good to those who love Him, and in Psalm 138:8, where David trusts in God's sovereignty even in difficult circumstances.
What can we learn from Naomi's experience about trusting God in times of hardship?
Naomi's experience teaches us that even in the midst of hardship and loss, God is still at work, and we can trust in His goodness and provision, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 23:4, where God's presence and guidance are promised even in the darkest valleys.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when faced with unexpected loss or hardship, and what does this reveal about your trust in God?
- In what ways can you relate to Naomi's feelings of being left alone and without support, and how can you find comfort in God's presence during such times?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of family and community in times of need, and how can you apply this to your own life?
- How does Naomi's story encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:3
And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died,.... According to Josephus (x), after he had dwelt in the land ten years, and had married his two sons to Moabitish women; but, as Alshech observes, the text
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:3
And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:3
Rth 1:3 And Elimelech Naomi’ s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. Ver. 3. And Elimelech Naomi’ s husband died.] Her head was cut off, her root uncovered. Mulier vel hoc solo nomine misera est quod vidua est; To be a widow is misery enough of itself, and haleth at the heels of it many miseries. "I am indeed a widow woman, and my husband is dead." But Naomi as a "widow indeed," though desolate and a relict, as here, "yet trusted in God, and continued in prayers and supplications day and night." Her motto was that of a certain French lady, Sola facta solum Deum sequor; Now that I am alone, I follow hard after God alone.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:3
Verse 3. Elimelech - died] Probably a short time after his arrival in Moab.
Sermons on Ruth 1:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Book of Ruth #2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the book of Ruth in understanding God's plan of redemption. The book portrays the state of human loss and hopelessness, |
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Magnificent Mercy by Chuck Swindoll | Charles Swindoll preaches on the profound impact of experiencing relief, highlighting how God, as the author of relief, grants us peace, satisfaction, and ease through His mercy. S |
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Trials and Afflictions by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in faithfulness during trials and afflictions. He refers to 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-14, which encourages bel |
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The Tenth Commandment by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking reality in his faith and how God has led him in India. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency i |
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(Pdf Book) Fullness of God by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, thro |
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Hebrews 12:3-11 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in our lives. He explains that when God instructs us to do something, we should obey and not continue to indulge |
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The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson expounds on 'The Lord's Prayer,' particularly the petition 'Deliver us from evil,' emphasizing the need for divine protection from the evils of the world, our own hea |