Ruth 1:20 — Word Study
WLCוַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ן אַל־ תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖י נָעֳמִ֑י קְרֶ֤אןָ לִי֙ מָרָ֔א כִּי־ הֵמַ֥ר שַׁדַּ֛י לִ֖י מְאֹֽד׃
BSADo notʼal [never, under no circumstances] callqârâʼ▸ NaomiNoʻŏmîy [meaning pleasant or lovely] she repliedʼâmar▸ Callqârâʼ MaraMârâʼ△ [meaning bitter, signifying sorrow] becausekîy the AlmightyShadday [Shadday, the all-powerful One] has dealt quite bitterlymârar■ [treated, handled, exceedingly, very, with intense suffering, pain]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַתֹּ֣אמֶר | and she said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person feminine singular |
| אֲלֵיהֶ֔ן | to them | Preposition, suffix |
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה | you call | Verb, Qal, jussive second person feminine plural |
| לִ֖י | me | Preposition, suffix |
| נָעֳמִ֑י | Naomi | Noun proper feminine |
| קְרֶ֤אןָ | call | Verb, Qal, imperative second person feminine plural |
| לִי֙ | me | Preposition, suffix |
| מָרָ֔א | Mara | N-proper |
| כִּי־ | for | Particle |
| הֵמַ֥ר | he has caused bitterness | Verb, Hiphil, perfect third person masculine singular |
| שַׁדַּ֛י | [the] Almighty | Noun proper |
| לִ֖י | to me | Preposition, suffix |
| מְאֹֽד׃ | exceedingly |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “Do not call me Naomi, ” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. |
| KJV | And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. |
| ASV | And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. |
| YLT | And she saith unto them, 'Call me not Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly to me, |
| WEB | She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. |
| BBE | And she said to them, Do not let my name be Naomi, but Mara, for the Ruler of all has given me a bitter fate. |
Where they part company is in the nuances of Naomi's instruction, but the essential meaning remains consistent across versions.
The structure of the sentence highlights Naomi's command followed by the reason for her request, emphasizing her emotional turmoil.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשַׁדַּי
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 14 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Ruth 1:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Naomi's Return to Bethlehemgenerated
Ruth 1:20 captures Naomi's deep sorrow as she returns to Bethlehem, having lost her husband and sons. She instructs those around her to call her Mara, reflecting her bitterness over her circumstances. This moment highlights the emotional weight of her journey and the changes she has faced, marking a significant shift in her identity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:1 | When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. |
| 2 | Genesis 43:14 | May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” |
| 3 | Job 5:17 | Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. |
| 4 | Job 11:7 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? |
| 5 | Revelation 1:8 | “I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מָרָ֔א, ma.Ra'generated
The name מָרָ֔א (Mara) means 'bitter' and signifies sorrow. Naomi chooses this name for herself to express the profound grief and bitterness she feels due to her losses.
This choice of name is significant as it reflects her emotional state and the hardships she has endured. It is a powerful statement about her identity in the wake of suffering.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations agree on the rendering of מָרָ֔א as 'Mara,' emphasizing the name's meaning of bitterness.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (va.To.mer) governs the entire sentence, with several phrases expanding on Naomi's directive. The structure emphasizes her command and the emotional weight behind it.
The Hebrew word order places Naomi's request for a new name at the forefront, highlighting her desire to redefine her identity in light of her experiences.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates Naomi's words with the Greek καλέσατέ (kalesate), meaning 'call.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew, preserving the intent of her request.
The translation reflects a direct correspondence with the Hebrew text, maintaining the emotional depth of Naomi's plea.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ruth 1:20 shows Naomi asking not to be called by her pleasant name, Naomi, but rather Mara, which means bitter. She feels that God has dealt harshly with her, reflecting her deep sorrow.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Naomi chooses the name Mara to reflect her bitterness and sorrow over her losses, indicating a significant change in her life.
The name Naomi means 'pleasant' or 'lovely,' which contrasts sharply with her new name, Mara, meaning 'bitter.'
Her statement reveals a deep sense of grief and the feeling that her life has been marked by suffering and loss.
Naomi's identity changes from one of pleasantness to bitterness, reflecting her emotional state and the hardships she has faced.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does it mean to you when someone changes their name or identity due to life circumstances?
- How can we support those who are experiencing bitterness or sorrow in their lives?
- In what ways can we find hope even in our own moments of bitterness?
- What does this passage teach us about the impact of loss on our identities?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers have commented on the emotional depth of Naomi's lament, reflecting on the nature of suffering and identity in their writings.
In describing loftily the sweetness of contemplation, you have renewed the groans of my fallen state, since I hear what I have lost inwardly while mounting outwardly, though undeserving, to the topmost height of rule.Early Church Fathers on Ruth 1 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ruth 1:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd she said, call me not Naomi, call me Mara,.... The one signifying "prosperity", according to Josephus (m), and the other "grief"; but he is not always correct in his interpretation of Hebrew
Read John Gill on Ruth 1 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. Mara - bitter, bitterness (see the note at Exodus 15:23).
Read Robert Jamieson on Ruth 1 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNaomi signifies pleasant or cheerful, or amiable. Mara signifies bitter or sorrowful.
Read Matthew Poole on Ruth 1 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsRth 1:20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.Ver. 20. And she said unto them.] She put her mouth in the dust, and spake in a low language, suitable to her present condition. God had afflicted her, and she would carry her sails accordingly. Many are humbled, but not humble; low, but not lowly. These have lost the fruit of their afflictions, saith Augustine, and are therefore most miserable. God, saith another, calls no man Benjamin, but those whom their own hearts call Benoni in their humility. He salutes them not "Naomi," beautiful, who do not humbly feel themselves Marah, bitter. Call me not Naomi, call me Marah.] Non…
Read John Trapp on Ruth 1 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) Call me not Naomi, call me Mara.—Here we have one of the constant plays on words and names found in the Hebrew Bible. Naomi, we have already said, means pleasant, or, perhaps, strictly, my pleasantness. Mara is bitter, as in Exodus 15:23. The latter word has no connection with Miriam or Mary, which is from a different root. The Almighty.—Heb., Shaddai. According to one derivation of the word, “He who is All Sufficient,” all sufficing; the God who gives all things in abundance is He who takes back (see Note on Genesis 17:1). Hath dealt very bitterly.—Heb., hemar, referring to the preceding Mara. The pleasantness and joys of life are at an end for me, my dear ones passed away, bitterness…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ruth 1 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 20. Call me not Naomi] That is, beautiful or pleasant. Call me Mara] That is, bitter; one whose life is grievous to her. The Almighty] שדי Shaddai, He who is self-sufficient, has taken away the props and supports of my life.
Read AdamClarke on Ruth 1 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. Mara] The word has the Aramaic, not the Hebr. fem. ending. the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me] Almost the same words as in Job 27:2. For Almighty the Heb. has Shaddai, perhaps an intentional archaism, see Genesis 49:25. Shaddaialone (not El Shaddai) occurs elsewhere only in poetry, e.g. Numbers 24:4; Numbers 24:16 and in Job; Naomi’s words in Rth 1:21 fall into poetic rhythm, as the language of emotion usually does in the O. T.
Read Cambridge on Ruth 1 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSee the margin. Similar allusions to the meaning of names are seen in Genesis 27:36; Jeremiah 20:3. The Almighty - שׁדי shadday (see the Genesis 17:1 note).
Read Albert Barnes on Ruth 1 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
“Do not call me Naomi, ” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.
She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.
But she replied to them, “Don’t call me ‘Naomi’! Call me ‘Mara’ because the Sovereign One has treated me very harshly.
Tyndale line
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
And she said to them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
And she answered them, Call me not Naomi, but call me Mara: for the Almightie hath giuen me much bitternes.
Strictly literal
And she said to them, Call me not Naomi — call me Mara; for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
And she saith unto them, 'Call me not Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly to me,
And she says to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly to me,
And she said unto them, Call me not Na'omi, call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi. Call me Bitter, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
From the Latin
But she said to them: Call me not Noemi, (that is, beautiful,) but call me Mara, (that is, bitter,) for the Almighty hath quite filled me with bitterness.
Simplified
She said to them, “Don't call me Naomi! Call me Mara, for the Almighty has treated me very bitterly.
And she said to them, Do not let my name be Naomi, but Mara, for the Ruler of all has given me a bitter fate.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with 13 of the 14 words matched. The Septuagint's word order differs but conveys the same essential meaning.
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ן אַל־ תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה לִ֖י נָעֳמִ֑י קְרֶ֤אןָ לִי֙ מָרָ֔א כִּי־ הֵמַ֥ר שַׁדַּ֛י לִ֖י מְאֹֽד׃
13 of the 14 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ruth 1:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqw3fs
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
HRd/Sp3fp — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3fp
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read
Qal
call, cry, utter a loud sound
call, cry
call unto some one
cry for help
proclaim
read aloud
read to oneself
summon
call = name
Niph.
reflex.
pass. be called
Pu. be called
base
H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound
. call, cry
. . call unto some one
. cry for help
. proclaim
. . read aloud
. read to oneself
. summon
. call = name
. . reflex.
. pass. be called
. be called
7121 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea
of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,
address by name, but used in a wide variety of
applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for,
forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite,
mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation),
pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
see HEBREW for 07122
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.
: call_to/invite/entreat
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow
1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to call oneself
1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named
1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.
: call_by/name
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
V-Qal-Juss-2fp — Verb · Qal · jussive second person feminine pluralHVqj2fp
Call
(1.) To cry for help, hence to pray (Gen. 4:26). Thus men are said to “call upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21; 7:59; 9:14; Rom. 10:12; 1 Cor. 1:2).
(2.) God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some special office (Ex. 31:2; Isa. 22:20; Acts 13:2), and when he invites them to accept his offered grace (Matt. 9:13; 11:28; 22:4).
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp1bs
נָעֳמִי (No`omiy) refers to Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth. The name is derived from a root meaning 'pleasant.' Naomi is a significant figure in the Book of Ruth, where she is described as the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion. She is also known as Mara, meaning 'bitter,' in Ruth 1:20.
נָעֳמִי n.pr.f. mother-in-law of Ruth
base
H5281 נָעֳמִי mother-in-law of Ruth
5281 No`omiy no-om-ee'
from 5278; pleasant; Noomi, an Israelitess:--Naomi.
see HEBREW for 05278
נׇעֳמִי (no.o.mi) — Naomi.
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
N-proper — Noun proper feminineHNpf
na'-o-mi, na-o'-mi, na-o'-mi (no`omi, probably equals "pleasantness"; Septuagint. Codex Vaticanus Noemein; Codex Alexandrinus Noemmei(n)): Wife of Elimelech and mother-in-law of Ru (Ru 1:2-4:17). She went with her husband to the land of Moab, and after his death returned to Bethlehem. When greeted on her return, she told the women of the town to call her, not no`omi ("pleasantness"), but marah ("bitterness"), "for," she said, "the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." She advised Ru in her dealings with Boaz, and afterward nursed their child.ith Anaitis (equalsAnahita), the Asian Artemis. She was the Venus, but sometimes the Diana, of the Romans. There are many variants of the name: Anaea (Strabo xvi.738), Aneitis (Plut. Artax. xxvii), Tanais (Clement of Alexandria, loc. cit.), also Tanath, sometimes in Phoenician inscriptions…
Naomi
The lovable; my delight, the wife of Elimelech, and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth (1:2, 20, 21; 2:1). Elimelech and his wife left the district of Bethlehem-Judah, and found a new home in the uplands of Moab. In course of time he died, as also his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, who had married women of Moab, and three widows were left mourning the loss of their husbands. Naomi longs to return now to her own land, to Bethlehem. One of her widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth, accompanies her, and is at length married to Boaz (q.v.).
or Nao’mi (my delight), the wife of Elimelech and mother-in-law of Ruth. (Ruth 1:2) etc.; Ruth 2:1 etc.; Ruth 3:1; 4:3 etc. (B.C. 1363.) The name is derived from a root signifying sweetness or pleasantness. Naomi left Judea with her husband and two sons, in a time of famine and went to the land of Moab. Here her husband and sons died; and on her return to Bethlehem she wished to be known as Mara, bitterness , instead of Naomi, sweetness.
Wife of Elimelech, and mother-in-law of Ruth. See RUTH.
The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read
Qal
call, cry, utter a loud sound
call, cry
call unto some one
cry for help
proclaim
read aloud
read to oneself
summon
call = name
Niph.
reflex.
pass. be called
Pu. be called
base
H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound
. call, cry
. . call unto some one
. cry for help
. proclaim
. . read aloud
. read to oneself
. summon
. call = name
. . reflex.
. pass. be called
. be called
7121 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea
of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,
address by name, but used in a wide variety of
applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for,
forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite,
mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation),
pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
see HEBREW for 07122
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.
: call_to/invite/entreat
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow
1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to call oneself
1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named
1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.
: call_by/name
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
V-Qal-Impv-2fp — Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine pluralHVqv2fp
Call
(1.) To cry for help, hence to pray (Gen. 4:26). Thus men are said to “call upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21; 7:59; 9:14; Rom. 10:12; 1 Cor. 1:2).
(2.) God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some special office (Ex. 31:2; Isa. 22:20; Acts 13:2), and when he invites them to accept his offered grace (Matt. 9:13; 11:28; 22:4).
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp1bs
מַר (mar) means 'bitter' or 'bitterness.' It is notably associated with the character Naomi, who refers to herself as מָרָא (Mara) in the Book of Ruth, reflecting her sorrow. The word is feminine and can symbolize bitterness in a broader sense.
מַר adj. and subst. bitter, bitterness
base
H4755 מַר bitter, bitterness
4755 Mara' maw-raw'
for 4751 feminine; bitter; Mara, a symbolic name of
Naomi:--Mara.
see HEBREW for 04751
מָרָא (ma.ra) — Mara.
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;
Another name of no.o.mi (נׇעֳמִי "Naomi" H5281)
§ Mara = "bitterness"
a name that Naomi called herself due to her calamities
N-proper — N-properHAafsa
ma'-ra, mar'-a (marah, "bitter"): The term which Naomi applies to herself on her return from Moab to her native country (Ru 1:20). Changed beyond recognition, she creates astonishment among her former acquaintances, who ask, "Is this Naomi?" She replies, "Call me not Naomi" (i.e. "pleasant" or "sweet"), but "call me Mara" (i.e. "bitter"). In the light of her bitter experience, and her present pitiable plight, the old name has become peculiarly inappropriate.
Mara
Bitter; sad, a symbolical name which Naomi gave to herself because of her misfortunes (Ruth 1:20).
(sad, bitter), the name which Naomi adopted in the exclamation forced from her by the recognition of her fellow citizens at Bethlehem. (Ruth 1:20)
Marah, bitter; bitterness
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
מָרַר (marar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be bitter, with various forms indicating actions like making something bitter or showing bitterness. It can express both literal and figurative bitterness, and can also imply provoking or vexing. The entries suggest its usage in different grammatical forms, including Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpalpel, but do not provide specific verse references.
מָרַר vb. be bitter
Qal be bitter
Pi. make bitter, shew bitterness
Hiph. make bitter, shew bitterness
Hithpalp. and the king of the south shall embitter himself (be enraged)
base
H4843 מָרַר be bitter
4843 marar maw-rar'
a primitive root; properly, to trickle (see 4752); but used
only as a denominative from 4751; to be (causatively, make)
bitter (literally or figuratively):--(be, be in, deal, have,
make) bitter(-ly, - ness), be moved with choler, (be, have
sorely, it) grieved(-eth), provoke, vex.
see HEBREW for 04752
see HEBREW for 04751
מָרַר (ma.rar) — to provoke.
1) to be bitter
1a) (Qal) to be bitter
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to show bitterness
1b2) to make bitter
1c) (Hiphil) to make bitter, embitter
1d) (Hithpalpel)
1d1) to embitter oneself
1d2) to be enraged
2) (TWOT) to be strong, strengthen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singularHVhp3ms
שַׁדַּי (Shadday) is a Hebrew word meaning 'Almighty' and is often used to refer to God. It is derived from a root that suggests self-sufficiency. The entries indicate that this term emphasizes God's power and might, and it is recognized as another name for the LORD (יהוה).
שַׁדַּי 48 n.m.dei (etym. dub. (1) (self-)sufficient. (2) = Almighty)
base
H7706 שַׁדַּי (etym. dub. (1) (self-)sufficient. (2) = Almighty)
7706 Shadday shad-dah'-ee
from 7703; the Almighty:--Almighty.
see HEBREW for 07703
שַׁדַּי (shad.day) — Almighty.
Shaddai, the Almighty (God)
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
This name means almighty, most powerful
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
ol-mit'-i:
(1) (shaddai (Ge 17:1)): Found in the Old Testament forty-eight times, most of these in the Book of Job; it occurs either alone or in combination with 'el, "God"). The root meaning is uncertain.
(2) (pantokrator), the exclusive translation of this Greek word in the New Testament, found principally in Re (nine times), once besides (2Co 6:18). Its occurrence in the Apocrypha is frequent. See GOD, NAMES OF.
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp1bs
מְאֹד (m`od) refers to concepts of muchness, force, and abundance. It serves as an adverb meaning exceedingly or greatly, often used to intensify other words. The entries highlight its use in various idioms to express magnitude or degree, with a focus on might and intensity.
מְאֹד n.m. muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
force, might
in diff. idioms (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
base
H3966 מְאֹד muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly . force, might
. in diff. idiomns (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
3966 m`od meh-ode'
from the same as 181; properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or
without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly,
speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
superlative; especially when repeated):--diligently,
especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), X
louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so)
sore, utterly, very (+ much, sore), well.
see HEBREW for 0181
מְאֹד (me.od) — much.
adv
1) exceedingly, much
subst
2) might, force, abundance
n m
3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
3a) force, might
3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree)
3b1) exceedingly
3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly
3b3) with muchness, muchness
HAcmsa — HAcmsa
